Bull Durham
★★★★
I recently mentioned to my father-in-law that I hadn’t rewatched Bull Durham in a while, and he summed it up perfectly: “It’s one of those movies that, if you’re flipping through channels and land on it, no matter what scene it’s in, you’ll end up watching the whole thing.” That’s the magic of Ron Shelton’s film. It thrives on memorable characters and dynamic scenes that draw you in every time.
At the heart of the movie is the love triangle between Crash (Kevin Costner), Nuke (Tim Robbins) and Annie (Susan Sarandon). But what makes it special isn’t that they’re at odds; it’s the opposite. They all need each other to exist, and their witty, unforgettable banter keeps the film alive from start to finish.
Bull Durham has always been seen as a classic sports film, but in many ways, it’s also a rom-com, similar to Jerry Maguire in how it blends genres so well. As I get older, I find it easier to relate to Crash—grappling with how we leave our mark in the world while realizing that, in the end, what matters most is the time spent with loved ones.
In simple terms, Bull Durham is just plain fun. Great acting, memorable scenes, a hilarious script and it’s sexy too. My only minor gripe is that the ending fizzles a bit compared to the rest of the movie, but, in a way, that mirrors Crash’s career—quietly apt.
If you’ve avoided watching Bull Durham because you’re not into sports, don’t let that stop you. It’s the comedy, romance and the deeper themes of life, mentorship and legacy that really make this movie stand out.
