Bang the Drum Slowly

Sensitive, humorous adaptation of a fine baseball novel. De Niro and Moriarity are both excellent. Infinitely superior to "Brian's Song."

Touching and well-acted, if a bit slow at times. It's great to see De Niro and Moriarty in their early years now that we know how their careers turned out. The movie also, refreshingly, doesn't bog down with technical doctor-speak or with tears, but with everyday life. A great take on how some deal with terminal illness.

They forgot to put in parts where things happen.

Not sure why I hadn't heard of this one before now. I enjoyed it more than Brian's Song, perhaps because I am more of a baseball fan. DeNiro was great; having never seen him in a role like this (a good-natured bumpkin) made it pretty enjoyable. In all, not a stellar movie, but sweet and moving.

78.500

It's pretty interesting to see a young De Niro at work, but nothing about this is above-average. The narration is really unnecessary, the direction is bland and straightforward, and none of the performances (excepting De Niro) standout. And the story isn't particularly interesting either.

A real 70s movie: downbeat story told with iconoclastic humor and staccato rhythm before really making its message land. It smartly dials in on the human condition, as we confront the inevitable tragedy that awaits us all by trying to make our mark and find solace in our teammates.

78.500