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Films about athletes have a way of capturing the attention of audiences, even those who aren’t typically sports fans. The journey of the protagonist as they face physical and emotional challenges, often with a training montage, resonates with viewers. Luca Guadagnino’s latest tennis film, “Challengers,” continues this tradition but adds a new twist by exploring themes of rivalry and camaraderie in an erotic light.
In the latest episode of Critics at Large, our staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz delve into how modern sports films like “Challengers” and last year’s “The Iron Claw” offer a fresh perspective on masculinity compared to older classics. They discuss their personal hall of fame of sports films, including Spike Lee’s “He Got Game,” the beloved “Cool Runnings,” and the romantic comedy “Love & Basketball.” They argue that the sports genre allows filmmakers to showcase their unique visions in ways that resonate with audiences.
If you’re looking for recommendations, be sure to check out films like “Challengers,” “The Iron Claw,” “Black Swan,” and classics like “Raging Bull” and “A League of Their Own.” New episodes of Critics at Large are released every Thursday, so make sure to follow us on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated.