Off to Highbury

Movie: Fever Pitch

Year: 1997

Director: David Evans

Writers: Nick Hornby based on the book by Nick Hornby

My Take: A school teacher (played brilliantly by Colin Firth) who is more interested in the Arsenal Gunners football (soccer) team than in teaching his kids. He eats, sleeps, breathes football. The film is part rom/com, part coming of age, and very well done. His team hasn't won a title in 18 years and they're on the verge of a championship. He's waited his whole life for this. The trouble is that he's begun a relationship with another teacher and she doesn't understand his obsession. Should he choose the team or the girl?

The Verdict: As a lifelong soccer player and a fan of Arsenal since I discovered UK football, I really enjoyed this film. I can only imagine it having been even better if it were about an obsessed Boston Red Sox fan as his team is on the verge of winning the World Series. Fortunately, I won't have to wait very long for that one. Fever Pitch starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore hits theaters next year.