A League of Ordinary Gentlemen
2004
Documentary / Sport

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen
2004
Documentary / Sport
Plot summary
Filmmaker Christopher Browne documents the mission of a group of middle-aged bowlers as they attempt to revitalize the sport and get the television-watching public interested in it again.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
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BOWLING'S BACK BABY!!! This review has NOT been brought to you by Odor-Eaters
There's more to bowling than meets the eye
This surprisingly engrossing and at times extremely affecting documentary manages the near impossible feat of taking a sport that's considered by many to be some kind of joke and making it the stuff of potent and moving high drama instead thanks to director Christopher Browne's commendable respect and commitment to the subject matter. It also helps that the four main professional bowlers that this doc focuses on are a pretty interesting bunch: Loud and cocky showboat Peter Weber, the self-proclaimed bad boy of bowling and son of legendary champion Dick Weber; Walter Ray Williams, a laidback and well-off guy who has a deceptively casual approach to the sport; Chris Barnes, an eager young upstart who's trying to juggle his family life with a burgeoning career as a pro bowler; and Wayne Webb, a desperate washed-up has-been who's making one last valiant attempt at reclaiming his former glory as a bowling great. Then there's Steve Miller, a bullish CEO who's take no prisoners attitude towards the game helps some folks while hurting others. The final match between Weber and Williams proves to be quite thrilling and suspenseful. A nicely done little beaut.