Rating: 
Summary: Even allowing for baseball hyperbole, a wonderful movie
Review: Baseball is great, but you don't have to think that He invented baseball, and that everything good is because of baseball and that everything bad is because of not enough baseball to enjoy this movie. The pacing is perfect, the colors and shots are unrushed and nicely framed, and the actors are perfectly cast. There are many special moments in this film, but two of my favorite always bring a tear to my eye. The first is when Burt Lancaster's character saves Ray's daughter, at great sacrifice to himself. That always gets me. The second, big surprise, is when Ray has his catch at the end of the movie. Man, that was done just right. Could easily have been maudlin, but instead had the sense of relief, thankfulness, and love that was just perfect. This movie is aging well. So a few of the baseball speeches are over the top, it's a minor point for such a warm and good movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Pure Gold
Review: This movie is beautiful almost beyond words. Forgive my hyperbole, but it's like it's a religious experience cloaked in the simple disguise of a "baseball movie," and I really think it transcends that category. Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones are at their best, Phil Alden Robinson's writing is great, and James Horner's score is just plain super-duper. The DVD features an hour-long documentary that exhaustively details the making of the film, and the picture and sound are good. The only way you can go wrong with this disc is if you're dead inside.Movie: 6/5
DVD: 5/5
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Summary: Is this Heavan....
Review: Field of Dreams is one of the best movies you will ever see. It's an amazing tale of second chance and giving it your all. Ray Kinsella(Costner) is a former hippie who now lives in Iowa with his wife(Amy Madigan) and daughter. He hears voices while out tending his field that tell him "If you build it, he will come." Ray thinks he's going crazy but through continuing promptings and his feelings of not wanting to be his father he builds a baseball field in the middle of his crops. The local town thinks Ray is a nut and he doesn't stop there. One night Ray sees someone out in his field. It's Shoeless Joe Jackson(Ray Liotta) and Ray enjoys watching him play ball on his spectre field with his former teamates. The voices don't stop there and Ray is told to "Heal his Pain." Ray then goes to Boston to find the legendary 60's writer Terrance Mann(James Earl Jones). Mann is reluctant to go with Ray thinking he is a crazy hippie stalking him. He goes with and ends up seeing another message along with Ray. They are suppose to help out Moonlight Graham, a baseball player who played in one game and never got to have an at bat. There quest sends them to Minnesotta to find him which they do. Ray talks to Dr. Graham(Burt Lancaster)where he finds out the dr had no regrets about leaving baseball, but it was his dream to do it again. In the meantime the farm is going under and Ray's brother in law is trying to get the farm to sell it. Will Ray be able to save the farm and figure out why he built the field? Will all these guys get there second chances in baseball? That's the magic that is Field of Dreams. Kevin Costner is great in the film. This is the one that made his a house hold name and solidified his place as a pop culture icon. He's great and is believable. No other actor has shown his love for baseball as much as Costner. This is the best sports flick he's ever done. Mad props have to go to James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster. They are all great in there supportive roles. This is the best film Ray Liotta has done to date. Jones is great and it's great to see him act. To often does he do voices or doesn't have a main role, but his supportive role is great. Burt Lancaster almost makes me cry in the movie in the scene near the end. Field of Dreams is one of the best movies you will ever see. It was nominated for Best Picture back in 1989 and it's easy to see why. You definetly won't regret watching this one. It's a great tale of love, second chances, and giving it all surronded by our past time baseball. One of the best sports movies and movies made ever.
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Summary: Heaven On Earth....
Review: This review refers to "Field of Dreams"(VHS edition).... "Field of Dreams" is just one of those films that everybody can agree on. It's like your favorite comfort food.....you just can't get enough of this wonderful feel good story that is as American as apple pie and baseball! It's poignant, funny, will warm your heart and will make you want to follow your dreams. Ray Kinsella(Kevin Costner), graduate of Berkley University has decided to settle down to a quiet farming life in Iowa.Along with his wife Annie, and Karin, his little daughter, they settle into quiet contentment.That is until Ray hears "the voice".A voice in his cornfield,telling him "if you build it, he will come".He is confused not only to the meaning of this message, but as to why he is the only one to hear it.The voice is not going away though, and Ray finally gives in to it(after
ruling out a 60's kind of a flashback), and listens. He gets a vision of a baseball field and now knows what he must do.To the dismay of all but Annie and Karin,he turns his crop of corn into a "Field of Dreams". It's heaven on earth, as the field comes alive with baseball ghosts of the past.But Ray is not finished yet, there's more..the voice sends another message and Ray feels compelled to listen once more,even though it may cost him his farm. It's a wonderful story that will leave you with a smile and one that the whole family may enjoy(mild language). The cast is fabulous. Amy Madigan is the fiesty, funny Annie, a young Gabby Hoffman is Karin, and legendary greats James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster also have substantial parts and turn in superb performances.It is beautifully directed by Phil Alden Robinson("Sneakers"), and the music by James Horner is hauntingly perfect and sounds great in stereo surround. This is one you might want to put on that "if you could only take 3 movies to a deserted island" list, as it is one that never loses it's hold on you. Enjoy....Laurie
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Summary: Unpredictability is its key to greatness
Review: I agree with the many reviewers who have highlighted this movie's incredible ability to touch emotions that few films do. What I liked just as much was how unpredictable the storyline is. Most movies follow a fairly standard plot where you can see what's coming around the next bend. This is totally different. If you've never watched it, see by yourself or with someone who's never seen it either. You will be wondering through most of the movie where the story is going, but in a way that keeps you riveted to it, eagerly waiting for the payoff. Think of it as an emotional and thought-provoking rollercoaster that you've never seen, and you're riding it with your eyes closed. This is one heck of a film.
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Summary: A Beautiful Classic
Review: Field of Dreams is a beautiful story which addresses two fundamental aspects of the American man. One, of course, is the feeling of guilt and/or frustration over unsettled issues with one's father. The issue seems to hit home with most men as most have experienced at least a temporary falling-out with the "Old Man." It also addresses the feeling of guilt and/or frustration over unsettled issues with one's self. In Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella (Costner) is haunted by things left undone. He had broken from the relationship with his father and had quit the game he loved to spite his father who loved the game as well. Kinsella never forgave himself for failing as a son--never getting the opportunity to make amends before his father's death. When he builds a baseball field--the foundation of his childhood and his childhood-relationship with his father--he is afforded the opportunity to rest his demons. It is the ultimate story of redemption and rejuvination. I would say that if any man, or woman, does not love this film, they are simply not American. But that isn't necessarily true. If any man or woman does not love this film, he or she is simply not human. This brilliant story appeals to all human emotions. It is a true classic.
Rating:
Summary: Cant get any better
Review: This is what great movies are all about. A true American modern day American classic. From a great and original story line to a superb cast put together to bring the book "Shoeless Joe" to life on the big screen. Who doesnt wish for the basic premise of this movie of having second chances to right wrongs that occured in your lifetime. This movie touched me the first time I saw it and everytime since. Movies like this one just never get old. "Dad, wanna have a catch?"
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Summary: Jones & Lancaster Outstanding!
Review: Two of the most underrated (or underdiscussed) performances in 1980s cinema was James Earl Jones' and Burt Lancaster's bravura supporting roles in "Field of Dreams." The entire cast was wonderful (my only favorite Kevin Costner role), and Ray Liotta and Amy Madigan were especially terrific. But Jones & Lancaster showed a truth and honesty in their performances that were unequaled, except to each other. Jones was so natural as to have actually BEEN Terrence Mann. The idiosyncracies of his movements and his speech were infectious and completely believable. Lancaster, as "Moonlight" Graham, gave one his finest performances ever and, to me, BECAME one of the most lovable screen characters I've ever seen. See this movie for James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster but, as some others have written here, also see it because it will not only warm your heart, it will inspire you. This movie really isn't about baseball -- it's about what you dream for yourself in life, whatever it might be, and it will lift you spiritually in ways you cannot know. I watch this film at least every 6 months to revive my creativity and spirituality. And it's just a plain good old-fashioned cinema experience!
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Summary: Field of Dreams
Review: For me, easily my favorite movie on all time. I've seen it maybe 50-60 times. Even though I had a great relationship with my dad, the part were Ray says "Oh my God, its my father." I cry because I think fondly of my deceased father. Many parts of the movie brings back great memories of growing up in the 60's.
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Summary: That's my corn out there! You're all guests in my corn!
Review: Ah, just one of many quotable lines from the movie -- from being "guests in my corn" to "Is this Heaven? -- No, it's Iowa" to the famous tagline, "If you build it, he will come." This is easily in my top 10 favorite movies of all time. The haunting music, cued at just the right times during the movie just drives home its poignancy. As stoic as a guy tries to be, if there's a bit of love for baseball or for his father in him, the line where Kevin Costner says "Hey... Dad? Wanna have a catch?" just produces such a swell of emotion, it's hard to contain. Truly outstanding performances by Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan, Burt Lancaster and Frank Whaley as the young Archie Graham make this movie one of my very, very favorites.
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