Taglines: Dream for the fences.
In 1957, a barefooted, rag-tag team of boys from poverty-stricken Monterrey, Mexico defy extraordinary odds to become the first foreign team to win Little League World Series – doing so in a perfect game, the only one in championship history. Based on a true story, “The Perfect Game” tells the tale of how their miracle changed not only their lives, but an entire city’s destiny.
Collins plays former baseball player Cesar Faz, who returns home to Mexico, defeated by the racism of the Major Leagues. He coaches a local youth league team, leading them all the way to the Little League World Series.
The Perfect Game is an American drama film directed by William Dear, based on the 2008 book of the same name written by W. William Winokur. The film is based on the events leading to the 1957 Little League World Series, which was won by the first team from outside the United States, the Industrial Little League of Monterrey, Mexico, who defeated the heavily favored U.S. team. Mexican pitcher Ángel Macías threw the first, and so far only, perfect game in championship game history.
About the Story
César Faz (Clifton Collins, Jr.), moves to Monterrey, Mexico after he is let go by the St. Louis Cardinals from his job as a clubhouse attendant. There he meets local children being led by Padre Esteban (Cheech Marin), enjoying baseball; he takes pitcher Ángel Macías (Jake T. Austin), under his wing and brags about his own pitching skills and how he used to coach the Cardinals.
Ángel convinces César to help recruit and coach Monterrey’s first-ever Little League team. With César’s skills and Padre Esteban’s support, the boys hone themselves into a competitive team worthy of international competition. At the final game of the World Series of Little League, Monterrey defeated the team of West La Mesa, California 4-0. Enrique Suárez (Jansen Panettiere), hit a grand slam home run, and Ángel Macías pitched a perfect game, a feat that has not since been repeated in Little League World Series history.
When the team arrives in the United States, they are met with racism, a language barrier, and visa troubles. Though the underdogs, the team scores a series of victories that endear them to the media, and new fans. They befriend a sports reporter, Frankie (Emilie de Ravin), and the groundskeeper, Cool Papa Bell (Louis Gossett, Jr.), who then assist the boys in reaching the final game.
The Perfect Game (2010)
Directed by: William Dear
Starring: Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Louis Gossett Jr., Emilie de Ravin, Bruce McGill, Patricia Manterola, Tony Revolori, Mario Revolori, Gabriel Morales, David Koechner, Jansen Panettiere
Screenplay by: William Winokur
Production Design by: Denise Hudson
Cinematography by: Bryan Greenberg
Film Editing by: Chris Conlee
Costume Design by: Florence Kemper
Set Decoration by: Kris Fuller
Music by: Bill Conti
MPAA Rating: PG for for some thematic elements.
Studio: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: April 16, 2010
