Watch Fastball

Fastball is a captivating documentary released in 2016 that focuses on the history and science of the fastball pitch in baseball. The film revolves around the immense fascination with the pitch, and how it has become the game's most precious asset, as it is both complex and powerful. Kevin Costner steers the documentary, a baseball aficionado himself, he shares his deep passion for the sport, which is evident in his enthusiasm for the subject matter.

Fastball features interviews with some of baseball's greatest players and hitters, such as Derek Jeter, Bryce Harper, Nolan Ryan, and Hank Aaron. Each of these luminaries narrates their perspectives on what is widely considered the most remarkable pitch in history. The movie's intentions are apparent from the beginning, as Costner implores the audience to appreciate the pitch's sheer elegance and speed.

The film successfully chronicles the evolution of the fastball pitch and how it was developed from its crude beginnings to its present-day form. It analyses the biomechanics, the psychology behind the movement, and the physics of the pitch. Throughout the film, it becomes apparent that the fastball has become the focus of attention of the baseball world, and it is, without doubt, the one pitch that every pitcher strives to perfect.

The movie challenges the viewer to contemplate the baseball cliché, 'it's all in the hips or legs.' As much as theory counts in baseball, the film presents a convincing argument that, for the fastball, it is arm action that matters more. Motion analysis and bio-kinetic technology drive the analysis of the mechanics of how the body throws this elusive pitch. The documentary delves into the mental aspect of the fastball, and the importance of a pitcher's mental acuity, poise, and confidence in delivering the pitch.

The film also highlights other facets of the game, like the role of the umpire, the significance of the catcher in the pitcher's delivery, and the science behind the physics of the game. The physics behind the curveball and the change-up are also explored as the film aims to cover other aspects of pitching in baseball.

Fastball's compositional elements do justice to the game's dynamic, fast-moving pace, and appeal to baseball enthusiasts and sports fans in general. The cinematography captures the beauty of the baseball stadiums and employs documentary-style footage to capture the essence of baseball at its core.

One of the most attractive attributes of the film is its use of archival footage, which includes some of the greatest moments in baseball history. It showcases some of baseball's most exceptional fastballs through the years and its impact on significant moments in baseball history. This showcases the influence of the fastball pitch and how it has affected both pitching and hitting in the sport alike.

Fastball shows baseball as being more than just a sport, as it has become a way of life for many. It portrays the camaraderie and brotherhood that built in the dugouts, on the pitcher's mound, and in the batter's box. As much as the game is all about winning or losing, the documentary conveys the great respect for the game's unwritten rules and the gentlemen's nature that characterizes baseball above all other sports.

In conclusion, Fastball is an excellent documentary that is both informative and entertaining, offering unique perspectives on baseball's most significant pitch. The interviews and commentary presented in the documentary lend credibility to the vast importance of the pitch in baseball history. The film is a must-watch for baseball fans of all ages, but it also appeals to a broader audience because it is as much about the allure of the game as it is about the complexity of the fastball pitch itself.

Fastball is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 74.