Watch The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is a 1979 comedy-sports film directed by Gilbert Moses. The movie features an ensemble cast including basketball legend Julius Erving in his first major film role, comedians Jonathan Winters and Meadowlark Lemon, and Margret Avery. The story of the film revolves around a struggling Pittsburgh basketball team named the Pythons. The team has been on the bottom of the league table for years, and its owner, Mr. Womack (played by Stockard Channing), is considering moving the team to another city. A local sports psychologist, Dr. J (played by Erving), suggests that the Pythons change their approach and begin to play a more astrological approach to the game. This strategy works wonders as the team starts to win games, and the team's success drives the whole city into a frenzy.

What makes The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh so unique is its approach to basketball. The film takes the game of basketball and turns it into astrology, with each player taking on the role of a different star sign based on their date of birth. Each sign has its own unique traits that the players must embody on the court, and it makes for some truly entertaining sequences.

Erving's portrayal of Dr. J is a standout in the film, with the basketball legend channeling his real-life persona into the character. Dr. J acts as a mentor and a guiding force for the team, and Erving brings his natural charisma and charm to the role. Winters and Lemon are also a joy to watch, with both comedians bringing their trademark humor to the film. Winters plays the team's coach, who is initially hesitant about Dr. J's approach to the game, while Lemon plays a forward on the team who is one of the film's standout performers.

One of the strengths of The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is its humor. The film is marketed as a comedy, and it delivers in spades. There are plenty of jokes and gags that will make you laugh out loud, from the team's comically oversized moon and star-themed uniforms to the absurdity of playing basketball based on astrology. The humor never feels forced, and it adds to the overall charm of the film.

Another highlight of the film is its soundtrack, which features some great music from the era. The title track, "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh," is a funky disco instrumental that perfectly captures the energy and vibe of the movie. Other songs on the soundtrack include "Mighty Love" by The Spinners and "Do it to the Max" by 70's funk band, 8th Day.

In terms of visuals, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh has a colorful and vibrant aesthetic that is typical of films from the era. The sets and costumes are eye-catching, and the film's use of bright and bold colors adds to its overall fun and upbeat tone.

Despite its light-hearted approach, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh also touches on some deeper themes. The film deals with the importance of teamwork and unity, and it celebrates the power of sports to bring communities together. There is also a subtle commentary on the commercialization of sports, with the film's portrayal of the Pythons' owner as a money-hungry businesswoman who is willing to abandon the team for a bigger paycheck.

Overall, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is an underrated gem of a movie that deserves to be rediscovered. It's a fun, upbeat, and genuinely hilarious film that has a lot of heart. The cast is excellent, the music is great, and the basketball-meets-astrology concept is a stroke of genius. If you're looking for a feel-good movie that will put a smile on your face, then The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is definitely worth checking out.

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is a 1979 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 40.