Welcome back baseball fans and 80s movie buffs! In this week’s episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy and Nathan discuss the 1989 fantasy film Field of Dreams with fellow podcaster and filmmaker, Tommy Metz III.
This nostalgic baseball movie stars Kevin Costner as Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, who hears a mysterious voice telling him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfields. After Ray builds the field, the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and other players banned from baseball for alleged game-fixing in the 1919 World Series emerge from the crops to play ball again. The hosts reflect on Field of Dreams’ sentimental exploration of family, redemption, and second chances.
Field of Dreams skillfully balances sentimentality with elements of fantasy and the supernatural to avoid becoming overly sappy or precious. The scenes with Shoeless Joe retain a sense of mystery and discovery.
The excellent ensemble cast features memorable performances by James Earl Jones, Amy Madigan, and the actors playing the ghostly ballplayers.
Comparing Field of Dreams to similar fantasy films like The Natural
Examining the movie’s nostalgic, timeless portrayal of the rural Midwest
Appreciating the emotive score by James Horner
Analysis of the mysterious voice and its cryptic instructions
Debate over the meaning of Terrence Mann entering the cornfield at the end
Conclusion
Field of Dreams continues to captivate audiences more than 30 years later thanks to its winning blend of fantasy, nostalgia, and emotional resonance. Its exploration of how we can heal connections with family and history makes it a lasting classic. Tune in next week when Krissy and Nathan review another unforgettable 80s movie!
