"Eephus" (2024) [Jeonju International Film Festival]

by Joseph Perry 

Normally here at “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict,” both Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. However, here and there they will be taking the reins in a solo outing. For this installment, it’s Joseph with a solo review of  Eephus by director Carson Lund.

Synopsis

On the final day before their beloved field's demolition, a group of grown men play a recreational baseball game that stretches into extra innings. As daylight fades, humor and nostalgia intertwine, marking the end of an era. 

The Good

Lund’s Eephus is a baseball movie that finds the members of two teams having to face the reality that the camaraderie and rivalries they have shared — some for decades, some for a much shorter time — are coming to an inevitable end. With most hoping to extend the game into as many extra innings as possible despite the lack of light, themes and metaphors about uncertainty of the future, having to come to grips with reality, and the like abound. The members of the main ensemble cast and the supporting players alike all give terrific performances, which is the main strength of Eephus for me. The characters are well written and given realistic dialogue by cowriters Lund, Michael Basta, and Nate Fisher.    

The Bad

Eephus moves at a similar pace to a baseball game, sometimes feeling every bit of its 99-minute running time, and then some. Its languid tempo may be a bit much for some viewers.

The Verdict

Eephus reminded me of why I don’t miss playing on sports teams — all of the personalities regarding why that is are here, from the team hothead to the guy who sees games as yet another reason to drink. Anyone who has ever played a team sport will be able to relate to the participants. Those who are not fond of sports should also be able to connect with at least some of the personalities, and the frustrations through which they are going. As a dramedy that addresses closing one beloved chapter and moving on the unknown, Eephus comes recommended.

Eephus, from A Major Production, ColdFeet Films, and Through the Lens Entertainment, screened as part of South Korea’s Jeonju International Film Festival, which runs from April 30–May 9, 2025.

Eephus

Directed By: Carson Lund

Written By: Michael Basta, Nate Fisher, Carson Lund

Starring: Keith William Richards, Cliff Blake, Ray Hryb, Bill "Spaceman" Lee, Stephen Radochia, David Pridemore, Keith Poulson

Run Time: 1h 39m

Rating: NR

Release Date: January 1, 2025 (France)