Summary

The article humorously argues that "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" surpasses traditionally acclaimed films, claiming it to be the greatest movie of all time by encapsulating the best elements of those classics.

Abstract

The author of the article presents a satirical review of the movie "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," comparing it to the top ten movies of all time as ranked by Ranker. Despite the acclaim of films like "The Godfather," "Casablanca," and "Schindler's List," the author contends that "Dodgeball" deserves the title of the greatest movie due to its efficient plot, diverse romance, underdog narrative, and comedic elements that mirror and sometimes outdo the themes and character arcs found in these classic films. The article humorously draws parallels between "Dodgeball" and each of the traditionally revered movies, highlighting how "Dodgeball" manages to cover similar ground in a fraction of the time and with a unique blend of sports, comedy, and cultural commentary.

Opinions

The author believes that "Dodgeball" efficiently delivers a plot comparable to "The Godfather" in a much shorter duration, making it a more economical storytelling feat.
In terms of romance, the author appreciates "Dodgeball" for presenting a wider spectrum of love stories, including forbidden and taboo relationships, which adds depth to the film's narrative.
The article suggests that "Dodgeball" matches the gravitas of "Schindler's List" by giving societal outcasts a sense of purpose and community, much like Schindler's efforts to save lives.
"Dodgeball" is seen as a counterpart to "Star Wars," with its own rebellion against an oppressive force, but with a more concise storytelling approach.
The violence and redemption arc in "Dodgeball" is compared to that of "Pulp Fiction," with the added comedic element of the dodgeball game's absurdity.
The character Gordon in "Dodgeball" is likened to Forrest Gump for his naivety and good-hearted nature, contributing to the film's charm.
"Dodgeball" is said to mirror "Citizen Kane" in its depiction of a rise to power from humble beginnings, with the antagonist White Goodman's story echoing that of Charles Foster Kane.
The author interprets a scene in "Dodgeball" as a reimagining of the iconic "Titanic" moment, with a modern twist on the declaration of freedom and identity.
Comparing "Dodgeball" to "Shawshank Redemption," the author notes the theme of befriending a diverse group to overcome adversity, sans the need for physical escape.
The article concludes that "Dodgeball" not only encompasses the essence of the top ten movies but also offers additional unique elements such as sports, comedy, social commentary, and memorable one-liners.

MOVIE REVIEW

Why Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story Is The Greatest Movie of All Time

Going balls deep

According to Ranker, the top ten movies of all time, as voted on by their viewership, are The Godfather, Casablanca, Schindler’s List, Star Wars, The Godfather Part II, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, Citizen Kane, Titanic, and Shawshank Redemption.

I have seen all these movies, and they are lovely motion pictures, all of them, but I find it hard to believe that any of them are the Greatest of All Time. Come on. That is a big title, and Dodgeball met the challenge and won the war. Let me prove it.

The Godfather (I & II) vs Dodgeball

Beginning with the plot, Godfather has an aging patriarch extending control to a reluctant son.

Dodgeball has that. The aging patriarch is Patches O’Houlihan, the reluctant heir is Peter La Fleur, and the business is Dodgeball.

It took 6 hours and 22 minutes for the plot of Godfather to play out over two movies. Dodgeball got there in 1 hour and 42 minutes. Economize your plot points, gentlemen.

Casablanca vs Dodgeball

As for romance, Casablanca had forbidden love, but Dodgeball has forbidden love between opposing team members, young love thwarted and found, bisexual love, and even the taboo love of pizza.

That is range.

Schindler’s List vs Dodgeball

Schindler saved the lives of marginalized people by employing them to keep them safe.

Bravo Schindler.

Peter La Fleur takes the outcasts of society and gives them a purpose to save them from a meaningless existence. They go to Average Joe’s Gymnasium to escape the world of hatred and oppression. Where else can someone who thinks they are a pirate feel welcomed?

Bravo Peter.

Star Wars vs Dodgeball

Rebels are bound to destroy the Empire in Star Wars. Revenge, anger, a secret hidden in the droid. This is the stuff of great filmmaking.

Globo Gym is bound to destroy Average Joe’s. Retaliation for the corporation over the little guy, anger at the bank’s foreclosure, and a secret hidden talent in the accountant. Same/same, but Dodgeball didn’t need nine movies to make the point.

Pulp Fiction vs Dodgeball

As for the violence and redemption of Pulp Fiction, what can be more violent than throwing wrenches at unsuspecting geeks? How about redeeming yourself to learn from that experience and winning the Championship?

Sorry for the spoiler.

There was also that awkward dip, duck, and dive on the dodgeball court wearing S&M leather. Sorry John and Uma, but that is what some might call checkmate.

Forrest Gump vs Dodgeball

Dodgeball has Gordon. A naive, slow-witted, good-hearted hero. He may not have Forrest’s box of chocolates, but he does save the day with his copy of the Obscure Sports Quarterly. Wait ‘till you see what you get when you open that cover.

Citizen Kane vs Dodgeball

There is no burning sled in Dodgeball, but there is a rise to power from the poor upbringings.

White Goodman, Dodgeball’s antagonist, was a lonely boy who grew up to be an isolated needy man who surrounded himself with yes-men. He was taken down by his own making, namely a hotdog and fried chicken.

We don’t know what his last word will be, but we suspect it will be ‘Milkshake.’

Titanic vs Dodgeball

Kate Veach, a lawyer in Dodgeball, and Peter La Fleur, the poor business owner under foreclosure, stand together on the deck of the Dodgeball championship, declaring they are king of the world by saying, “I am bisexual.”

Now, that is taking the world by storm. And woke. You know it.

Shawshank Redemption vs Dodgeball

Befriending an unlikely cast of characters to escape his world is Andy Dufresne’s strategy in Shawshank.

In Dodgeball, Peter solicits a crazy urine-drinking sadist, an unsuccessful romantic, and a male high school cheerleader to help himself get out of his financial cell. No rock hammer required.

To Sum Up

Dodgeball has the plot of The Godfather movies, the romance of Casablanca, the underdog rescue of Schindler’s List, the good guys ending of Star Wars, the redemption of Pulp Fiction, the slow-witted hero of Forrest Gump, the rise to power of Citizen Kane, the romance over class divides of Titanic, and the personable protagonist of Shawshank Redemption.

It has it all.

But there’s more! Dodgeball also has sports, comedy, fat-shaming, recovering from sexual harassment, sudden death, celebrity cameos, a full Karate Kid blindfold moment, and the witty banter of no other movie on earth. Lines such as “You had me at blood and semen,” “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,” and my personal favorite, “You’re as useful as a cock flavored lollipop.”

Make this epic film, one you will never forget. I know my mother hasn’t.

If you don’t like these movies, maybe you can learn something from The Kid.

I Painted a Fence and Still Got My Ass Kicked

Karate Kid was a lie

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