A League of Ordinary Gentlemen

Watch A League of Ordinary Gentlemen

"Inside The Wild Wild World Of Professional Bowling!"
  • R
  • 2003
  • 1 hr 33 min
  • 7.0  (415)
  • 66

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen is a documentary film from 2004 that focuses on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour and its efforts to revamp the sport in the early 2000s. The film follows some of the most prominent bowlers of the time, including Walter Ray Williams Jr., Chris Barnes, and Pete Weber, as they compete in tournaments and attempt to adapt to the changing landscape of the sport.

The documentary begins by highlighting the decline of the PBA Tour in the late 1990s, with lower TV ratings and fewer sponsors leading to a downturn in interest and revenue. The film then explores the efforts of commissioner Steve Miller and the PBA board to make changes to the sport, including the introduction of new lane conditions, a new scoring system, and a restructuring of the tournament schedule.

As the film progresses, we witness the struggles and successes of several bowlers on the tour. Walter Ray Williams Jr., a dominant force in the sport for many years, faces tougher competition and struggles to adjust to the new lane conditions. Chris Barnes, a rising star on the tour, deals with the pressures of trying to balance his bowling career with his family life. And Charles Barkley, a celebrity amateur bowler, provides some comic relief as he attempts to improve his own skills in the sport.

One of the main themes of the film is the tension between tradition and innovation in bowling. Many of the older bowlers on the tour are resistant to the changes being made, while some of the younger bowlers see the changes as necessary for the sport to remain relevant. This tension is exemplified in the relationship between Williams and Weber, two of the most successful bowlers of all time who have very different views on the direction of the sport.

The documentary also shines a light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the PBA Tour, including the financial struggles faced by the organization and the challenges of managing a sport with such a diverse group of participants. We see the efforts of Miller and others to secure new sponsors, negotiate with TV networks, and create a more cohesive brand for the PBA.

Overall, A League of Ordinary Gentlemen is an engaging and informative look at a sport in transition. With its mix of personal stories, exciting competition, and thought-provoking commentary on the future of the sport, the film offers something for both die-hard bowling fans and casual viewers alike. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of sports and the people who play them.

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 66.

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen
Description
Where to Watch A League of Ordinary Gentlemen
A League of Ordinary Gentlemen is available to watch free on Plex, Tubi TV, Vudu Free and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent A League of Ordinary Gentlemen for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2003
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 33 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (415)
  • Metascore
    66
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