I have watched a number of Kevin Costner films, some where he's had a hand in directing and some where he is just acting and normally most things he turns his hand to are a success and he puts in a solid performance and this effort with Bull Durham is no exception. There are not a huge amount of baseball movies out there or at least weren't when this was released in 1988 so it was something a little different.

Although Kevin Costner plays a big role in this movie, I think the central character is really Annie played by Susan Sarandon. Annie is a real baseball groupie and addict and every year she selects a player from the Durham Bulls to share a bed with her and therefore benefit from her life wisdom. You see she is a philosopher as well and is intelligent and well-read.

She chooses on this particular occassion a rather dim rookie by the name of Ebby LaLoosh played by Tim Robbins. He is a sought after pitcher who is one of the best up and coming stars but doesn't have too much intelligence. Unfortunately she realises rather late that she should have chosen a veteran catcher at the end of his career called Crash Davis played by Kevin Costner.

The movie develops into a blossoming relationship between the two of them as they share their experiences in life with one another and Kevin Costner is very good as the worldly Crash who tries to teach the rookie a thing or two about life in general.

Both Costner and Sarandon really engaged me and drew me into the film. They were the ones that get you interested in the story line and there are some laughs along the way and some interesting views on the bigger picture, namely the game of life. Overall, recommended, but not for family viewing as it's an 18 certificate.