The Saint of Second Chances
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Baseball family dynasty docu hits home run; language.
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The Saint of Second Chances
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What's the Story?
THE SAINT OF SECOND CHANCES chronicles the baseball family history of the Veecks. With archival footage, photos, firsthand interviews, and reenactments, the film shares the generational interactions at play among the Veecks when life throws them unexpected curve balls.
Is It Any Good?
Viewers will be sure to root for this well-crafted sports cinema tale about redemption and the importance of family. The Saint of Second Chances offers an insightful look at Bill Veeck, owner of the Chicago White Sox, and his son Mike, who helps his dad bring fun to the game and pull in profits. Mike invents gimmicky acts to attract visitors to the stadium, such as belly dancers, the creation of ballpark luxury suites, and an exploding scoreboard with light, and declares it all as "street theater wrapped around a ballgame." He also initially struggles to be a good son in the shadow of a famous parent.
Mike's missteps may have earned him a reputation as a one-hit wonder, but he's determined it won't be the only aspect of his legacy. During his second marriage, Mike, who also becomes a baseball owner, has a visually impaired daughter named Rebecca and dearly loves her. "When I was eight and a half, I went to Comiskey Park and I was holding hands with my father, and somebody told me that my dad ran the Chicago White Sox," recalls Mike. "And I thought that was so cool that he had this playground where guys played baseball. But mostly now what I remember is holding his hand."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in The Saint of Second Chances. How do they also demonstrate compassion, courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think about the bond between Bill Veeck and his son Mike?
If your family owned a business, would you want to work there? Why, or why not? What are the possible benefits and drawbacks?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 19, 2023
- Cast: Mike Veeck , Charlie Day , Darryl Strawberry
- Directors: Morgan Neville , Jeff Malmberg
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 94 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: September 19, 2023
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