What a wonderfully conceptualized work of writing, casting and directing! I'd like to see more of Craig Hammill's work. Unfortunately, this 2005 short is the last thing he's done. What a shame.
The movie is about 2 young girls' soccer teams playing in the championship game, and how their materialistic parents meddle in their lives in their attempts to show their brand of caring. As another reviewer posted, the Cleats are lovable losers. They're led by coach Bob, who has five daughters, and has been coaching girls soccer for 15 years. He's still looking to win the championship - at any cost. Their nemesis is the Black Widow Princesses, led by coach Dino, a former Italian soccer superstar whose career was cut short by an injury. Coach Dino is accompanied by his chain-smoking wife, Sofia, a famous Italian model, and their daughter Giulietta, who is one of the stars of the team.
After the introduction of all the major characters, the game is on. By early in the second half, the Black Widows have a 3-goal lead. Can the Cleats overcome the deficit? Watch it and see.
Although it's a light-hearted movie, there was a sadness in the main character, Jenny, as the other kids went home with their parents while she was left alone. The sense of loneliness was further highlighted by crickets chirping while she walked home alone at sunset down a quiet, deserted street. I also sensed a sadness and strain in Giuletta, probably due to the pressure she was under from her parents to live up to their expectations.
The story itself is nothing special, but it's so well done and the characters are so likable, it's worth watching over and over again. It's still playing on IFC from time to time. It's the most enjoyable 20 minutes you'll spend watching a short. Don't miss it!
I found the casting call for this movie on the internet at http://64.159.88.142/ubb/Forum2/HTML/003466.html. Auditions were held the final 2 weekends in September, 2002, rehearsals were held October 5th & 6th, and shooting took place over 5 weekends, beginning October 11, 2002. Several of the character's parents were used as extras, although none played the parents of their own children. None of the actors or actresses were paid.
