Randy Williams is the author of the book Sports Cinema. It counts down the best in sports themed movies. The book features in-depth background on each sports film. You even get a chance to hear from some of the actors in each particular project. The book also talks with athletes and gets their take on sports movies. I recently chatted with Randy Williams (Author) to discuss his book and the popularity of sports movies.

TONY: Considering the popularity of sports movies, are you surprised it has taken this long for a book about sports movies to come out? RW: There have been a few books about the topic, mostly sport-specific like boxing or baseball, but yes given the attention to sports and movies in our culture it was surprising. TONY: I read in USA Today how you lost your job and marriage on the same exact day. Following this, you went to the movies for inspiration. This seems to be a theme with a lot of sports movies. Why do you think so many Americans, yourself included, find such hope, inspiration, and love in sports movies? RW: The very best sports movies do what sports in general can and that is to inspire. The talented filmmakers can magically put up on the silver screen powerful emotions through their riveting storytelling via strong characterizations. But like most sports, it is achieved through a team effort. Brilliant actors, cinematographers, writers, and composers are just a few of a director's resources that draw out so well such themes as hope and inspiration.

TONY: A lot of people might be surprised to see "The Hustler" as your number one sports movie. Do you think Pool doesn't get the respect it deserves? It seems like we don't see a lot of pool movies released.

RW: Minor league baseball, rugby, minor league hockey, cycling - One of the discoveries in writing the book was that some of the very best movies are not based on the size of a sport's TV contract or its player salaries. The brilliance of "The Hustler" was that it was so successful into taking you into that world. Eugene Schufftan's photography and Harry Horner's production design were Oscar-winning efforts.

TONY: What do you think about the sport of professional-wrestling? It might be pre-determined, but a lot of skill and sport goes behind it. Have you seen the pro-wrestling documentary "Beyond The Mat?" If so, was it not on your list because wrestling is not considered a sport to some people?

RW: Wrestling is undeniably a physical exercise that requires some skill sets. "Beyond the Mat" is a fine film but there are different kinds of wrestling and the best picture so far is Jules Dassin's "Night and the City" which was remade starring DeNiro using a boxing backdrop.

TONY: Since your book has been released, what are some of the most passionate discussions and e-mails you have received from fans of certain movies?

RW: What I have found since completing the book, is that people's passions for sports clearly cross over into movies. They are as passionate and defensive about their favorites whether it is the Chicago Cubs or "Field of Dreams."

TONY: Even though I'm located in Chicago, I'm a big of the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre. What do you think about Brett Favre and all he has done in his career? Also, who do you think would be perfect to play Brett Favre in a film?

RW: Favre is a throwback. He is a modern-day Unitas or Baugh. Tough. A good leader by example. Casting for him would be difficult.

TONY: You mentioned in your book how sports movies can sometimes give a brutally frank look at athletes like Ty Cobb and Jake Lamotta. Barry Bonds seems like he's a movie waiting to happen. Tell me some athletes that you think would make great character studies in a film?

RW: With the amount of coverage given to today's athletes it would be tough to find new approaches and insights to players such as Bonds. I believe Arthur Ashe would be appealing because of his full life and the turbulent times he lived in. Tennis has not been well covered in cinema. The definitive film on the Louis-Schmeling relationship is yet to be done and I have high hopes for the Spike Lee-Budd Schulberg-Bert Sugar project on that topic.

TONY: Since your book has been released, we have seen "Rocky Balboa" come out and do fairly well at the box office. Did you see "Rocky Balboa" and if so, what were your thoughts on the film?

RW: Sly did very well to end the character in this version as opposed to "Rocky V" but never say never.

TONY: Outside of "Rocky Balboa", what are some recent sports films that you think would make your list in the future?

RW: Just to clarify, "Rocky Balboa" is entertaining but would not make the list. I enjoyed "Glory Road."

TONY: Do you think it's harder than ever to release a good sports movie these days? How many times can we see the same exact story unfold in the same exact way?

RW: Most people who follow sports likely considers himself an expert and in the film world that is unusual because when you watch a movie most of the time you're learning something but with a sports picture an audience is hypercritical because they enter with a keen eye and advanced knowledge as a group in general.

TONY: Considering all the talk of steroids in sports, do you ever think that subject will be tackled in a sports movie?

RW: I'd be surprised if it weren't.

TONY: What is the most important part of a sports movie being successful? The story, the writing, the acting, direction, or the cinematography?

RW: Just like a Super Bowl or NBA champ, the collaborative nature of cinema demands teamwork at all levels. While the big-name stars may initially draw a crowd, what's going to give it its best chance at ultimate success is that magical effort that can only come when a group of specialists- cinematographers, set designers, performers, composers etc are on the same page, one laid down by a talented screenwriter.

TONY: Out of all the performances in sports movies, which one do you think is the most underrated?

RW: Tom Selleck in "Mr. Baseball." I have had the advantage of working in Japan and observing first hand that culture's love of the sport and Tom was terrific as the arrogant, bullheaded veteran. Of course he has outstanding support from a wonderful Japanese cast and Dennis Haysbert. Having that perspective really brought out the contrasts.

TONY: I think a film like "Jerry Maguire" is interesting, because it applies to men and women. It has the romantic aspect for the women and the sporting aspect for the men. Do you think women enjoy sports movies in their own way?

RW: Absolutely. Less about winning and more about relationships.

TONY: Do you think the pressure is on actors to portray athletes accurately and honestly? It's so easy to get footage on a certain athlete. Because of this, the fans can tell if you are not up to par with the real athlete in your portrayal.

RW: Huge pressure. It has created a cottage industry of former athletes to train thespians.

"If you don't believe the catch in the end zone you wont believe the tears in the locker room", is a quote Mark Ellis uses often. Mark is a former collegiate receiver who helped guide Cuba Gooding Jr to an Oscar in "Jerry Maguire" and has made a career out of training actors for sporting roles.

TONY: Thanks for your time, Randy. I really enjoyed your book. Is there anything you want to say or plug before we go?

RW: I hope the book inspires readers to explore the genre even deeper. It has a rich history and deserves to be celebrated.

If you would like to purchase a copy of his book "Sports Cinema: 100 Movies," please go to www.limelighteditions.com