Movie Review: “Just A Bit Outside” Will Fire Up Brewers Fans of Any Age

I found myself watching “Just A Bit Outside” at a weird and random time, because I have been consumed by the 1982 season as of late. I’m halfway through two Brewers books right now: Bob Uecker’s “Catcher In the Wry” and “Where Have you Gone, '82 Brewers?”, written by former Brewers beat writer Tom Haudricourt.

Uecker’s book was, oddly enough, released in 1982. Pretty crazy to think about how much has happened since he wrote it, and that the book came out the same season the Crew went to the World Series and had one of their best seasons ever.

Haudicourt’s book is a perfect companion to the new film about that legendary team, out this week. It was released in 2007, 25 years after the magical year. Each chapter is a spotlight of one of the players. You hear their perspective on the season, their favorite moments and great behind-the-scenes stories and information. As people will learn from the movie, the Brewers were fueled by several things: their love of the game, their friendships, and alcohol. I would highly recommend reading it before or after watching “Just A Bit Outside”, if you can find a copy. I randomly found mine in a Door County bookstore, with a whopping $30 price tag. It was worth every penny, and so is the movie.

“Just A Bit Outside” Movie Experience

I was lucky enough to get an invite to the virtual premiere of the movie. Director Sean Hanish was there to introduce the film and had a Q&A session afterward. Hanish and producer Kelly Kahl are the main reasons this passion project came together.

The film is beautifully done. I am one of the biggest Brewers fans around. A lot of folks probably don’t know this, but I’m also a huge movie buff. So it’s probably hard to be a fair, balanced reviewer or critic when the subject matter and the medium are both entities I absolutely adore. As a Brewers fan, I really liked this movie. As a movie fan, I really, really liked this movie.

It’s the kind of movie where everything is done so right that most people won’t even notice all the little things, and that’s a good thing. The editing is perfect, up there with any Oscar-nominated documentary that you will find. Several creative parts are the star of the show. There is an entire nickname segment for the 1982 players and what everyone called each other. You will probably walk out saying it was your favorite part--like I did. It’s perfectly done, and the graphics that enhance it are a perfect fit. As you follow the team through the season, the schedule calendar is a great visual companion. It’s crazy how many games that team won in August, and how they turned that season around after a managerial switch.

There are plenty of fans who know a lot about the season or witnessed it, but this takes it to the next level. Hanish and Kahl had almost 45 hours of interviews and 100 hours of game and season footage to go through for this. That is no easy task, but it is a huge benefit to the movie. I'm very happy MLB did the right thing and helped them get as much as they could.

And yes, that means there is lots of good stuff that had to hit the cutting-room floor, that could be released down the line. Honestly, they should start a YouTube or Instagram account right now and post one clip a week. I would never get bored hearing stories from this group about their era.

If you’re worried about the big names not being in the documentary or included, don’t be. Everyone who could be is there. Bug Selig, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Bob Uecker, Pete Vuckovich, Gorman Thomas (who also helped produce the film), Ted Simmons, Cecil Cooper and many others show up. Almost no stone was unturned for this production, and it really adds to the movie.

The doc’s soundtrack doesn’t skip a beat. The music department searched out local Milwaukee bands from the '70s and '80s, and you will start to notice throughout the movie some recognizable tunes and Brewers-themed songs. It’s a great touch--an additional love letter to the state of Wisconsin.

There was a lot of good info I had forgotten about or didn’t know. Like the fact that the Brewers were leading 3-2 before heading back to Milwaukee for the final two World Series games. I had forgotten how solid a player Charlie Moore was. There was also a certain young “Kid” who dumped a beer over Bud Selig’s head after they won the pennant. That same player is the first one to cry in the documentary.

The 1982 Brewers = The 2024 Brewers?

As soon as they started talking about Harvey Kuenn taking over as the Brewers manager, my mind went to one thing: He reminds me so much of Pat Murphy. They seem to have the same type of personality. No-nonsense, believes in his guys and will crack a dry joke when you least expect it.

From that moment on, I couldn’t help but compare that season to this one. It’s a tall order and there are high expectations, but it's not impossible this year. A seasoned veteran coach who gets his shot to manage a team. A bunch of young players who are smashing the ball. Acquiring some veteran pitchers at the trade deadline to help with pitching. And they’re all having fun together while doing it.

Yes, the team’s circumstances were different. Those Brewers were finally expected to compete after making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1981. They went 62-47 (strike year) and lost in the ALDS. This year’s Brewers were not. Let’s rephrase that. Lots of league experts and bloggers thought they wouldn’t. The expectations for Murphy were pretty low. Do the best you can with this Brewers team, while possibly getting Rickie Weeks ready to manage the team in a few years as the young players grow. That’s exactly what he’s done, just like Kuenn did. And now Murphy is a frontrunner for NL Manager of the Year. Instead of a tense, pressure-filled clubhouse with the previous manager, it became fun and loose. They don’t go on long losing streaks. Both teams are consistent and seen as the underdog, even when they are winning.

The vibes are the same. This year’s team has a little less power and run support at times, but they certainly look the same when they hit the ball. Watching Yount and Molitor hit the ball over and over into the outfield reminded me a lot of the current squad. They are always finding ways to win. If anything, “Just A Bit Outside" should get you hyped for the rest of this season. The team deserves a World Series. The fans deserve one. Bob Uecker deserves to see a deep title run. And especially the 1982 team, who clearly want that closure and victory they were so close to getting.

Support This Movie

When it comes down to it, the best thing Brewers fans can do is support this movie. The filmmakers worked hard and were able to partner and release with Marcus Theatres, which is a big deal for an independent movie.

That’s right, this is a locally-made, independent movie. These types of films need your support. If you are sitting at home complaining about too many sequels, remakes, superhero movies, etc, this is your chance to help change that. Some shows are already sold out, but making sure you fill the seats for “Just A Bit Outside” helps a lot. It could lead to additional footage being released. There could be a Blu-ray release down the line. They might be able to afford a sequel when the Brewers actually win the World Series. Supporting a labor of love is always the right call.

Right now, the movie is mostly in Marcus Theatres and in Wisconsin. But if the movie does well, it could easily expand to other markets. And if you can’t make it to the Badger State to support, nothing is stopping you from buying a few matinee tickets even if you can’t go to show your support in person.

It’s well worth your time and money. It’s required watching if you are a Brewers fan. And if anything, a great shot in the arm to be excited for the rest of this Brewers season. Milwaukee is basically guaranteed to make the playoffs and win the NL Central. All you have to do is get in and you have a chance. Times have changed, but not what baseball is and what it’s about. One thing I think gets lost sometimes is the passion Milwaukee Brewers fans and the city have for this team. Because that hasn’t changed either.

You’ll be just a bit outside of being cool if you don’t see this movie. See what I did there?