Review of The Rookie (2002) by Hannibal O — 30 Aug 2008

I have a weak spot for baseball movies. I don't normally watch baseball, but if a movie is about baseball, I'll see it. This film is nothing unique and better baseball movies have been made in the past (i.

E. Field of Dreams), but because of its amazing true story, its a film worth watching. The movie is about following your dreams despite the odds against you. In this story, the odds of Jimmy Morris playing the big leagues were well stacked against him.

He was already in his mid-30s and had a family to support. He was well past his prime to play major league baseball. However, due to an amazing pitching arm that could throw a 98 MPH fastball, he got to play baseball.

Much of the film's success depends on the appeal of Dennis Quaid's character. I thought this was a great bit of casting - Quaid has the All-American look and he's like a poor-man's Kevin Costner.

Its hard not to like the guy and he has widespread appeal among audiences. Quaid is also surrounded by a very good supporting cast, namely Rachel Griffiths (who I will watch in just about anything she does) and Brian Cox (who is also great in everything he does).

The film was directed by John Lee Hancock who is a relative newcomer to Hollywood. This film's box office success put him on the map, but unfortunately he squandered any promise he had by following this film up with the expensive flop, The Alamo in 2004.

In this film, he makes great use of the wide open landscapes of western Texas and emotional score that evokes James Horner. The film is a string of cliches, but I was able to forgive that because I assume this is what really happened in Jim Morris' life.

I think had this film not been a biopic, I would not have been as forgiving for the use of the cliches (although I have to admit that the beginning prologue with the nuns was absolutely unnecessary and did not contribute to the story at all).

Anyway, if you like baseball movies or feel good inspirational films, check this one out.