Review of Trouble with the Curve (2012) by Maksim B — 12 Dec 2013

Though not matching initial Oscar-level expectations, Trouble with the Curve is likeable, easy-going and crowd-pleasing delivery which benefits from its very strong performances leading performances and simple plot. Without troubles coming from its overall clichéd and predictable story, the movie has a certain feel good and sentimental character which strengthens the feeling for watching a classic sports drama suitable for family audiences.

Nearly every movie with which Clint Eastwood has been involved in the past decade (as a director or as an actor) has had "Academy Awards" signs written all over it. This was valid for Trouble with the Curve as well and even though the movie is a lesser achievement, the story of the old, conservative baseball scout Gus Lobel (Eastwood) and his daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) is pleasantly entertaining. The-near-retirement Gus starts his spring scouting tour in North Carolina, but ambitious and younger colleagues, new technologies and ageing have started to take their toll as Gus struggles in his work. His daughter Mickey, an overly ambitious big-city lawyer, but emotionally troubled woman decides to put her career aside for a week and to help her father. Both, they embark on a small tour following a potential new baseball star.

Throughout the movie, director Robert Lorenz keeps the audience pleasantly occupied not only with baseball and sports, but also with family relationships and the sub-plot theme of estranged parents and kids who need to re-connect themselves. With an easy-going pace and almost completely predictable story development, Trouble with the Curve still manages to remain a watchable movie hugely thanks to its formidable cast and the chemistry between Eastwood and Adams in particular. Add Justine Timberlake, the ageing Robert Patrick and the huge John Goodman and you would get a cast ensemble that is capable of saving this delivery from flopping.

Surely, Trouble with the Curve would be considered a disappointment by those who approach it with Oscar-high expectations. If approached neutrally, the movie is good enough to please all audiences, even those who have no idea of baseball , but are searching for a watchable home video sports drama.