A Really Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 8/10 (23 June 2002)

Reviews of this movie, especially in the UK,have been very unflattering but I thought it was well acted and in a small way quite inspiring. Cynics will scoff at the story of an impoverished kids baseball team from the wrong side of the tracks overcoming adversity to win a trophy, thanks in part to the efforts of a reformed gambler and drunkard Conor O'Neill (Reeves), but if only life was like this occasionally ! Maybe it is ? Diane Lane was, as ever, quite luminous and the way her acting has shone in recent years is,for me,one of the highlights of going to the movies. The role of schoolteacher Elizabeth Wilkes is only a supporting one here,but she exudes real presence every time she comes on screen. I'm not a great fan of Keanu Reeves but he is very believable in Hardball and all the kids were excellent too. Yes it is an idealistic, sentimental and corny movie but I loved it and Reeves' address in the church was genuinely moving. Just as his character was " uplifted just for a moment " by one of his team so I was for the duration of this movie and for some time after. Nice soundtrack too.