Cliched and derivative, and yet...it works well!

Rating: Null/10 (3 July 2004)

This one is derivative of _The_Natural_, with its strong undercurrents of magical realism, sports as mythical vehicle, and over-sentimentality, but it somehow works anyway.
This film also indulges in touches of many American pop culture cliches, such as zen, meditation, etc.
Good acting from Damon and the boy. Smith does a good job, too. THe actors who play Jones and Hagen also do fine jobs. THe actor who plays Jones, in particular, carries more than his share of the load, even though his lines are few.
Great production values!