Arthurian Bludgeon

Rating: Null/10 (2 January 2004)

This film is really sad. I never liked Redford and now I know why. He never takes any chances, with every role he makes himself the rebel hero whether in 'Last Castle', 'Butch & Sundance', '3 Days of the Condor', or 'Spy Game'. He takes comfort in those self-assured roles, so we take comfort in his predictability.
This is your only spoiler warning...
As for 'The Natural', all I will say is that Levinson got himself in order 'Good Morning, Vietnam'. Sport movies need to be invigorating to capture the atmosphere of the competition mixed with loads of uncertainty. Turns out this is no better than any "sport film" made by Disney.
It prides itself on triumph, buries itself on defeat, and everything is superficial. No dominant impressions are made, no one makes any gambles so no one wins anything.
Overall, look to the Sundance Channel for more interesting material.
Final Analysis = = Cinematic Dud