Supposedly Great Baseball Film Is a One-Trick Pony

Rating: 6/10 (3 October 2006)

Robert Redford plays Roy Hobbs, a natural baseball all-star who is tragically (and unexpectedly) gunned down before reaching the majors. Sixteen years later, Hobbs returns from obscurity to try his hand at baseball again. Also starring Bob Duvall, Wilford Brimley, Glenn Close and Kim Basinger. With very special guest Michael Madsen.
Overall, the movie was watchable and fun, especially if you like baseball. But other than the twist in the first fifteen minutes, the film has nothing to offer you won't find in every other baseball movie. Just a different cast (with all due respect to Redford).
The emotional angle was weak, with the part of Memo being overplayed and unbelievable (and hard to interpret). Meanwhile, the connection with Glenn Close is never made clear until too late, at which point the idea is wasted.
The real star of this movie is Bob Duvall, who follows Redford around and writes newspaper stories on him. For some odd reason, he can't recall meeting Hobbs those 16 years ago, but this doesn't stop him from digging up a good story.
Michael Madsen makes an appearance and I want to believe this is one of his first roles. His acting is awful, and you can tell that between lines he is trying too hard to get into character. Whereas in "Reservoir Dogs" he looked natural and calm, here he looks like he'd be more comfortable in a high school musical.
This movie is alright, but steadily declines after the first half. You can go ahead and watch it, but don't call me over to join you.