The "Rocky" of baseball films

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2005)

The Natural is Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), who after being dealt a major setback after being shot when he's on his way to the big-time as a pitching prospect, returns to the game he loves as a middle aged man to hit for the New York Knights. Sure the film is syrupy and conforms to certain Hollywood stereotypes, but it's still an all-around great film..In my mind, this is Redford's shining moment, his best film and quite possibly the best 'baseball' film out there. (the baseball is in quotations because the movie isn't really about the sport) I'm not even going to quibble and say that Roy is kinda dense for not knowing what Glenn Close's character had to tell him WAY in advance. Those who follow my reviews know I don't give out accolades easily, so you know this film deserves the kudos bestowed upon it.
My Grade: A
DVD Extras: 45 minute documentary with Carl Ripkin Jr; Talent files; Theatrical Trailer; Trailers for "Bugsy", and "The Way we Were"