Full of nostalgia and inspiration.

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2008)

Okay, so it can be a little corny at times, and Robert Redford is always a bit overrated, but this is still quite an inspirational film. The Natural is one of the best kinds of sports movies. It is a film that LOVES the game it is depicting. Sports movies often try but fail to convey their true appreciation for the game they are about. Other times, sports movies are simply parodies of the worst traits of their games. The Natural elevates its story and characters to mythical proportions. The results are generally moving.
Robert Redford is the title character named Roy Hobbs. When we first meet him as a young man, he is all set to become perhaps the greatest pitcher of all time. An unfortunate tragedy robs Hobbs of the next 16 years of his career, and the next time we see him, he is an aging rookie just trying to play right field for the worst team in major league baseball known as the New York Knights. The Knights are quite a bunch of guys. Managed by a grizzled old coach (Brimley), they seem destined to be cellar dwellers until Hobbs is finally given the chance to play and his incredible hitting ability inspires all of them to play like champions. The owner of the team, a crusty old judge, will win full control of the team from Brimiley if they don't win the pennant. He and his cronies attempt to use money and beautiful women to trip Hobbs up, and his character is tested once again as an older man. Will he remain true to the game? Will the wounds from his previous accident prevent him from winning the big game? Apparently not. But I guess in the book, he strikes out in his final at bat. Come on! Robert Redford's ego is way too big to have allowed that ending to be filmed!!! The film scores its most points (or runs) in terms of its nostalgic feeling. You really come away believing that's how things looked for a baseball team in the 1930s. The acting ranges from exceptional to mediocre, to maybe just sub-par. Many of the supporting cast out-shine Redford in little scenes. The man just doesn't have the acting chops to justify his stardom. At least in this film, he isn't smug like he is in so many other films. Roy Hobbs is generally a humble and unassuming character that you feel compelled to root for. Even when he makes a bad decision. Support from Farnsworth, McGavin, and Duvall is outstanding. Kim Basinger might have been a little out of her element, however. But she is nice to look at.
Although the film is loaded with mythology and symbolism, the basic lesson learned is pretty much: Don't rely on your gifts alone. You have to work hard and make good choices in life, or all manner of things can bring you down. Redford also gets major props for developing a great-looking swing. He really looks like a great player should look up in the batter's box. Overall, I'd say this one is about as close to being a classic as you can have without it actually being a classic. 8 of 10 stars.
The Hound.