An Inspirational Sports Family Drama

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2015)

The Rookie tells the inspiring story of Jim Morris,who became a Major League baseball player at age 35.It stars Dennis Quaid,who portrayed Morris together with Rachel Griffiths,Jay Hernandez and Brian Cox.This film directed by John Lee Hancock narrates two inspiring stories.First,it deals with Jim Morris' stint as a Chemistry teacher and the school's - Big Lake High School - baseball team coach.Then,it provides the story on Jim's road of taking another shot dream of playing in the Major League from the try outs to the pitching his first game as a relief pitcher of the Tampa Bay Blue Rays.
It is apparent that the film has a target audience - young adults - about not giving up on their dreams and about reaching the impossible goals that seems to be far fetched.Despite the fact that there is evidence of sign-posted plots and that the events that follow seem to be predictable to the viewer,it manages to become compelling and interesting due to Dennis Quaid's honest portrayal of Jim Morris.His performance allows us to see through the man who has a not-so-good relationship with his father and someone who felt unfulfilled in his favorite sport after he failed to play in the Majors due to many arm injuries that he has suffered.In addition to that,we also get to see someone who is concerned with his students and his perpetually losing baseball team to achieve greater heights.Finally,we get to see him as a caring father to his kids and a loving husband.These qualities made the viewer cheer for him all throughout the movie.
What's also great about this sports family drama is it features two inspiring stories: Big Lake's winning the district championship and Morris' success on becoming the oldest rookie in the Majors.These stories teach the viewer never to give up; and that working hard and having heart in pursuing one's dream provides a better chance into coming into fruition.These lessons will definitely provide inspiration to the viewer in whatever goals and ambition that he has in mind.In summary,The Rookie is definitely one of the best sports film for the young audience out there.