A solid base hit up the middle.

Rating: Null/10 (3 April 2003)

THE ROOKIE is what it is - well made but predictable. Some details were confusing (I thought Jim had two children, then a third one pops up unexpectedly) or incorrect (didn't Morris strike Clayton out looking?), but overall it was a pleasant, inoffensive movie.
As a baseball fan, my favorite moment was the Devil Rays' defensive errors during The Big Game. Anybody who follows the sport would recognize the authenticity of this scene (jeez, that team has sucked for so long), and it was great to see familiar names (Boggs, Canceco) on the jerseys hanging in the locker room, as well as shots of the gorgeous Arlington ballpark, home of the Texas Rangers.
But you know what would have been cool? Since the Durham Bulls make an appearance, why didn't Costner take this role? It'd be a nice touch for the parents, and Costner's participation in this movie would have helped us forgive FOR LOVE OF THE GAME.
With attractive actors and a well-assembled though predictable script, THE ROOKIE is a competent but unspectacular film.