Dawdles a little but still a solid and well made drama centering on the characters

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2012)

I was thrilled to hear Clint Eastwood was coming back to the big screen again. The man can do very little wrong in my eyes. Yes, like many, I was more than a little disillusioned with one of my idols due to his antics at the Republican National Convention but he is still an icon of Hollywood and a legend on the big screen. Trouble With The Curve is a sports drama that revolves all around the characters. The sport takes a back seat to the multiple emotional levels and relationships between our key players. Its well written and the characters are easy to watch. The film definitely is slow in the middle at times and spends a lot of time getting to the point in some cases but it all comes together in the end with a really terrific feel good ending that ties up all the loose ends. The romance in the film is well done and my only complaint about the ending was there was really no resolution to the romantic conflict in the film. It was just sort of too neat and tidy. Many will certainly find the film slow and some may even say it is "boring" but I prefer to think of it as methodical. It doesn't rush and keeps its pace consistent and the actors are good enough that it will entertain fans of drama.
Its nice to see Clint Eastwood is kidding himself with his roles. His role as an ageing and very crusty baseball scout suits him perfectly. He's lost at getting old and losing the only thing he's ever been passionate about and good at. Its sort of a subtle role for him, he doesn't particularly stand out and yet it is a role his fans can respect. The cranky one liners and the growl we all have come to love, this isn't one of his legendary performances but its a solid one nonetheless. Amy Adams is terrific as his intelligent and self reliant daughter. Adams and Eastwood have solid chemistry together and their banter often keeps the film extremely watchable. Adams is a delight to watch and she is certainly one of the best young female actors out there right now. Justin Timberlake is the former ball player turned young hot scout. His character is fun and light and the least intense of all the characters. He is really strictly there for the romance angle with Adams but they are actually really great together! He also delivers his usual charm and energy to the cast which is always welcome. Supporting performances by John Goodman, Robert Patrick and Matthew Lillard are noteworthy and make the film fun.
Robert Lorenz had a big task in front of him being the first director to direct Eastwood in something like twenty years or close to it. However, he's also worked with Eastwood many, many times as second director or various roles. This is however his directorial debut and I think he did a great job. Baseball was always the backdrop but it never took anything away from the characters and their developing relationships. However you look at it, if you like dramas then you'll enjoy the film. If you expect a fast paced film then it won't be for you. The performances are good, the story is well done and its entertaining. That's all you can ask for. 8/10