Surprise This is Not A Comedy

Rating: 8/10 (23 September 2012)

Now that Obama, a modern political Jackie Robinson has been re-elected, there should be more business for this movie. The Jackie Robinson ego and legend for Barack Obama has already been decided in Washington.
When Clint Eastwood appeared at the RNC doing his empty chair comedy routine, I really thought it was a promotion for this new movie. I could not have been more wrong.
This movie is a well done Baseball drama, with just a bit of humor sprinkled in.
The plot while being a bit predictable is easy to follow and you kind of suspect the ending. Overall though, this is a very good film. Eastwood plays the old scout just perfectly. One thing is there is no solution done for the vision problem Eastwood has. We are left hanging on that item as it is forgotten at the end.
Eastwood and Amy Adams do the father-daughter act very well. The storyline has Clint losing his wife when his daughter is 6 years old. This creates a dysfunctional family relationship which is realistically portrayed in the plot by the actors. The real surprise here is Justin Timberlake. While his role is clearly support, he shows some real acting skill. While he is no Eastwood yet, there looks like from judging this one that Timberlake has made the right move here as he shines in his role.
Some very good support in this as John Goodman, one of the most under rated actors in movies is solid in a very good supporting cast. The movie does drag a bit in parts, but at least it does not stop, it just slows down like Eastwood has at this age.
Eastwood is a Baseball Scout, Amy Adams is his daughter and an attorney. John Goodman is the General Manager of the Braves. Timberlake is a scout for the Red Sox. While the results here are not something new and unique, they are solid entertainment.