I normally do not like movies about sports. I love sports; just not movies about sports. That being said, this film was not so much about baseball as it was about a father and daughter relationship. It also touched on how technology has taken over the human element of scouting for players. This film is the complete opposite of Money Ball, where technology actually helps in building a team. Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) is an aging scout for the Atlanta Braves who is struggling with his eyesight and the front office has doubts about whether or not he is still up to the job of spotting up and coming talent. Because of this affliction, Gus is a grumpy old man which actually adds a lot of humor to the film. His character kind of reminded me of the character that Eastwood played in Grand Torino. His daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) discovers that her father is having difficulty, reluctantly takes on the roll of caregiver and follows her father on his scouting adventure. Incidentally, she knows more about baseball than probably anyone else in this film. Johnny Flanagan (Justin Timberlake) is an aspiring sports announcer who was scouted by Gus years ago. The relationship that develops between Mickey (named for Mickey Mantle) and Johnny is fun to watch and provides some insight to Mickey's reluctance to develop a serious relationship with any man. Pete Klein (John Goodman) plays the mediator role that brings Mickey and Gus together. I really liked his unyielding devotion and trust to Gus. It was also good to once again see Scott Eastwood (Billy Clark) act alongside his father. They have acted together in several films, and it was good to see them spending some family time together. I think that the entire cast definitely made this film better and I am sure that it will draw young viewers to the theater. I do not think that this film was utterly brilliant, but it was thoroughly entertaining. There were aspects of the film that were totally predictable, but I looked forward to seeing it play out. Director Robert Lorenz may not have hit it out of the park (like he did with Million Dollar Baby), but I think that it is a definite triple play. I recommend that you do not sit on the bench and go out and see this film. I give this film a green light.
217 Reviews
Trouble With The Curve Hits A Solid Home Run
patsworld11 October 2012
Clint Eastwood has being a curmudgeon honed to perfection. How refreshing to see a mature actor creating appropriate roles, and not trying to be a plastic version of his - or her, for that matter in many cases - former self playing inappropriately younger parts. He is excellent in this movie. Amy Adams is, as in every film I've seen her in, a total delight. I never was a fan of John Goodman in his earlier years, but the older he gets and the meatier the roles he takes on, the more appreciation I have for him. And Justin Timberlake has a role absolutely meant for him. He is a sexy little hunk, no doubt about it, with personality to spare. Oh, I loved this movie! The exhilaration of baseball, the heart-tugging familiarity of family issues
.this one has a lot going for it and I enjoyed each and every minute of it. It's as good as expectations built it up to be. I would advise you not to miss this one!
Lightened up Mr. Eastwood
dvc515921 September 2012
"How the hell do you know I'm lucky to survive?"
Legendary screen icon Clint Eastwood returns in front of the camera since his hit "Gran Torino". No matter what anyone else thinks of him, I will always admire the man. He is one of my heroes. Who else can personify the action hero perfectly, become a gifted filmmaker, improve his acting ability as he ages AND be quite the jazz musician?
Mr. Eastwood may be old but he still has a commanding presence on screen. Granted, he might be the only leading octogenarian in Hollywood right now, but still, I digress. He is old. That is a fact. At the age of 82, seeing him play an elderly man losing his sight while bonding with his distant daughter makes it quite sad for me to watch. However, "Trouble With the Curve" is a breeze to watch.
It is not a baseball movie, although baseball is the basis of the film's story. Nor is it a depressing drama (Mr. Eastwood's favorite genre of late). It is a father-daughter bonding dramedy, with some great chemistry between Mr. Eastwood and Amy Adams as his estranged daughter. Justin Timberlake also arrives to lighten up the atmosphere even more, and his presence is welcome in the film.
Mr. Eastwood is not in the director's chair this time. His long-time producer partner, Robert Lorenz, makes his directorial debut with this film. Apparently Lorenz directs the cast with ease although it feels too by-the-numbers. But hey, there are much worse debuts. Judging from the breezy pace and the somewhat brisk editing and lively cinematography, it's clear from the get-go that the superb "Eastwood touch" is not evident in the film, even though some of Mr. Eastwood's key players are still here - cinematographer Tom Stern and editor Joel Cox - though the music by Marco Beltrami (not Mr. Eastwood nor his son this time!) complements the atmosphere pleasantly.
Look, this is not a great film. It's a pedestrian and predictable film, with Mr. Eastwood, Adams, Timberlake, as well as an impressive supporting cast featuring John Goodman and Robert Patrick, phoning in the performances. Both Adams and Mr. Eastwood have acted much more superbly in better previous movies ("Gran Torino", "Million Dollar Baby", "The Fighter"). But it is funny, it is sad at times (Mr. Eastwood's heart-wrenching singing of 'You are My Sunshine' is forever embedded in my head), and it is easy on the eyes, ears and mind, a relaxing pleasure to watch. It is great entertainment. From all the big- budget blockbusters out in cinemas last summer, this is a joy. You'll walk out smiling.
Overall: 70%
Legendary screen icon Clint Eastwood returns in front of the camera since his hit "Gran Torino". No matter what anyone else thinks of him, I will always admire the man. He is one of my heroes. Who else can personify the action hero perfectly, become a gifted filmmaker, improve his acting ability as he ages AND be quite the jazz musician?
Mr. Eastwood may be old but he still has a commanding presence on screen. Granted, he might be the only leading octogenarian in Hollywood right now, but still, I digress. He is old. That is a fact. At the age of 82, seeing him play an elderly man losing his sight while bonding with his distant daughter makes it quite sad for me to watch. However, "Trouble With the Curve" is a breeze to watch.
It is not a baseball movie, although baseball is the basis of the film's story. Nor is it a depressing drama (Mr. Eastwood's favorite genre of late). It is a father-daughter bonding dramedy, with some great chemistry between Mr. Eastwood and Amy Adams as his estranged daughter. Justin Timberlake also arrives to lighten up the atmosphere even more, and his presence is welcome in the film.
Mr. Eastwood is not in the director's chair this time. His long-time producer partner, Robert Lorenz, makes his directorial debut with this film. Apparently Lorenz directs the cast with ease although it feels too by-the-numbers. But hey, there are much worse debuts. Judging from the breezy pace and the somewhat brisk editing and lively cinematography, it's clear from the get-go that the superb "Eastwood touch" is not evident in the film, even though some of Mr. Eastwood's key players are still here - cinematographer Tom Stern and editor Joel Cox - though the music by Marco Beltrami (not Mr. Eastwood nor his son this time!) complements the atmosphere pleasantly.
Look, this is not a great film. It's a pedestrian and predictable film, with Mr. Eastwood, Adams, Timberlake, as well as an impressive supporting cast featuring John Goodman and Robert Patrick, phoning in the performances. Both Adams and Mr. Eastwood have acted much more superbly in better previous movies ("Gran Torino", "Million Dollar Baby", "The Fighter"). But it is funny, it is sad at times (Mr. Eastwood's heart-wrenching singing of 'You are My Sunshine' is forever embedded in my head), and it is easy on the eyes, ears and mind, a relaxing pleasure to watch. It is great entertainment. From all the big- budget blockbusters out in cinemas last summer, this is a joy. You'll walk out smiling.
Overall: 70%
Feeling and hearing it
kosmasp22 July 2013
I didn't think Clint Eastwood would star in a movie he doesn't direct anymore. Actually I never thought he'd star in a movie period. Then again Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake are there to support him. And if you look at it closely it's more an Amy Adams vehicle. Still the daughter-father relationship is explored in major detail here. And it works for the movie as well, even if it sometimes feels a little clichéd.
I'm not that familiar with the game as most Americans are, but the theme of technology against human is not uncommon. And it shouldn't surprise when you have Clint in the movie either. There is drama and there is comedy, but everything is carried by the three mentioned performances. They are believable and if you can dig the story, you will like the movie too
I'm not that familiar with the game as most Americans are, but the theme of technology against human is not uncommon. And it shouldn't surprise when you have Clint in the movie either. There is drama and there is comedy, but everything is carried by the three mentioned performances. They are believable and if you can dig the story, you will like the movie too
Unchallenging and predictable but also charming in an old fashioned movie sort of way
juneebuggy27 October 2016
I liked this one quite a bit even though it borders on predictable and Clint Eastwood portrays exactly the same hard headed, grumpy old man character he did in 'Gran Torino' and 'Million Dollar Baby'. Amy Adams is likable and engaging as his daughter and there is also a more than decent back up cast in Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Robert Patrick, Matthew Lillard and George Wyner.
This is not so much a baseball movie as a drama following Gus Lobel, a veteran talent scout for the Atlanta Braves whose eyesight (and ability to pee) is failing him. The front office begins to question if he has become to old to continue and an upcoming scouting job could be his last.
This brings in his estranged daughter who reteams with Gus, putting her own career in jeopardy while hoping to finally get some answers from dad who (in another cliché Clint storyline) can't let go of the past.
We also get a lukewarm romance between Adams and a former pick of Gus's turned rival scout named Johnny (Timberlake).
As a whole this was unchallenging and predictable but also heartwarming and charming in an old fashioned movie sort of way. Its worth a watch. 10/23/16
This is not so much a baseball movie as a drama following Gus Lobel, a veteran talent scout for the Atlanta Braves whose eyesight (and ability to pee) is failing him. The front office begins to question if he has become to old to continue and an upcoming scouting job could be his last.
This brings in his estranged daughter who reteams with Gus, putting her own career in jeopardy while hoping to finally get some answers from dad who (in another cliché Clint storyline) can't let go of the past.
We also get a lukewarm romance between Adams and a former pick of Gus's turned rival scout named Johnny (Timberlake).
As a whole this was unchallenging and predictable but also heartwarming and charming in an old fashioned movie sort of way. Its worth a watch. 10/23/16
A Movie with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams Can only Be Great
claudio_carvalho4 May 2013
In Atlanta, the aging Brave's baseball scout Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) is near the end of his contract and the manager Vince (Robert Patrick) questions whether it is not the time for his retirement. Meanwhile the stubborn and grumpy Gus learns that he has problems with his eyes and need to go to a specialist but he hides the medical recommendation from everybody.
Gus's boss and friend Pete Klein (John Goodman) knows that baseball is the pride and joy of Gus and a retirement would kill him and asks him to travel to North Caroline to scout the promising player Bo Gentry (Joe Massingill). Pete also protects Gus from the ambitious colleague Phillip Sanderson (Matthew Lillard) that wants his position and to get Gus fired. Pete visits Gus's estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams), who is an efficient lawyer that is disputing a partnership in the office where she works with her colleague Todd (James Patrick Freetly), and asks her to travel with Gus to North Caroline. Mickey is a great fan of baseball and has a great knowledge of the sport since she used to travel with her father when she was young, but she has a childhood trauma since Gus abandoned her with an uncle when she was a child.
In North Caroline, Gus meets the former pitcher Johnny (Justin Timberlake), who had an early retirement due to an injured shoulder and now is scouting for the Red Socks but aiming to be a broadcaster. When he meets Mickey, there is a mutual attraction between them. Along the days, Gus discovers that Gentry has problems with balls pitched in curve and he does not recommend the player to the Brave. He also tells Johnny about Gentry's problem. But when Phillip advises Vince to hire Gentry, Vince's decision affects the lives of Gus, Mickey and Johnny.
"Trouble with the Curve" is a good movie with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams about baseball and relationship. It is impressive the longevity of Clint Eastwood and how adapted he is to this phase of his life. Amy Adams is one of most delightful actresses of Hollywood. The story entwines drama with romance and sport and the result is an enjoyable movie even for those like me that are not fan of baseball. My vote is seven,
Title (Brazil): "Curvas da Vida" ("Curves of the Life")
Gus's boss and friend Pete Klein (John Goodman) knows that baseball is the pride and joy of Gus and a retirement would kill him and asks him to travel to North Caroline to scout the promising player Bo Gentry (Joe Massingill). Pete also protects Gus from the ambitious colleague Phillip Sanderson (Matthew Lillard) that wants his position and to get Gus fired. Pete visits Gus's estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams), who is an efficient lawyer that is disputing a partnership in the office where she works with her colleague Todd (James Patrick Freetly), and asks her to travel with Gus to North Caroline. Mickey is a great fan of baseball and has a great knowledge of the sport since she used to travel with her father when she was young, but she has a childhood trauma since Gus abandoned her with an uncle when she was a child.
In North Caroline, Gus meets the former pitcher Johnny (Justin Timberlake), who had an early retirement due to an injured shoulder and now is scouting for the Red Socks but aiming to be a broadcaster. When he meets Mickey, there is a mutual attraction between them. Along the days, Gus discovers that Gentry has problems with balls pitched in curve and he does not recommend the player to the Brave. He also tells Johnny about Gentry's problem. But when Phillip advises Vince to hire Gentry, Vince's decision affects the lives of Gus, Mickey and Johnny.
"Trouble with the Curve" is a good movie with Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams about baseball and relationship. It is impressive the longevity of Clint Eastwood and how adapted he is to this phase of his life. Amy Adams is one of most delightful actresses of Hollywood. The story entwines drama with romance and sport and the result is an enjoyable movie even for those like me that are not fan of baseball. My vote is seven,
Title (Brazil): "Curvas da Vida" ("Curves of the Life")
Well-balanced baseball themed movie, Adams and Timberlake play well off Eastwood.
TxMike12 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s as a baseball fan, playing some ball and seeing teams like the Dodgers, the Cardinals, the Mets, the Giants, and the Colt 45s play MLB. So seeing this baseball themed movie with a veteran like Clint Eastwood was just a joy. There is little actual baseball playing here, the focus is on scouting. Embedded is the story of a man and the strained relationship with his adult daughter, a high-powered Atlanta lawyer.
Clint Eastwood is veteran scout Gus, who does it the old-fashioned way, he reads newspapers, goes out to see what prospects look like, and has developed a sense that allows him to "hear" clues. But old Gus is losing his eyesight, he stumbles over things, he gets angry, everyone around him senses something is wrong, but Gus is too proud to admit he has early macular degeneration. Plus the hot-shot scouts using computers for their scouting razz him about being out of date.
Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses, she is very attractive and athletic, and always creates interesting characters. Here as daughter Mickey (named after Mickey Mantle) she must be a top-notch, hard-nosed lawyer pushing for partnership in the firm, plus be a capable, knowledgeable baseball person who has "scouting" instincts. She and Gus have not been on good terms for years, since her mom died when Mickey was 6. She always struggled with what she saw as Gus simply being an "absent father".
Gus may lose his job when his contract expires in 3 months, he has a critical scouting trip coming up, Mickey learns about his eye problem by pressing the eye doctor, so to protect her dad she takes time off a critical project of her own to join him on the scouting trip. This eventually affords them the opportunity to clear some things up.
One of the people she meets in Justin Timberlake as Johnny, an old friend of her dad's, he was recruited by Gus as a pitcher but his career ended prematurely from being over-pitched and he suffered shoulder injuries. So now he is scouting, and hoping for a promotion to on-air commentator for the home team.
While the whole story is straightforward and easy to follow, there is a lot of complexity and the movie is done very well. Plus the resolution in the last couple of scenes is very heartwarming. My wife and I both enjoyed it. Good movie.
I saw it twice, 4 days apart, and enjoyed it even more the second time.
A bit of trivia, there is a character, Rigo, who is working as a peanut vendor at a school baseball game. When he tosses a bag it seems that he has a pretty good arm. Later he becomes the subject of a "discovery" as a lefthanded pitcher. Jay Galloway, totally new actor, plays that role, he was chosen because he in actuality is a lefthanded pitcher in school.
(Of note, the young hitter Billy Clark, lonesome for his mom, is played by Clint's real-life son Scott Eastwood.)
SPOILERS: The hot-shot computerized recruiters drafted a kid who was a good hitter, but Gus and Mickey had determined he can't hit a curve ball ("Trouble with The Curve"). Meanwhile Mickey "discovered" Rigo, throwing outside her motel room, she put on the mitt and caught a few, "listened" for the right sound. She talked Gus's boss into giving him a tryout. He pitched against the new recruit, who failed to make even contact with any pitch, fastball or curveball. Mickey would give up her quest for law firm partnership and become an agent as a start to her baseball career.
Clint Eastwood is veteran scout Gus, who does it the old-fashioned way, he reads newspapers, goes out to see what prospects look like, and has developed a sense that allows him to "hear" clues. But old Gus is losing his eyesight, he stumbles over things, he gets angry, everyone around him senses something is wrong, but Gus is too proud to admit he has early macular degeneration. Plus the hot-shot scouts using computers for their scouting razz him about being out of date.
Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses, she is very attractive and athletic, and always creates interesting characters. Here as daughter Mickey (named after Mickey Mantle) she must be a top-notch, hard-nosed lawyer pushing for partnership in the firm, plus be a capable, knowledgeable baseball person who has "scouting" instincts. She and Gus have not been on good terms for years, since her mom died when Mickey was 6. She always struggled with what she saw as Gus simply being an "absent father".
Gus may lose his job when his contract expires in 3 months, he has a critical scouting trip coming up, Mickey learns about his eye problem by pressing the eye doctor, so to protect her dad she takes time off a critical project of her own to join him on the scouting trip. This eventually affords them the opportunity to clear some things up.
One of the people she meets in Justin Timberlake as Johnny, an old friend of her dad's, he was recruited by Gus as a pitcher but his career ended prematurely from being over-pitched and he suffered shoulder injuries. So now he is scouting, and hoping for a promotion to on-air commentator for the home team.
While the whole story is straightforward and easy to follow, there is a lot of complexity and the movie is done very well. Plus the resolution in the last couple of scenes is very heartwarming. My wife and I both enjoyed it. Good movie.
I saw it twice, 4 days apart, and enjoyed it even more the second time.
A bit of trivia, there is a character, Rigo, who is working as a peanut vendor at a school baseball game. When he tosses a bag it seems that he has a pretty good arm. Later he becomes the subject of a "discovery" as a lefthanded pitcher. Jay Galloway, totally new actor, plays that role, he was chosen because he in actuality is a lefthanded pitcher in school.
(Of note, the young hitter Billy Clark, lonesome for his mom, is played by Clint's real-life son Scott Eastwood.)
SPOILERS: The hot-shot computerized recruiters drafted a kid who was a good hitter, but Gus and Mickey had determined he can't hit a curve ball ("Trouble with The Curve"). Meanwhile Mickey "discovered" Rigo, throwing outside her motel room, she put on the mitt and caught a few, "listened" for the right sound. She talked Gus's boss into giving him a tryout. He pitched against the new recruit, who failed to make even contact with any pitch, fastball or curveball. Mickey would give up her quest for law firm partnership and become an agent as a start to her baseball career.
"Is that it. Is that all you got?"
classicsoncall9 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Well I think Mr. Eastwood threw us all a curve ball this time. This isn't so much a movie about baseball as it is about relationships and coming to terms with advancing old age, and there probably isn't a better role model for portraying that realistically than Clint. One thing is sure, Eastwood isn't afraid to film himself in an unfavorable light. There's one scene where he's looking at himself in the mirror and he looks even older than his eighty two years; it was rather shocking to this viewer who has occasion to view a young Rowdy Yates riding the trail in 'Rawhide' every now and then.
Considering Eastwood's most recent work, "Trouble With the Curve" isn't going to rank up there with films like "Million Dollar Baby" or "Gran Torino". Those pictures had his directorial touch, a quality that's notably absent here. Character and story development seem almost secondary here, and even though the pace of the film progresses smoothly enough, much of it is predictable without any twists or surprises.
The thing that kept me off balance a bit here was the role of Bo Gentry. Considering the importance of his character to the flow of the story, I kept wondering why the film makers selected a non-athletic looking Joe Massengill to play the part. He had the annoying blow hard thing going well enough, but he just didn't look like a good ball player to me, even as he was hitting them out of the park. It didn't surprise me one bit when old Peanut Boy blew his doors off to end the story.
Baseball fans interested in the science of the game won't find this in the same league as "Moneyball", but if you're looking for a breezy picture to while away a couple hours this fills the bill well enough. There's definitely a nod to the youthful audience with Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake on hand, while John Goodman surprises portraying a generally sympathetic character trying to bridge the father/daughter divide between the principal players. If you lower your expectations from some of Clint Eastwood's other recent work, this will manage to entertain fairly well.
Considering Eastwood's most recent work, "Trouble With the Curve" isn't going to rank up there with films like "Million Dollar Baby" or "Gran Torino". Those pictures had his directorial touch, a quality that's notably absent here. Character and story development seem almost secondary here, and even though the pace of the film progresses smoothly enough, much of it is predictable without any twists or surprises.
The thing that kept me off balance a bit here was the role of Bo Gentry. Considering the importance of his character to the flow of the story, I kept wondering why the film makers selected a non-athletic looking Joe Massengill to play the part. He had the annoying blow hard thing going well enough, but he just didn't look like a good ball player to me, even as he was hitting them out of the park. It didn't surprise me one bit when old Peanut Boy blew his doors off to end the story.
Baseball fans interested in the science of the game won't find this in the same league as "Moneyball", but if you're looking for a breezy picture to while away a couple hours this fills the bill well enough. There's definitely a nod to the youthful audience with Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake on hand, while John Goodman surprises portraying a generally sympathetic character trying to bridge the father/daughter divide between the principal players. If you lower your expectations from some of Clint Eastwood's other recent work, this will manage to entertain fairly well.
Not Eastwood's best, but nod bad
Treyroo24 November 2012
Your one surviving parent is slowly losing his sight. You have a very difficult relationship and, at the same time, are coming to a turning point in your own career. What do you do tend to, your career or your family?
Gus Lobel (played by Clint Eastwood) is a scout for the Atlanta Braves and has resisted the change occurring in his business and the world around him with every fiber of his being. While his immediate superior and longtime friend Pete (played by John Goodman) values Gus's opinion and defends him against his detractors, one of them is Pete's boss and Gus's ultimate superior. That man, Pete Silver (played by Matthew Lillard) is determined to fire Gus even though he is completely unaware of Gus's failing eyesight. To Silver, a man who relies on statistics and equations over experience and first-hand observation, Gus is a relic of a time gone by. Gus is given one chance, scouting a highly-coveted player in North Carolina, to prove his value to the organization. Pete worries about his friend and so, behind his back, he contacts Gus's daughter Mickey (played by Amy Adams). Mickey is a lawyer on a partnership track in a prestigious firm with a pressing case on the horizon. She's been told that her handling of this case will determine the outcome of the upcoming partnership vote. Still, despite a strained relationship between the two of them, she chooses to go to her father's aide in rural North Carolina and work in her hotel room and over the internet. When Gus informs Mickey that his eyes are starting to fail him, she begins taking an active role in her father's scouting trip. A task she is well-suited for, after a spending a large portion of her formative years by her father's side on scouting trips. In addition to colleagues Gus has known for many years, there is Johnny Flanagan, a relatively inexperienced scout who Gus recruited into the major leagues and who later suffered a career-ending injury. Johnny (played by Justin Timberlake) thinks of Gus as a mentor and, separately, takes an immediate romantic interest in Mickey.
Now, many believed that 2008's Gran Torino would be the end of Eastwood's career, both as a director and an actor. Some who thought little of the film even took great joy in the very idea of Eastwood's retirement. I was not among them. I won't say this is better than Gran Torino or Million Dollar Baby, it isn't. Still, it's an enjoyable film about the endurance of family that also manages to incorporate some timeless wisdom regarding the quintessential American sport. The budding relationship between Mickey and Johnny isn't given as much time, though that's probably for the best.
Gus Lobel (played by Clint Eastwood) is a scout for the Atlanta Braves and has resisted the change occurring in his business and the world around him with every fiber of his being. While his immediate superior and longtime friend Pete (played by John Goodman) values Gus's opinion and defends him against his detractors, one of them is Pete's boss and Gus's ultimate superior. That man, Pete Silver (played by Matthew Lillard) is determined to fire Gus even though he is completely unaware of Gus's failing eyesight. To Silver, a man who relies on statistics and equations over experience and first-hand observation, Gus is a relic of a time gone by. Gus is given one chance, scouting a highly-coveted player in North Carolina, to prove his value to the organization. Pete worries about his friend and so, behind his back, he contacts Gus's daughter Mickey (played by Amy Adams). Mickey is a lawyer on a partnership track in a prestigious firm with a pressing case on the horizon. She's been told that her handling of this case will determine the outcome of the upcoming partnership vote. Still, despite a strained relationship between the two of them, she chooses to go to her father's aide in rural North Carolina and work in her hotel room and over the internet. When Gus informs Mickey that his eyes are starting to fail him, she begins taking an active role in her father's scouting trip. A task she is well-suited for, after a spending a large portion of her formative years by her father's side on scouting trips. In addition to colleagues Gus has known for many years, there is Johnny Flanagan, a relatively inexperienced scout who Gus recruited into the major leagues and who later suffered a career-ending injury. Johnny (played by Justin Timberlake) thinks of Gus as a mentor and, separately, takes an immediate romantic interest in Mickey.
Now, many believed that 2008's Gran Torino would be the end of Eastwood's career, both as a director and an actor. Some who thought little of the film even took great joy in the very idea of Eastwood's retirement. I was not among them. I won't say this is better than Gran Torino or Million Dollar Baby, it isn't. Still, it's an enjoyable film about the endurance of family that also manages to incorporate some timeless wisdom regarding the quintessential American sport. The budding relationship between Mickey and Johnny isn't given as much time, though that's probably for the best.
A possible pioneer
StevePulaski22 September 2012
It pains me to say that I've already heard many people say they will not be seeing Trouble with the Curve because of Clint Eastwood's "antics" at the Republican National Convention just a few weeks ago. Their loss. Not being able to separate the man from the actor is something that took me a while to do, but the way some do it now is childish and immature. I wonder if those same people knew Eastwood was a Libertarian/Republican when he was playing "Dirty Harry." Hard to believe it has been nineteen years since Eastwood himself acted in a film he has not directed. He lends the camera to Robert Lorenz, who assisted him in directing much of Eastwood's filmography, including Flags of Our Fathers and the acclaimed Best Picture winner Million Dollar Baby. Lorenz's captures screenwriter Randy Brown's simple but uplifting, intimate story of a man's devotion to a game and his brewing reconnection with his daughter he seemingly abandoned at a young age.
I'll catch you up; Eastwood plays Gus Lobel, an elderly scout for the Atlanta Braves baseball team, who is becoming increasingly frail and ill-equipped with deteriorating eyesight. The Braves are losing faith in Gus's abilities, because in recent years, baseball has been run more by computer predictions and online statistics rather than physically sitting in the stands and scouting. Gus doesn't hold back on his hatred for computers, making them sound like limited fossils and being unable to predict more detailed outcomes. One wonders if he is mindlessly ranting or wouldn't even like a computer if he knew how to use one.
Pete, played by John Goodman, on a roll now with winning films, is Gus's close friend who is convincing the Braves' organization that despite Gus's poor eyesight, that he is an invaluable asset and needs to stay. He recruits Gus's daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), to assist him in scouting a young prodigy in North Carolina, who currently plays for a high school team. Mickey's mother died when she was young and shortly after, Gus sent her to live with relatives whom she barely knew. During the scouting trip, Mickey winds up meeting one of Gus's friends whom he used to scout back in the day, named Johnny "The Flame" Flanagan (Justin Timberlake), for his one-hundred mile-an-hour fastball. We can see where this is headed.
We can see where much of the film is headed throughout its runtime but it's scarcely a burden because the warmth and bold character study on three of 2012's most interesting characters is a soothing and efficient one. Eastwood turns in the racism and foul rants he expertly utilized in Gran Torino for some nuanced anger as Gus, and as always, comes off as charismatic and effortlessly likable. Amy Adams does some fine work here, showing us that she is an up-and-coming female actress that is going under the radar, somewhat like Emily Blunt, and fearlessly plays the role of a woman in desperate need of answers, which her father will not give her. And Justin Timberlake continues to show is versatility and heart playing a totally different character from his last one and hitting every note properly.
It would appear that screenwriter Aaron Sorkin could have possibly started a new trend with sports films that was seldom seen before his film Moneyball, and that trend is centering a story around a sport but making the center the characters and not the on-field theatrics. Never are we truly consumed in the story of this young scouter, but we shouldn't be. And never were we truly gripped by the Oakland Athletics players in Moneyball - mainly because we never saw them play or were even formally acquainted with them. Both films center around the same sport, but ones' agenda is to show the gritter business side of baseball, while the other is the story of a father and daughter reconnecting with the sport in the foreground. With both films, it's needless to say, I'm all for this brewing trend.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard, and John Goodman. Directed by: Robert Lorenz.
I'll catch you up; Eastwood plays Gus Lobel, an elderly scout for the Atlanta Braves baseball team, who is becoming increasingly frail and ill-equipped with deteriorating eyesight. The Braves are losing faith in Gus's abilities, because in recent years, baseball has been run more by computer predictions and online statistics rather than physically sitting in the stands and scouting. Gus doesn't hold back on his hatred for computers, making them sound like limited fossils and being unable to predict more detailed outcomes. One wonders if he is mindlessly ranting or wouldn't even like a computer if he knew how to use one.
Pete, played by John Goodman, on a roll now with winning films, is Gus's close friend who is convincing the Braves' organization that despite Gus's poor eyesight, that he is an invaluable asset and needs to stay. He recruits Gus's daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), to assist him in scouting a young prodigy in North Carolina, who currently plays for a high school team. Mickey's mother died when she was young and shortly after, Gus sent her to live with relatives whom she barely knew. During the scouting trip, Mickey winds up meeting one of Gus's friends whom he used to scout back in the day, named Johnny "The Flame" Flanagan (Justin Timberlake), for his one-hundred mile-an-hour fastball. We can see where this is headed.
We can see where much of the film is headed throughout its runtime but it's scarcely a burden because the warmth and bold character study on three of 2012's most interesting characters is a soothing and efficient one. Eastwood turns in the racism and foul rants he expertly utilized in Gran Torino for some nuanced anger as Gus, and as always, comes off as charismatic and effortlessly likable. Amy Adams does some fine work here, showing us that she is an up-and-coming female actress that is going under the radar, somewhat like Emily Blunt, and fearlessly plays the role of a woman in desperate need of answers, which her father will not give her. And Justin Timberlake continues to show is versatility and heart playing a totally different character from his last one and hitting every note properly.
It would appear that screenwriter Aaron Sorkin could have possibly started a new trend with sports films that was seldom seen before his film Moneyball, and that trend is centering a story around a sport but making the center the characters and not the on-field theatrics. Never are we truly consumed in the story of this young scouter, but we shouldn't be. And never were we truly gripped by the Oakland Athletics players in Moneyball - mainly because we never saw them play or were even formally acquainted with them. Both films center around the same sport, but ones' agenda is to show the gritter business side of baseball, while the other is the story of a father and daughter reconnecting with the sport in the foreground. With both films, it's needless to say, I'm all for this brewing trend.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard, and John Goodman. Directed by: Robert Lorenz.
Excellent feel-good movie
cpbadgeman19 January 2013
Despite announcing his retirement from acting some years back after appearing in "Gran Torino", Clint Eastwood is at it again. This time around he plays Gus, an aging baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves who is concealing the fact that he is starting to lose his eyesight. Nonetheless he gets himself assigned to select their first-draft pick before (perhaps) being shunted into retirement by a younger generation who trust computers more than experience, knowledge, and intuition. Knowing that Gus is in trouble, his best friend (John Goodman) persuades his estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) to go on the road with him to North Carolina to help out. Mickey is a fanatic about baseball because it was her only way to connect with him during her childhood when he seemingly all but abandoned her after her mother died. The film then depicts how Gus and Mickey awkwardly try to rebuild what looks like an irreparably broken relationship.
The plot has enough twists and turns to hold the viewer's attention and subtly highlights the central theme of how rewarding, complex, and difficult real human relationships can be. All the principals are in top form, including Justin Timberlake as a former draft of Gus' who is shooting for a job as a sports announcer, but Amy Adams is especially good- she delivers a perfectly tuned and moving performance. The strong supporting cast are excellent also.
All in all this is a gently funny, unpretentious, and well-acted human drama with a big beautiful heart.
The plot has enough twists and turns to hold the viewer's attention and subtly highlights the central theme of how rewarding, complex, and difficult real human relationships can be. All the principals are in top form, including Justin Timberlake as a former draft of Gus' who is shooting for a job as a sports announcer, but Amy Adams is especially good- she delivers a perfectly tuned and moving performance. The strong supporting cast are excellent also.
All in all this is a gently funny, unpretentious, and well-acted human drama with a big beautiful heart.
Well Worth Seeing
kez021 September 2012
Just got back from seeing this movie, and I enjoyed it very much.
I'm not a person who follows sports, and even though baseball terms were thrown around, I had no problem keeping up with the story. The casting was phenomenal; each character was portrayed perfectly by the actors.
The story may be a little cliché, but it was enjoyable all the same. The plot is about a father and grown daughter trying to reconnect over baseball scouting. There is drama, laughs, and even a few tears along the way.
I highly recommend this movie.
I'm not a person who follows sports, and even though baseball terms were thrown around, I had no problem keeping up with the story. The casting was phenomenal; each character was portrayed perfectly by the actors.
The story may be a little cliché, but it was enjoyable all the same. The plot is about a father and grown daughter trying to reconnect over baseball scouting. There is drama, laughs, and even a few tears along the way.
I highly recommend this movie.
That's life after all
valadas13 December 2012
Do you like baseball?If you don't, don't worry because this movie is only apparently about baseball. Baseball here is a mere pretext to show life problems and troubles such as about someone who is at risk of losing his job for becoming ill, a lawyer that is endangering her position in a lawyer's firm for losing time in giving too much attention to his ailing father and the difficulties experienced by a young woman in finding a boyfriend. An old baseball scout is losing his eyesight and this puts his job at risk while his thirtyish daughter is very worried about that and wants to be more careful with him against his will since he is rather intractable. This puts her career at risk in the firm she works for because of the time she is losing. Besides that she has difficulty in finding herself a boyfriend (maybe for the same reason)despite the fact that she is very pretty. Father and daughter love each other deeply though very reluctant in showing it. The performers are very good mainly Amy Adams as the daughter who does a superb job. The images and dialogues are particularly revealing of what is going on. The movie is very good in what concerns sentiments, emotions and drama. It could be classified as very good if it were not for the easy, hazardous and random solution found in the end to solve all the problems and troubles.
Far Too Contrived and Formulaic
larrys326 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
With the talents of Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, and John Goodman you would think you'd be in for a really good movie. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that was the case. It seemed the makers of the film went out of their way to make the film as contrived and formulaic as possible. With the various soap operaish plot elements and stilted dialog I was rolling my eyes in disbelief, especially in the final twenty minutes or so of the film.
I'm a big fan of Clint Eastwood's movie work, but I thought that the concept of him being Amy Adams' father was really far fetched. Grandfather maybe. Adams, as usual, lights up the screen whenever she appears, with her vivaciousness and charisma. John Goodman does his usual solid job as the Braves Director of Scouting, and Eastwood's boss. He tries to help Eastwood and shield him from the young "vultures" who want to put Eastwood "out to pasture" once and for all. Matthew Lillard is believable as the top young "vulture" butt-kisser who has no respect for Eastwood and wants to enhance his own career.
So with all this talent and what could have been a really decent story, why did the film makers have to take the predictable path at just about every turn? Oh well, just one man's opinion.
I'm a big fan of Clint Eastwood's movie work, but I thought that the concept of him being Amy Adams' father was really far fetched. Grandfather maybe. Adams, as usual, lights up the screen whenever she appears, with her vivaciousness and charisma. John Goodman does his usual solid job as the Braves Director of Scouting, and Eastwood's boss. He tries to help Eastwood and shield him from the young "vultures" who want to put Eastwood "out to pasture" once and for all. Matthew Lillard is believable as the top young "vulture" butt-kisser who has no respect for Eastwood and wants to enhance his own career.
So with all this talent and what could have been a really decent story, why did the film makers have to take the predictable path at just about every turn? Oh well, just one man's opinion.
Well Worth Watching. The Leads Are Superb.
DUKEJBM23 September 2012
Maybe sentimentality got the better of me but whatever the case, I enjoyed this movie. Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and even Justin Timberlake are all wonderful in their roles. Sure the story itself is predictable and not really deep but the film does deliver heart. I liked John Goodman's character but the rest of the supporting cast of characters is shallow to the point of cheese. (Front office computer heavy sleazeball, punk high school kid, etc.) There's enough baseball to keep the baseball fan satisfied and I kind of like that this movie really is the anti-Moneyball film. No one plays grumpy better than the aged Eastwood!
I Wish I Could Go "Skinny-Dipping" With Amy Adams
Casablanca37848 October 2012
This picture has just about every aspect of life, yet, I found it Clint's worst except for the "Unforgiven." When I write "every aspect" I mean love, hate, child abuse, elation, disappointment and all the rest of the stuff we encounter daily. Regarding its relevance to baseball,if you follow the Braves or Red Sox, then you might salivate but I root for neither.
Clint's aging as all of us are but he was better talking to an empty chair than trying to come across as Gus, the one time MLB super scout. He seems too angry and filled with spittle and venom for the role. However Amy Adams is really great "eye candy" but could have shown much more in that "skinny dipping" scene. I was disappointed because she is an absolute knockout. Justin Timberlake is a better singer than actor.
Yes the story has some very good points but overall, the film is overly long and boring. I rate it a 6 with a yawn. I like baseball. I just saw "Moneyball" which I consider a SUPERB baseball film while "Curve" leaves a lot to be desired. Clint, go talk to a chair! Furthermore I predict a box office flop and the film will be out on DVD in 6 weeks.
Clint's aging as all of us are but he was better talking to an empty chair than trying to come across as Gus, the one time MLB super scout. He seems too angry and filled with spittle and venom for the role. However Amy Adams is really great "eye candy" but could have shown much more in that "skinny dipping" scene. I was disappointed because she is an absolute knockout. Justin Timberlake is a better singer than actor.
Yes the story has some very good points but overall, the film is overly long and boring. I rate it a 6 with a yawn. I like baseball. I just saw "Moneyball" which I consider a SUPERB baseball film while "Curve" leaves a lot to be desired. Clint, go talk to a chair! Furthermore I predict a box office flop and the film will be out on DVD in 6 weeks.
The Vidiot Reviews
capone66619 December 2012
Trouble With the Curve
The hardest part of being a baseball scout must be propositioning the young prospects without them getting the wrong idea, and beating you with their bat.
Thankfully, the scrutinizer in this drama has his attractive daughter to do the confronting.
Unwilling to rely on computers to pick his players, Atlanta Braves' oldest scout, Gus (Clint Eastwood), is being phased out.
Fortunately, his friend (John Goodman) gets Gus one last shot - so long as his estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) accompanies him.
But helping her absentee dad rejuvenate his career with her intrinsic factoids jeopardizes Mickey's own employment with her law firm.
While the daddy-daughter dynamic between Eastwood and Adams is impassioned, the predictable ending and inclusion of love interest Justin Timberlake injures the overall movie.
Besides, the easiest way to tell if someone's a good pitcher is if they can throw a curveball straight through an old person's body. (Yellow Light)
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
The hardest part of being a baseball scout must be propositioning the young prospects without them getting the wrong idea, and beating you with their bat.
Thankfully, the scrutinizer in this drama has his attractive daughter to do the confronting.
Unwilling to rely on computers to pick his players, Atlanta Braves' oldest scout, Gus (Clint Eastwood), is being phased out.
Fortunately, his friend (John Goodman) gets Gus one last shot - so long as his estranged daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) accompanies him.
But helping her absentee dad rejuvenate his career with her intrinsic factoids jeopardizes Mickey's own employment with her law firm.
While the daddy-daughter dynamic between Eastwood and Adams is impassioned, the predictable ending and inclusion of love interest Justin Timberlake injures the overall movie.
Besides, the easiest way to tell if someone's a good pitcher is if they can throw a curveball straight through an old person's body. (Yellow Light)
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
Quite enjoyable and original
planktonrules23 January 2013
While this is billed as a Clint Eastwood film, the star of the film seems to be Amy Adams--who seems to get more than her share of screen time. Regardless, it's an enjoyable and original film--and one worth renting.
Eastwood plays a cranky old man--much like the guy he played in "Gran Torino" but without the race prejudice. He's definitely a crusty old guy and has a habit of pushing away those who should be closest to him--particularly his daughter (Adams). However, now that he's in his 80s and his eyesight is failing, he really has no choice but to ask for help--but he's just too darn stubborn to do so. So, his boss (John Goodman) takes it on himself to call her and let her know that he's in need of help--especially if he wants to keep his job as a major league scout for the Atlanta Braves. As for Adams, she's a crazed workaholic who wants to be made a partner at her law firm. But she also KNOWS she should help, so for the first time in years, she takes a bit of vacation time to meet her dad in North Carolina--where he's scouting a new hot prospect. Not surprisingly, the film has a lot to do with family and reconnecting but it also is about learning to slow down and enjoy life--something which Adams doesn't seem to know how to do--particularly when she meets a nice young guy (Justin Timberlake--who is really growing into a good actor) who is interested in her. Where does all this go? See the film.
My score of 7 was a tough call and I almost gave it an 8. I think my reason for ultimately deciding on a 7 is that, to me, this seems much more like a rent it than go to the theaters to see it sort of movie. The acting is nice, the story unusual enough to merit watching it and there is a wonderful relaxed quality about it that you often don't find in Hollywood films. On the downside, the ending did seem a bit unreal...but still quite enjoyable.
Eastwood plays a cranky old man--much like the guy he played in "Gran Torino" but without the race prejudice. He's definitely a crusty old guy and has a habit of pushing away those who should be closest to him--particularly his daughter (Adams). However, now that he's in his 80s and his eyesight is failing, he really has no choice but to ask for help--but he's just too darn stubborn to do so. So, his boss (John Goodman) takes it on himself to call her and let her know that he's in need of help--especially if he wants to keep his job as a major league scout for the Atlanta Braves. As for Adams, she's a crazed workaholic who wants to be made a partner at her law firm. But she also KNOWS she should help, so for the first time in years, she takes a bit of vacation time to meet her dad in North Carolina--where he's scouting a new hot prospect. Not surprisingly, the film has a lot to do with family and reconnecting but it also is about learning to slow down and enjoy life--something which Adams doesn't seem to know how to do--particularly when she meets a nice young guy (Justin Timberlake--who is really growing into a good actor) who is interested in her. Where does all this go? See the film.
My score of 7 was a tough call and I almost gave it an 8. I think my reason for ultimately deciding on a 7 is that, to me, this seems much more like a rent it than go to the theaters to see it sort of movie. The acting is nice, the story unusual enough to merit watching it and there is a wonderful relaxed quality about it that you often don't find in Hollywood films. On the downside, the ending did seem a bit unreal...but still quite enjoyable.
One of the better baseball scouting films
SimonJack15 November 2018
"Trouble with the Curve" is one of the best movies made to date about baseball scouting. There have been a few over the years. But as with sports films in general, those are mostly on the high end with lots of glitter. This film shows much more of what must be the mundane life of scouts who drive from town to town and stay in mom and pop motels. They do this week after week to watch and check out ball players.
Clint Eastwood stars as an aging scout whose future looms as one in retirement. He doesn't want to quit, and has wisdom in spotting players strengths and weaknesses. That only comes from experience. His job in scouting a possible first place pick for the Atlanta Braves is being challenged by a younger, whiz-kid computer jockey who goes by the stats of the electronic media.
Eastwood's Gus has a daughter whose upbringing was dysfunctional. But Mickey has made good in a legal career. For many years, her dad took her on scouting trips, and she is a baseball nut as well. Now she leaves her work with a big case facing her, to be with her dad. One can guess where this will go, with romance entering the picture.
This is an enjoyable and satisfying sports movie and family drama. It's one of the first films Eastwood has made in a number of years that he didn't also direct. His roles of an older man, which he is in real life, have become predictable in his impatience and irascibility. That's beginning to wear a little thin.
Clint Eastwood stars as an aging scout whose future looms as one in retirement. He doesn't want to quit, and has wisdom in spotting players strengths and weaknesses. That only comes from experience. His job in scouting a possible first place pick for the Atlanta Braves is being challenged by a younger, whiz-kid computer jockey who goes by the stats of the electronic media.
Eastwood's Gus has a daughter whose upbringing was dysfunctional. But Mickey has made good in a legal career. For many years, her dad took her on scouting trips, and she is a baseball nut as well. Now she leaves her work with a big case facing her, to be with her dad. One can guess where this will go, with romance entering the picture.
This is an enjoyable and satisfying sports movie and family drama. It's one of the first films Eastwood has made in a number of years that he didn't also direct. His roles of an older man, which he is in real life, have become predictable in his impatience and irascibility. That's beginning to wear a little thin.
A harmless and warmhearted film
paulijcalderon6 September 2016
A nice feel good film. Nothing too special, but entertaining enough for a couple of hours. I'm not much for Sports films, but this had a lighthearted feeling and a reconnecting with your family story at its core. So, surprisingly enough for me, it held my interest.
Clint Eastwood is known for being the image of the though Western Cowboy, but here is less though than you might expect. He does a nice job of showing something I've rarely see from him in films, a vulnerability and some great emotional moments. It was a touching aspect to this film and it reminded me of what good of an actor Eastwood can be. Maybe he has been typecast as the cowboy too often? I think he is great in Westerns, but it was very nice to see him do something different.
The setting of the film is cozy and it feels very much warmhearted in some way. But, of course, it has a fair share of clichéd moments. You can pretty much guess what's going to happen while watching it. There are some comedic moments that fell a little flat and a few subplots that could have been skipped. Towards the end it felt convenient and I thought the filmmakers could have dared to make some twist to make it stand out more.
What made the movie work was the warmhearted feeling throughout and it has some good intentions, I can tell. I wish it would have avoided some convenient story beats. There's a scene were Eastwood tells an emotional story and it was delivered in such a touching way that it will stick with me. So, I'm not gonna forget this movie.
If you don't feel like watching something too exciting or hard hitting, then this movie is harmless enough to be enjoyed during a cozy afternoon.
Clint Eastwood is known for being the image of the though Western Cowboy, but here is less though than you might expect. He does a nice job of showing something I've rarely see from him in films, a vulnerability and some great emotional moments. It was a touching aspect to this film and it reminded me of what good of an actor Eastwood can be. Maybe he has been typecast as the cowboy too often? I think he is great in Westerns, but it was very nice to see him do something different.
The setting of the film is cozy and it feels very much warmhearted in some way. But, of course, it has a fair share of clichéd moments. You can pretty much guess what's going to happen while watching it. There are some comedic moments that fell a little flat and a few subplots that could have been skipped. Towards the end it felt convenient and I thought the filmmakers could have dared to make some twist to make it stand out more.
What made the movie work was the warmhearted feeling throughout and it has some good intentions, I can tell. I wish it would have avoided some convenient story beats. There's a scene were Eastwood tells an emotional story and it was delivered in such a touching way that it will stick with me. So, I'm not gonna forget this movie.
If you don't feel like watching something too exciting or hard hitting, then this movie is harmless enough to be enjoyed during a cozy afternoon.
Great Drama
BigBudde20 September 2012
A great film for sports fans and non sports fans alike. Great drama and acting by Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams. They really make a believable father and daughter. Justin Timberlake was also good as a washed up pitcher turned baseball scout. It follows a story of a baseball scout (Eastwood) who is getting towards the end of his career, and scouting the potential number one pick for the Atlanta Braves. Eastwood is definitely getting up there but he can still act and plays this part perfectly. The film moves along good, and is enjoyable from start to finish. It has laughs, drams and some romance. Great for a couple or for the family. An added bonus if you're a baseball fan. 8/10.
I really enjoyed this film.
dar041711 February 2020
Clint Eastwood is Great, Amy Adams is Brilliant
TheTruthDoor23 September 2012
"Trouble With The Curve" is a wonderful film. The casting, acting, writing, direction, were all superb. The location scenery was beautiful.
Clint Eastwood is at the top of his game, he plays his part effortlessly. And, OMG, Amy Adams was unbelievable, she is amazing and beautiful, she deserves the Oscar for this film. The chemistry between Clint and Amy was perfect.
This is not a baseball movie, it is a father-daughter film in the fashion of "On Golden Pond". It will make you laugh, think and cry.
Another Clint Eastwood film that Hollywood can be proud of. Go see it.
Clint Eastwood is at the top of his game, he plays his part effortlessly. And, OMG, Amy Adams was unbelievable, she is amazing and beautiful, she deserves the Oscar for this film. The chemistry between Clint and Amy was perfect.
This is not a baseball movie, it is a father-daughter film in the fashion of "On Golden Pond". It will make you laugh, think and cry.
Another Clint Eastwood film that Hollywood can be proud of. Go see it.
One great character, good comedic chemistry, but many simple turns
napierslogs29 September 2012
"Trouble with the Curve" starts with Gus (Clint Eastwood) and his curmudgeonly ways going about his job as a baseball scout. The jokes about being old and losing his sight and getting up to pee in the middle of the night aren't very funny, but the introduction of John Goodman as his boss and best friend, and then Amy Adams as his daughter Mickey, help heighten the level of jokes.
Gus is off to North Carolina to scout the next home run-hitting phenom; Pete tells Mickey to join him since he's concerned about his health and abilities. The good news for the majority of people is that this movie is not about baseball, it's a simple family dramedy. I would have liked more baseball, but I also would have liked accurate baseball. No professional team (in this case the Atlanta Braves) is going to send only one old, partially-blind, disrespected scout to draft their number 1 pick. But that is better than the Boston Red Sox who sent one immature, inexperienced, junior temporary scout to draft their number 1 pick. That honour went to Johnny (Justin Timberlake) who is really only there to be the love interest for Mickey.
The next problem with the film is the very simplistic approach to the supporting characters. The young prospect is a douche-bag and the title tells us why we're supposed to not like him. The fellow scouts are douche-bags because they believe the opposite of what Gus does, so obviously we can't like them either. The one "twist" is clearly telegraphed with an otherwise pointless scene and added sound effects to make sure we don't miss the significance.
But the film is still able to add an overall warmth and humour to make it enjoyable. This is particularly through Amy Adams. She was delightful as a young career woman struggling to come to terms with her relationship with her father and figuring out what makes her happy in her life. She and Timberlake may not have the best romantic chemistry, but they do have great comedic chemistry, and I would trade for that any day.
I'm still trying to figure out why Mickey was described as being smart when none of her actions indicate intelligence, but there is generally no requirement for smart characters, only likable ones, and she is likable. She had an effortless versus put-together sexiness mixed with her tomboy nature that made her very appealing. But one character does not make up for an ensemble relationship movie.
Gus is off to North Carolina to scout the next home run-hitting phenom; Pete tells Mickey to join him since he's concerned about his health and abilities. The good news for the majority of people is that this movie is not about baseball, it's a simple family dramedy. I would have liked more baseball, but I also would have liked accurate baseball. No professional team (in this case the Atlanta Braves) is going to send only one old, partially-blind, disrespected scout to draft their number 1 pick. But that is better than the Boston Red Sox who sent one immature, inexperienced, junior temporary scout to draft their number 1 pick. That honour went to Johnny (Justin Timberlake) who is really only there to be the love interest for Mickey.
The next problem with the film is the very simplistic approach to the supporting characters. The young prospect is a douche-bag and the title tells us why we're supposed to not like him. The fellow scouts are douche-bags because they believe the opposite of what Gus does, so obviously we can't like them either. The one "twist" is clearly telegraphed with an otherwise pointless scene and added sound effects to make sure we don't miss the significance.
But the film is still able to add an overall warmth and humour to make it enjoyable. This is particularly through Amy Adams. She was delightful as a young career woman struggling to come to terms with her relationship with her father and figuring out what makes her happy in her life. She and Timberlake may not have the best romantic chemistry, but they do have great comedic chemistry, and I would trade for that any day.
I'm still trying to figure out why Mickey was described as being smart when none of her actions indicate intelligence, but there is generally no requirement for smart characters, only likable ones, and she is likable. She had an effortless versus put-together sexiness mixed with her tomboy nature that made her very appealing. But one character does not make up for an ensemble relationship movie.
Trouble with the curve needs some straightening out
dgefroh11 December 2012
I'm a big Clint Eastwood fan, and I really like Amy Adams. Justin Timberlake was decent and a likable guy in this movie, so what's the problem? The problem is the story or should I say lack of a decent story. This movie is so predictable that 10 minutes into it you will be able to figure everything out including the ending. I don't understand why Clint Eastwood would accept or take on this role, maybe it's because he gets to be the crabby, hard headed, cigar smoking, never smiling, snarling old timer like he has played so well in previous good movies such as Gran Torino, Million dollar baby, and The unforgiven. Regardless of why he is in this predictable, silly waste of time, the bottom line is that this movie fails in every aspect. This is not a baseball movie, it's not a drama, it's not a romantic comedy, it's truly a waste of what might have been, could of been, or should of been a potential excellent trip into movie magic. I didn't hate this one, but I didn't like it either, I suspect the reason I didn't hate it is because I really do like Clint Eastwood movies and I'll forgive him this one slip.
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