The Rookie (2002)

Directed by: John Lee Hancock | 120 minutes | drama, family | Actors: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Brian Cox, Jay Hernandez, Beth Grant, August T. Jones, Rick Gonzalez, Chad Lindberg, Angelo Spizzirri, Royce D. Applegate, Russell Richardson, Raynor Scheine, David Blackwell

When a movie starts with: based on a true story, you know you have to be careful. Film adaptations of real lives quickly degenerate into sentimental tearjerkers about overcome illnesses or unexpected successes. The thought that the true story is topped with a Hollywood sauce consisting of beautiful stars and dramatic freedoms often spoils a story in itself. In ‘The Rookie’ we are presented with such a true story about a man who was not old enough to chase his dreams. Jimmy Morris’s baseball life and a broken shoulder prevent him from becoming a real celebrity. He uses his passion to inspire others, yet another special teacher initially inspires a reluctant class story, but also leads him to go the extra mile. Two films for the price of one, because with two hours running time, ‘The Rookie’ can be called a bit on the long side.

Of its kind, the baseball movie, ‘The Rookie’ is by no means a bad movie. Dennis Quaid plays a believable pitcher and the film is full of pleasant characters, not least Rachel Griffiths who plays Mrs. Morris plays. ‘The Natural’ (Robert Redford as an older baseball player) was admittedly a better film on the same subject and ‘The Fan’ (Robert De Niro as an over the top baseball fan) showed us more of the machinations in the world of baseball, but ‘ The Rookie’ succeeds in hitting the nerve in its intent, with the film balancing between feel-good movie and tearjerker. This is undoubtedly due to the family ties that are developed during the film. Jimmy Morris tries to come to terms with his father and be a good father himself. Surprising results should not be expected, however true it may be, it is still a film.