The Rookie pleasantly reminds me of why I do this (that is, to see movies and write reviews). Because every now and then I find a true gem like this one; its value is priceless. I love everything about this movie. The story is one that captures the imagination, warms the heart, and encourages our dreams. What's more is that it is based on a true story. The cast is exceptional...especially Dennis Quaid who portrays Jim Morris. The film is rated G, which meant that I could take my 7-year-old daughter and not have to worry about covering her eyes or her ears (and it is a sad fact that G-rated movies are hard to come by nowadays. I applaud Disney for continuing to put out high quality and high class movies like this one). But most of all, this movie just makes you feel really good.
Dennis Quaid is a wonderful actor and it is through his character that we experience the true life story of Jim Morris (they are both pictured below). Jim Morris spent his whole life dreaming of one day playing major league baseball. Unfortunately, injury to his shoulder robbed him of his dream, and he had to settle for being a high-school science teacher. His love for baseball led him to become a baseball coach, and it was the kids on his team that eventually got him to start throwing again although he was now in his late thirties. In an effort to get his team focused on winning, he agreed to try out for the big leagues if they made it to the state finals. With the prodding of his team, the love of his family, and the support of his hometown, Jim Morris made it to the major leagues and pitched for 2 seasons on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
But this story is more than just an accounting of the major events in the life of Jim Morris. It is about the importance of having a dream and of being able to follow and to realize that dream. By the end of the film, when Jim Morris is called out of the bullpen in Arlington stadium, the game itself is already lost, and the Devil Rays' season is pretty much meaningless, but to Jim Morris and all of us watching it is a triumphant moment signaling a dream come true. The joy and satisfaction of being able to throw three fastballs for a strikeout before an enormous crowd including your family and friends and the rest of the world is immeasurable. And in general, being able to accomplish something that you have been striving for your entire life, no matter what it is, has to be the greatest feeling in the world. And being able to vicariously experience this feeling through the big screen makes this film a true treasure.
As a baseball film, it is one of the best. It doesn't take us so much into the game itself, but it does capture the spirit and the love of the game. It is a romantic, hypnotic, and reverent glimpse of what baseball, or any sport or activity for that matter, should be. From the dreams and desires of a child which never die come the accomplishments of a man which inspire new dreams for new kids (Morris' 8-year-old son idolizes his father, and for good reason). In fact, this movie was so inspiring, that the minute we got home, my daughter wanted to toss baseball (and I was dying to do the same!).
Making this movie possible is a great cast. Quaid was perfect in this film (and for those who like Dennis Quaid, I definitely recommend another great movie...Frequency). From Jim's wife (Rachel Griffiths) to his kids (son = Angus T. Jones) to his parents (father = Brian Cox) to his baseball team to his hometown supporters, everyone made this movie both believable and fascinating to watch.
In addition to the captivating story and cast, the cinematography in this movie was superb. There were scenes in the snow, in the rain, and in the dust. There were daytime shots. Nighttime shots. Outdoor shots. Indoor shots. Makeshift baseball fields to a major league stadium. Each place filled its own piece of the puzzle.
I also liked the music which like the film itself was very inspiring. I also loved all of the traditional-style Country songs which fit in perfectly with the Texas setting. It was refreshing to hear this stuff since I am currently so frustrated with today's pop-style Country.
I can't think of a better movie to recommend, ever. This is now one of my favorite movies of all time, and I recommend this to EVERYONE! There isn't a person on Earth who wouldn't enjoy seeing The Rookie.