3/4The Trouble with the Curve tackles issues in the sport of baseball untouched in film up to this point, even in similar movies such as Moneyball (2011). It gives a more desperate feel to the corporate and scouting life in the MLB. The struggle at hand is the top job in the scouting office, parallel with the open bench on the Atlanta Braves.One thing I really like is the title: The Trouble with the Curve. It is a double-entendre of sorts: an aspiring MLB player having trouble hitting curve balls, and the protagonist losing his periforals. It centers around Braves top-scout Gus Lobel, who knows the dynamics of baseball in-and-out. They want to replace him with a youngblood yuppie scout because he knows his way around modern technology and baseball databases, all due to his waning eyesight. The story is an emotional ride about reclaiming his normal life, as well as his relationship with his estranged daughter (played by Amy Adams).While the script is creative, there are moments where it drifts lazily. While it never fails to pick itself back up, this movie has its own troubke with the curve. It makes for a very finely preformed, entertaining, movie that feels a bit predictable.I would recommend this movie to fans of true-story sports movies. It sheds light on some topics other movies in the genre have passed over, and it captivated you in the process.

Trouble with the Curve (2012) is one of those fluffy family drama films, it fits pretty much every stereotype. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but just know that going in. If you know this and you want to see a film like that, then you'll most likely enjoy it and have a good time. But if you're expecting another fantastic Clint Eastwood film that'll win more Academy Awards, then this is not that. I'll talk about what I thought worked first. The cast did a great job and I thought they all had impressive chemistry. Amy Adams played the role of Mickey, Gus's daughter well and I really believe she was the best possible choice for the character. Clint Eastwood of course gives a great performance as Gus, the lead character. Eastwood and Adams pull off the father/daughter dynamic well and Timberlake and Adams also pull off the romantic chemistry. The romantic plot between them is very well placed in the film and it's good to see. The main thing I didn't care for about this film was the feeling of average that I got after it was over. I walked away feeling that it was between alright and pretty good, a 7/10, and that's not awful of course, but I was hoping for better. This is a film I only recommend if you know what you're going into and you don't expect to get more than that.

Clint Eastwood has established himself as a major Hollywood icon for the last six decades since the inauguration of his career. Even he falls victim to some less than remarkable roles whether he is working in front or behind the camera. This sports drama starring the aging star, pushing his 80s, in the lead role sees him putting on a good performance in what is nonetheless one of his weakest entries in his career in front of the camera. With his previous on screen role being the grumpy Korean War veteran in 'Gran Torino', Eastwood has struck the screen once again with Oscar nominee Amy Adams on his side, a movie dealing with the politics of major league baseball. It is only too bad the film falls short of emotional impact and drives with a story that is criminally underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, these are two of the Hollywood's most talented actors working on screen. That justifies how reasonable it is to believe they would collaborate on something more rousing. It comes to show the most golden stars are not always the winners. This film follows Gus Lobel (played by Clint Eastwood), an aging, widowed baseball scout struggling with his eye contact, who crosses paths with his estranged daughter Mickey (played by Amy Adams), a lawyer who is on her way being promoted to a higher position. Despite their dysfunctional relationship, she becomes his partner-in-crime on a scouting trip to North Carolina to recruit players for the Atlanta Braves. During the trip, they struggle to come to terms with their past relationship. Director Robert Lorenz does not have the film drowning in a total loss, there is still a small amount of grace to be admired in his execution. The film has its heart in the right place and lightens with a little charm and occasional humor to sugarcoat the mood. But when it comes to evoking interest in its story, that is when it leaves you desiring for something of a higher option. What transpires throughout the picture is a mixed mag of sappy family drama and the anxiety of fighting to make ends meet in the corporate office outside the baseball field; similar to what transpired in 'Moneyball', only this film lacks the dramatic coercion that made that film is hit. When the tackling on the family dynamics between the lead character and his daughter including the questioning of his abandonment during her childhood; the story is heart-filling enough, though it eventually loses its emotional steam. Don't expect anything of a tear-jerker. When shifting its focuses on Mickey with her work dilemmas, it gets plodding and uninteresting, not to mention cheesy. The best thing the film can walk away with is, of course, a strong performance by Clint Eastwood, playing in usual grumpy old man persona. As for Amy Adams, she is fine no less. Her chemistry with Justin Timberlake however, certainly doesn't sizzle in the way it wants to be. Sure, they have their moments, but they're definitely nothing special. John Goodman as one of the baseball managers and Gus's best friend is fine too as is Matthew Lillard as the antagonist drafters of the baseball team. Are they memorable roles though? Not Really. Trouble with The Curve is a fine sports drama with a little bit of charm to experienced, but nonetheless sees Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams acting in arguably their least remarkable roles in recent years. The movie is not necessarily a dud, especially as it will likely attract the attention for those who have fandom for major league baseball. On the other hand, there are better and more admirable options in the roster of baseball movies.

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.