DVD Movie Review - Trouble with the Curve

Even at 154yrs. old, Clint Eastwood is still the type of guy I wouldn't want to tangle with in a dark alley.  Sure, maybe not all his organs work properly anymore—which the film has fun pointing out—but he'll still smash your face in, rip off your head, and crap down your throat.  After which, he'll enjoy a nice cigar and reminisce about the lovely experience he just had with your face.

You looking at me, boy?

STORY:

Trouble with the Curve is about a hard-as-nails father/baseball scout, trying to deny old age, while keeping his estranged daughter at a firm distance.  His contract is up in three months with the baseball team and his health may be affecting his scouting judgment.  His lovely daughter, who he hasn't had a conversation longer than a few sentences with in years, decides to tag along while he scouts out a player for the organization.  Craziness ensues.

THOUGHTS:

It felt like the part of Gus was written specifically for Clint Eastwood as he slips into the character nicely.  The movie starts by making jokes involving Clint's age and the I-don't-give-a-crap attitude he possesses.  And then progresses into why he might be a solid scout, but a terrible father. 

In steps the sweet Amy Adams, Gus's estranged daughter.  Amy portrays a rough and tough lawyer when you first meet her, but then the veil slowly slips away, and her true form reveals itself in the latter acts.  Another example of perfect casting, as Amy Adams' experience helps the movie shine when the legend that is Eastwood is not on the screen.

You fell for Timberlake--really?  You just dropped two points in the good-looking scale for that.

And then the casting department decided to throw a curveball that only connects with your genitals, instead of your bat.  Take a base.  And you may want some ice.

The role of an ex-baseball pitcher comes in the form of a pop-singing, midget named Justin Timberlake.  Every time I see his face, it makes me think I'm watching some teen, sex romp, about a guy who slept with a thousand women just to realize the female friend who has been living right next door and cooking him eggs, is his one true love.  Warms my heart.

Does Justin look like a major league pitcher to you?

We said: "You suck!"

Someone just said he sucks.  

"Don't worry, you suck too."  

Phew, I feel better.

What the hell happened here?  Were the executives trying to appease a certain younger audience casting him?  Whether you think he's baseball material or not, his goofy face is in your face for a large percent of the movie.  Fail.

With all the acting experience and qualifications, I guess the producers had to even up their quota by throwing him in the mix.  Either that or there just wasn't much money left over, so they picked up whatever crap was left hanging around.

Now, even though I said he didn't fit the part, doesn't mean he made the movie bad.  The dialogue is nicely written and the plot unfolds throughout the movie, gradually.  Justin did his job the best he could, but I couldn't get past who he is and how I feel like whacking him in the face with a shovel.  Hey, not everybody can make you happy in life.

You know casting was just filling a quota with you--right? 

The person who looked like he was having the most fun on set and in character is Eastwood.  Cursing, kicking furniture, roughing guys up, being a smart-ass, and then occasionally softening up to let a little emotion in his voice.  Oh, and he sings too.  I'm not saying it’s good, I'm just saying he sings too.

By about a half hour in—and considering the title—if you’re paying any attention at all, you can pretty much call how the movie will end.  There aren’t any curveballs in the plot, but sometimes a movie doesn't have to surprise you to enjoy it.  Most dramas today have such a depressing moral and sour ending that when you finally turn off your movie player, you immediately write your Will, and then get in your car looking for the closest bridge to jump off of—this movie does the exact opposite.  When it’s all said and done you’re left with a smile on your face and no regrets with spending two very valuable hours of your life watching it.

HOW TO MAKE IT EVEN BETTER:

Easy—make Clint look more like this:

Go ahead, make my day. 

Any movie could always be improved upon.  So, considering that fact—and the fact that I'm a little on the loose side, strapping a holster to Eastwood and having him gun down any idiot that gets in his way, would have been awesome.  But you can't win them all, I guess. 

MORE THOUGHTS:

All in all, The Trouble with the Curve is a solid baseball/father-daughter/love story, with a hint of humor.  Guys if you're smooth enough, you might just be able to slip this one in as a date-movie.  Women probably won't love it as much as Twilight or The Hunger Games, but they won't complain either.  And you'll actually have a movie you can sit down and enjoy. 

Now, if you don't like Clint Eastwood (you might want to check to see if you have a vagina) or baseball (its baseball, dude) or Amy Adams (again, check to make sure you don't have a vagina) or Justin Timberlake (this one we understand), then maybe you should rent the Notebook for the umpteenth time and spend the next few hours watching your girl cry, while you slowly realize your chance of getting any is deteriorating.

With perfect acting, good dialogue, and a well written script, The Trouble with the Curve is a no-brainer.

A Solid 3.5 out of 5 stars (minus 1 star for Justin Timberlake’s face and ½ a star for no gun-holster or poncho)