"Where Movie Critics Get A Taste Of Their Own Medicine!"

Will Quaid turn "The Rookie" into a pro?
by Herb Kane

April 4, 2002


out of 4 stars (G)

CRITIC DOCTOR EXAMINES: Roger Ebert (suntimes.com), Richard Roeper ("Ebert & Roeper and The Movies" - Buena Vista TV), Joyce Kulhawik ("Hot Ticket" - Paramount Domestic TV), Michael Dequina (filmthreat.com), Joe Leydon (examiner.com)

I loved "Field of Dreams" and "For Love of The Game" (both starring Kevin Kostner) - and now "The Rookie" finally presents us with a new face in baseball film - Dennis Quaid. Will he strike out or perform like a pro?

"The Rookie" is a movie based on the true-life story Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) who dropped out of minor league baseball due to injuries. Twelve years later he's coaching a high-school baseball team and inspires them to go after their dreams. The team inspires him right back and a heartwarming story unfolds as we watch a man chase an almost impossible dream.

Roger Ebert (suntimes.com) said about the film: "It may confuse those who, because they like the characters, think it is good. It is not good. It is skillful. Learning the difference between good movies and skillful ones is an early step in becoming a moviegoer."

For the love of God, Roger! You're not just a moviegoer, you're a seasoned film critic and you still didn't get this film right. Listen. I'm not going to deny the clichés in this movie, but the film is based on a true story. Ebert demonstrates just how a skillfully written review can be so inept. He also said on "Ebert & Roeper and The Movies" (Buena Vista TV), "We've seen this before."

Ebert's co-host, Richard Roeper, got it right: "I think it's a well-written, well-acted sports movie. Yeah, we've seen it before and usually not done this well."

"Hot Ticket" TV hosts Leonard Maltin and Joyce Kulhawik both liked the film. Kulhawik said, "Is it possible that Dennis Quaid is getting younger? This is a terrific part for him. He's actually older in real life than the man whom this story was based on."

I noticed that, too. Quaid, 48, looks very young and healthy. His appearance is impressive, but some critics don't think so.

Michael Dequina (filmthreat.com) said, "It becomes apparent why Quaid never achieved the major stardom for which he had once been groomed. He's a perfectly capable and likable actor, but he doesn't exactly have an onscreen persona that pops."

Michael, I think his persona lights up the screen! Quaid is no rookie in this film - he's a real pro. Joe Leydon (examiner.com) got it right: "But the lion's share of the credit must go to Quaid, one of the most under-rated yet consistently reliable actors at work in contemporary cinema. He never hits a false note while illuminating various facets of Jim's character."

This movie worked because of Quaid and a wonderful cast of supporting actors. A movie this predictable would normally fail, but good writing and good acting saved it.

Richard Roeper ("Ebert & Roeper and The Movies") summed the movie up best: "I thought 'The Rookie' could have benefited from a quicker pace...but I did appreciate the authentic feel of the baseball scenes and the terrific acting...this is really a rare G-rated movie suitable for all viewers."

"The Rookie" is now my third favorite baseball movie - thanks to Dennis Quaid's professional performance and Jim Morris' inspiring true life story.

--CRITIC DOCTOR

© Copyright 2002 by Herb Kane
All rights reserved.
www.criticdoctor.com

FILM CREDITS

CAST:

Jim Morris: Dennis Quaid
Lorri Morris: Rachel Griffiths
'Wack' Campos: Jay Hernandez
Hunter: Angus T. Jones
Jim Sr.: Brian Cox

DIRECTOR: John Lee Hancock
PRODUCERS: Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, Mark Johnson
SCREENPLAY: Mike Rich, based on the book by Jim Morris and Joel Engel
RELEASE DATE: 03.29.2002
RUNNING TIME: 129 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
U.S. DISTRIBUTOR: Walt Disney Pictures