Hardball
Overview
Brian Robbins (VARSITY BLUES) directs another sports-related picture with HARDBALL, an uplifting story about a man who finds redemption when he's least expecting it. Keanu Reeves stars as Conor O'Neill, an underachiever whose gambling addiction has gotten him into seemingly insurmountable trouble. Desperate for money, he begs his friend Jimmy (Mike McGlone) to bail him out one more time. Jimmy agrees to give Conor a weekly stipend, but only if Conor agrees to coach a little league baseball team in Chicago's inner city. At first, Conor realizes just how unequipped he is for this particular task, as the assembled team goofs off, fights, and curses, paying no attention to his authority. Eventually, however, he gains their respect, and pretty soon, they're winning games. Meanwhile, off the field, Conor finds himself falling for the children's schoolteacher, Miss Wilkes (Diane Lane). He also places a potentially life-threatening bet with a high-level bookie, but after a miracle saves him and he begins to fully embrace his new role as a coach and father figure, tragedy strikes and teaches Conor a much more valuable life lesson. Based on the non-fiction book by Daniel Coyle, HARDBALL is an uplifting story that gets a boost of energy from its non-professional cast of youngsters.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Brian Robbins - Director
Keanu Reeves
Diane Lane
John Hawkes
Bryan Hearne
Julian Griffith
Michael B. Jordan
A. Delon Ellis Jr.
Kristopher Lofton
Michael Perkins
Brian M. Reed
Details
- Format: Blu-ray (Dubbed, AC-3, Dolby, Amaray Case, Widescreen)
- Run Time: 106
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 191329204788
- Genre: DRAMA
- Rating: PG13
- Release Date: September 2021
Movie Reviews
Notes:
Theatrical Release: SEPTEMBER 14, 2001
Reviews:
"...A surefire heart-tugger made with skill and judgment....This endearing film strikes an all-crucial consistent balance between grit and sentiment..." - 09/14/2001 Los Angeles Times, p.2
"...[Warren is] a tiny fireball of energy....Perkins provides quiet intensity..." - 09/10/2001 Variety, p.57-68
"...Its uplifting message about teamwork and caring wouldn't hurt a fly. You might even say, the movie is good for you..." - 09/15/2001 New York Times, p.B14
"...Lane conveys warmth and intelligence..." - 09/14/2001 USA Today, p.8E
"...It offers a refreshingly realistic approach to the way pre-teens actually talk..." - 06/01/2002 Sight and Sound, p.44
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