Trouble with the Curve

This movie moves swiftly but has a few wise messages for viewers of all ages if they pay attention.The main message here is that, you might be older, you might feel older- but that doesn't mean you still don't have something to offer the world.In this story, Eastwood is angry. Even on a good day, he is angry.While he has always been an angry sort of guy, now he is angry because he is noticing the signs of aging that he fears could hold him back or cost him, his beloved career as a baseball talent scout.He might have physical problems- but he is still mentally sharp and for the most part, a mobile man- as long as you don't give him a car to drive. :-)Eastwood's "Damn it all" attitude, is all about not giving in to things that slow you down or prove to be an obstacle. Despite his looming health issues, he won't hang up his cap just yet!You find yourself rooting for him and admiring his pride, while feeling his embarrassment just as equally, when he uses tactics( some successfully- some not so successfully) to cover up his physical deficits.In fact, in defiance( and some would say stupidity) he opts to ignore his problems and blow off further medical assistance( at least, perhaps, for the time being ) in order to go scout the latest and greatest out there.He has to see just how authentic these hyped up school baseball players supposedly are- not just because it is in his blood- but because his career is also in jeopardy.And he has to ABSOLUTELY GET THE NEXT DRAFT PICK, RIGHT. He can't afford to make a mistake, especially now.This is a man whose identity is very wrapped up in his career.If forced to retire when his contract runs out in 3 months- you might as well just kill the guy. He lives, eats, breathes and sleeps baseball.There may be other things he can do- but he wants to remain a talent scout.The idea of retirement sends a fury through him, so this particular venture of scouting out the players, just 3 months before he could be forced into retirement, proves to be so extra serious for him.It is an understatement to say,the week of scouting proves to be very intense as Eastwood tries incredibly hard not to drop the proverbial ball.His daughter is played by Amy Adams. She gets wind of his problems thanks to her father's friend( played by John Goodman) and despite her own promising career in a law office, and with the strong chance at partnership on the horizon, she decides to leave everything at work to intervene and attempt to help her Dad out.This means she takes off from her job at a critical time, a time when a major legal case hangs in the balance, as well as the pending decision on whether she makes the cut as a firm partner.Eastwood has no idea of the sacrifice his daughter has made. All he knows is he doesn't want her hanging around.It is not long before he gets a revelation he is forced to accept:he comes to realize, much to his chagrin, he really does need her around.Their relationship has long been troubled and very complex.Despite having a grumpy man for a Dad, a man who seems to disdain meaningful conversation, Adams has compassion for him and his plight. She makes the decision to tag along with Eastwood for the week, to check out the talent with him. She frequently calls into work to make sure they realize that while she has to take this week break, she is very serious about her job, the pending legal case and her partnership.She has worked there many years, putting in long hours, to make her mark, she is not about to give it up so easily.Her office is not happy she is gone. The veiled threats start to happen. Adams tries to appease them, saying when she gets back, she will have things on track.Yet, despite knowing what she might lose, the priority of her job( and chance at partner) is superseded by her need to help her Dad. Or perhaps, deep in her heart,she knows it is more than compassion- but love that is making her stay with him- despite his his cantankerous behavior and personality quirks.Though the phone calls begin to allude her place in the company is shifting on her, she still makes the decision to stay with Eastwood and not yet return to work. This despite her bosses gentle, yet pressing request to come back to work a.s.a.p.So you have Eastwood, pissed off about her coming along, clueless as to what his daughter might be putting in jeopardy FOR HIM; while she feels a deep sense of obligation to Eastwood, even though her father has failed her in many ways, growing up.And so the story unfolds: a man desperately trying to hold on to his career, resisting the truth about his health issues, pissed off about getting older, and feeling both resentful -outwardly- and loving and proud-inwardly- toward his adult daughter.They may be blood related but in so many ways they are total strangers to one another.The movie covers the week the two are off on this journey of scouting. But it covers more than just baseball, even though that is the obvious theme of the movie.Justin Timberlake is a key character in the movie as well, but rather than explain his role, I will just say that he is a part of Eastwood's past and could possibly be a part of Adams future- if she ever decides to break down the emotional barriers she has erected over the years.Barriers meant to keep from feeling rejected and unloved, as she often felt from her father growing up and into adulthood.It is a fast paced movie and I enjoyed it.While based on baseball, there are other themes going on in the movie, so everyone can watch this and appreciate it, even if they know nothing about baseball.Side note of trivia: Adams has an attorney boyfriend she is seeing.He is seen briefly, but he is played by Mariska Hargitay's real life husband.

Excellent movie you need to see this

my own enjoyment

I like amazon prime for the accessibility to rent movies, I don't do it often because of my financial reasons. I bought an Amazon TV with fire stick. Very pleased.

Good movie for a date night

Loved this movie-I was born in Cooperstown-NY-So I am a big Baseball Fan- This movie had great cast and I would recommend viewing-

Overall, a make ya feel good film! Really enjoyed and worth the watch.

Justin Timberlake ain't bad, either!If this could get six stars, it would...

After everyone thought that clint had stopped acting after Gran Torino along comes this little gem. Don't be put off by the baseball theme if that sport is not for you,it's just the background of the story. Clint and the lovely Amy Adams play father and daughter with relationship problems to work at. Hope this is not Clint's last acting role but if it is, it's a good one to end on.

Topnotch service will use again. highly recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Nice story, great cast who played convincing roles.

Very pleased thank you

Excellent