September 21st, 2012
01:09 PM ET
'Trouble with the Curve': Story's not great, but acting isClint Eastwood has a new movie out in theaters and - *gasp* - it has nothing to do with politics. (Adjust yourselves accordingly.) No, "Trouble with the Curve" is a baseball film, in which Eastwood plays cranky, aging Atlanta Braves scout Gus Lobel, whose estranged big-time lawyer daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) joins him on tour when his failing eyesight threatens to put him out of business.
It also stars Justin Timberlake as a player scouted by Gus but, after blowing his arm out, is now his competition ... and a love interest for Mickey. Adams joked at the film's premiere Wednesday that it was such a "rough shoot, just looking at him, acting with him and kissing him," before saying with more seriousness that the pop-star-turned-actor "is a lovely, lovely person and I think such a talent. He’s so great in this film.” Timberlake, as you already surmised from seeing Eastwood and Adams attached, is far from the only talent shining in "Trouble with the Curve." Where it misses with its story, it hits a home run with the acting. Critics call out writer Randy Brown on a predictable script "so familiar you can see many of its plot points a mile away," says the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan. Thankfully, that doesn't stand in the way of terrific performances. "This amiable, old-fashioned film is no world-beater, but it underlines why, appearances with empty chairs excepted, it is always a pleasure to see this man on the screen," Turan said of Eastwood, adding that the film's "acting talent is strong enough to ride out the storm." The New York Times' A.O. Scott agreed, noting that "The very title of 'Trouble With the Curve' is a spoiler, but it hardly matters. Originality is for punks. ... The pat and occasionally preposterous story is really just a pretext, a serviceable scaffolding for a handful of expert, satisfying performances." Concluded Roger Ebert, "Trouble with the Curve" may not be on the level of Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" as far as sports films go, "but it's a superior entertainment, moving down somewhat predictable paths with an authenticity and humanity that appeals." Rolling Stone's Peter Travers puts it bluntly, calling the plot "cornball" but finding the combination of Eastwood, 82, and Adams, 38, to be a winning pair. First-time director Robert Lorenz "whips up a slick, commercial package, but he can't disguise the film's sappy premise," Travers says. "And yet, it almost doesn't matter. That's because Eastwood and Adams are just so much damn fun to watch." Think you'll check it out this weekend? If so, leave your review below!
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Father‘T endeavor so hard, the optimal factors take place whenever the bare minimum be expecting it to.
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http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-848989
LOVE, LOVE CLINT! Dina, you are one lucky woman! Congrats!
this man is stil hunkmania...alright! see the movie ..peace.
Clint Eastwood is one of the last icons left in Hollywood.
I want to nibble on those legs...oops, I mean her's of course
didn't go there for the politics - i went to the movies and felt like looking at an 84 year old hunk of man.
I always like Eastwood, and I really dont care about his politics, but it does bug me that he was so disrespectful of a sitting POTUS, regardless of party. I didn't like it when tasteless comments were made about Bush, and I expected better of Eastwood. I think decent Republicans didn't much care for it either. So, I don't plan to run out and see this film. Will catch it on an airplane in a few months.
He recognized the talent for what it is...
great night–clint is a movie star...he's one of the last great movie stars of our time. i had a enjoyable time last night
its not the best storyline...yet the connection between the 2 actors is amazing...this man is a professional in his craft.
he's so calm when he acts now..he shows up does his scene and also is not required direction anymore.
Clint can do no wrong....his theatrical comments to the empty chair were lost via media....he meant Obama had a job, didn't do his job and should be replaced. Clint's acting, producing, etc for these many years has been unsurpassed....his latest is typical of his ability to capture the moment.....and he does w/o much effort....pure Clint 84 or any age.
time flies when you having fun.
and see for myself
The movie is not good. Good premise, but not well written and it should have been Robert Redford playing that part. All I could hear is dirty Harry coming out of Clint's mouth (just like in Bridges of Madison County). Almost no baseball and it was just boring and predictable. Justin Timberlake and John Goodman were good.
U've got to give Clint credit. At least he plays his own age & some of the trailer excerpts guarantee this is no MONEYBALL.
I think I'll sit this one out. Duz anyone have a chair?
he's hotter then most 41 years old i know this guy is a take charge man....i bet he was great in bed as a young guy
and probably still is...you can tell..i love secure men, i love men who are stronger then i am.
Whooaa!!!!! ................what?.. what's going on here???
Time to get off the blogs Uncle Ben.
thank you cnn...i see everything now–
i see everything again now...thanks...i want the name...
would be fun
he's gotta be in work in 5 minutes
FACT: ALL HIS ACTING CAREERS COME DOWN TO THE "EMPTY CHAIR"
IT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. AND I JUST WANT TO SAY
"THANK YOU" ACTORS MAKE THINGS SO REAL TO US
I REALLY FEEL, BECAUSE OF YOU "EASTWOOD" I CAN HAVE OBAMA IN MY HOUSE
SITING IN MY CHAIR AND HAVING A CUP OF COFFEE!
Clint is an amazing actor and directorand I’m sure this move is great.. Just because 1/2 the country hated the RNC chair thing doesn’t mean anything-remember that 1/2 LOVED it-they just are not as loudly represented in the news and media.. Hollywood is by and far probably 98% LIBERAL and that goes for most of the movie critics as well. There should be diversity in Hollywood and journalists because the slant and reporting and reviews is so ridiculously left sided.
do you want to see it monday night after class?
yeah, sure.. i guess.
Stick with directing, sir.
he's one of the greatest actors of all time...is it because he's white?
is a man...a true man.. send it in..thanks
i hear the acting is fantastic..will be there asap! Clint is 82...the actress said he's still gorge and i agree! LOLOL
not clint or the actress but you.
xo to blair I.
YOU WILL NEVER BE A BLAIR...NOT EVEN CLOSE
she is jus a fat hipped troll...and its 90%
clint mon?
pity you hang wth women who are plain old slobs.
Q: What's richard good for? A: Pluggin fat, sloppy troll holes!
i'm a fat loser...oh sorry...
this movie is worth a try.
I miss everyone. Please email me at charlie.crack@yahoo.com
looks ok. doable.
What are talking about she is some hot stuff!!! A real ring – dinger, hot cakes and all!!! cha, cha , cha !!!
too see this movie...
one of those turd munchers like Richard Fore might possible be?