The Rookie

Navigating the cliché-clogged, slippery-slope obstacle course of the feel-good family film genre has to be one of the hardest challenges of modern moviemaking. So the fact that The Rookie is a nearly impeccable cinematic experience--and a warm, wonderful, all-ages triumph besides--is a miracle akin to the story the film portrays. Dennis Quaid stars as real-life high school baseball coach and science teacher Jim Morris, whose quashed major-league ballplayer dreams came belatedly true in 1999 when he tried out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and found himself pitching in the major leagues. Director John Lee Hancock has such a command of the picture's emotions that he can induce goosebumps for the high school's "big game" scene in the first act while saving plenty of excitement for Morris's recruitment, his first time on the mound before 40,000 fans, and more. As unbelievable as this story would seem if it weren't all true, what's even more amazing is that it's depicted honestly, sap-free and brimming with pure cinematic joy. Destined to become one of the all-time great baseball movies, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by Dennis Quaid and director John Lee Hancock; nearly 18 minutes worth of deleted scenes, each accompanied by introductions by Hancock; a "Spring Training" segment with quick tips on pitching, catching, hitting and…um…hot dogs, and "The Inspirational Story," a 20-minute featurette about Jim Morris, the real "rookie" on whom the film is based. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an excellent film.] (R. Blackwelder)