Movie Recommendation: "Trouble with the Curve" - Starring Clint Eastwood

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

The characters that Clint Eastwood typically portrays simply do not like to talk about their feelings and Gus Lobel, the protagonist in Eastwood's latest film, Trouble with the Curve, is no exception. Gus is an aging baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves who is struggling with vision problems, but refuses to confide in anyone about them. However, his long time friend, Pete Klein (John Goodman), senses that something is not right with Gus, who is about to embark on another scouting mission, which could very well be his last. His contract is up soon and management is not happy with Gus's inability to adapt to new approaches to scouting, so a great deal depends on the outcome of his latest assignment. While Pete is in Gus's corner, Tom Silver (Matthew Lillard), a much younger executive, tries to convince management to cut ties with the aging scout.

Pete's effort to talk with Gus about his problems fails miserably, so he reaches out to Gus's estranged daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), for help. Initially, Mickey refuses, since she is involved in major litigation for her law office, which could enable her to make partner if she is successful. However, Pete's influence weighs on the very capable young woman and she decides to join Gus on the road, much to his dismay. Yes, father and daughter have a troubled history, but Gus refuses to have anyone look after him or "help" him do his job. However, Mickey used to travel with her father on scouting assignments during her youth and soon proves to be an invaluable resource. She is also almost as knowledgeable as Gus when it comes to all things baseball.

Old family tensions flare up during the assignment, which causes added grief for both of them. Mickey wants to resolve certain issues, but Gus wants to leave the past in the past, although he is struggling with a recurring dream concerning an incident involving Mickey from many years ago. Thankfully, a much younger fellow scout, Johnny Flanagan (Justin Timberlake), arrives and reconnects with Gus and soon falls for Mickey. Johnny attempts to play peacemaker between father and daughter, but their personalities are so strong and forceful that he realizes that he is out of his league, so to speak. Tempers flare on various occasions, causing problems for the trio, who must find a way to get past their personal problems and take care of business.

Fans of Clint Eastwood's codger characters will love Gus. He is ornery, stubborn, brutally honest and takes no crap from anyone. Even at his advanced age, Gus will still take on all comers, which will surely delight viewers in a couple of scenes. Eastwood still has the fire in his eyes and in his spirit, but decides to "take it easy" by just acting in Trouble with the Curve, his first starring role since Gran Torino, in 2008. The directing chores are handled by Robert Lorenz, who has assembled a terrific cast and, as a result, his direction looks effortless. For instance, Amy Adams has no trouble keeping up with Eastwood, much to her credit, and Mickey is very much like her father, which makes their dramatic scenes together so terrific and believable. Despite their differences, they still love and support each other when necessary, like any good family should.

The screenplay, by Randy Brown, conveys that there is more to Gus's job that just seeing what is happening on the baseball diamond. Listening is also key and Gus must rely on his other senses when his sight begins to fail him. He can still do his job, but not everyone may be as confident. While Trouble with the Curve is primarily a drama, there are many comedic moments, courtesy of Eastwood's trademark expressions and physicality. Yes, he can still be imposing as an octogenarian and yes, Eastwood is still consistently making one quality film after another in his golden years. Not many actors/directors can say the same.