Critic's Grade: B-

When "Talent for the Game" was released in April of 1991, hardly anyone took notice. After being denied a wide theatrical release and failing to gross even more than half a million dollars, it was clear for those involved that their efforts were a strike-out instead of a grand slam. But like all sleepers, this inspirational tale is one of those hidden treasures that waits to be discovered, and while it may be the most riskless film I've seen in my entire movie-watching career, that doesn't mean it can't hold its own in the long run.

The plot is pretty simple: California Angels talent scout Virgil Sweet (Edward James Olmos) learns that he may lose his position. Then he comes across what the scouts like to call a "phenom" (someone who was never taught or learned how to play baseball, whose talent can be seen as a natural gift): Sammy Bodeen (Jeff Corbett), a country boy whose never even played in the young leagues, but has a real knack for pitching that puts a twinkle in Virgil's eye. After convincing him that he has a real future in the sports arena, the two head back for California, where the Angels' new manager wastes no time in exploiting Sammy's talent in order to boost ticket sales and grab the attention of fans and followers. But is Sammy really ready for what lies ahead?

All of this culminates in a climactic baseball sequence that ends up being somewhat of a disappointment. Without giving too much away, I'll simply ask one question: If we're meant to believe that this is a film about overcoming the odds, then why is it that Virgil feels that he must shelter the boy every five seconds, instead of allowing him to accomplish what he can on his own? I understand that certain elements of inspiration and support are also at work witihin the script, but the filmmakers tend to push it too far once it comes time for a convincing, not conventional, payoff.

These missteps aside, the film rides to success on the shoulders of some very effective acting from Olmos, who gives a performance as burnished and rugged as the catcher's glove his character wears. As his wife Bobbie, Lorraine Bracco, in her post-"Goodfellas" Oscar buzz, makes what would otherwise be the routine role of the supportive spouse very likeable, even humorous at times. Even when the circumstances surrounding their characters are drowned by the backstabbing and lingo of the baseball business, their relationship remains real and effective throughout. "Talent for the Game" may not have much talent for inventiveness or originality, but for what it is, I'd rank it as a solid double-play.

Copyright @ Hauntnut.com

All Reviews by David Litton [Home page]
If you are the author of this review, you may edit it by signing in.