Reel Critics

Peggy Rogers

Is there an expiration date to fulfilling childhood dreams? One man’s

boyhood passion for baseball addresses the question in “The Rookie.”

Encountering similar obstacles as an adult that curtailed his dream as

a boy Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) never looses his obsession to play in the

Major Leagues. Jim Sr’s means of providing for the family involved moving

from town to town, often in the middle of Jim Jr.’s Little League

playoffs, and sometimes to places without a team to join. As an adult,

married with three young children Jim responsibly puts their needs before

his own.

“The Rookie” is a family film by Disney. Filled with likablecharacters

and a small-town sensibility. The G-rated film has a tendency to sugar

coat the drama and the sacrifices Morris endures fulfilling his end of

the pact with his high school baseball team.

As a family film, however, the positive aspects hit the right note.

Quaid as Jim Morris hits a home run in his performance as the fast ball

pitcher and devoted father. His adorable son, Hunter, (Angus T. Jones)

quickly wins over viewers with his delightful behavior and attitude. A

scene involving Hunter and his younger sister’s diapers is worth the

price of admission.

* PEGGY J. ROGERS, 39, produces commercial videos and documentaries.