THE NATURAL (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Natural—a great baseball film—compares to the quality of the sports movie, Field of Dreams, while outclassing the sports movie, 42. The film has heart; that heart makes it a worthy watch. Terrific casting includes Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duval, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, and Joe Don Baker. Great work for Director Barry Levinson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

At 19-years-of-age Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) sets out to play baseball, gets sidetracked, and doesn’t return to the game until he is 35 years old.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Philip M. Breen and Roger Towne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), Iris Gaines (Glenn Close), Memo Paris (Kim Basinger), Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley), Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey), The Judge (Robert Prosky), Red Blow (Richard Farnsworth), The Whammer (Joe Don Baker), Sam Simpson (John Finnegan), Ed Hobbs (Alan Fudge), Young Roy (Paul Sullivan Jr.), Young Iris (Rachel Hall), and Ted Hobbs (Robert Rich III).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Completely inspiring watch; a story that fits Robert Redford from its beginning to its end.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers