| | | It's never too late to believe in your dreams.
Features: DVD, Widescreen, Dolby Digital (5.1), French, Dubbed, Spanish, Subtitled
Hollywood favorite Dennis Quaid stars in this inspirational film based on a true story. Jim Morris (Quaid), father, teacher, and high school coach, thought his dream was over. He'd had his shot playing baseball, blew out his shoulder, and retired without ever making it to the big leagues. Then, in 1999, Coach Morris made a fateful bet with his perpetually losing team. If they win the district championship, Morris--who threw a 98 mph fastball--would try out for the majors. The team went from worst to first, and Jim, living up to his end of the bargain, threw caution to the wind and was on the road to becoming the oldest rookie in the major leagues. This heartfelt, uplifting story about not giving up on your dreams will have everyone cheering.
"...a class act on so many levels..." Jan Stuart, Newsday
"Hits one out of the park..." Marjorie Bamgarten, Austin Chronicle
"Solid, lump-in-the-throat family entertainment..." Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
"...a solid hit." Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"...a smart, engaging family film..." Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
"...Well made... lyrical and beautifully photographed..." Stephen Holden, The New York Times
Editor's Note
Every evening, Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) is out practicing pitching. His minor league career ended with a shoulder injury 12 years ago. Now, Jim coaches a struggling high school team. When he tries to motivate them, they challenge him--if they reach the play offs, he must try out for the majors. The team starts to win, and makes the play offs. Not realizing how strong his arm has become, Jim is apprehensive as he sets off for the try outs with his son and baby daughter. The coaches recognize him, but think he has brought a young prospect. Late in the day, as he's changing a diaper, Jim is called. When he throws his first pitch, he surprises the coaches--and himself.Director John Lee Hancock, director of photography John Schwartzman, and composer Carter Burwell have made a glowing movie based on the true story of Jim Morris, investing it with a touch of myth. Dennis Quaid is convincing as the pitcher. His scenes with Brian Cox, playing his father, bristle with unresolved anger. The great Australian actress Rachel Griffiths shows her extraordinary chameleon-like ability--as Jim's tough-minded wife, she captures perfectly a woman who has to deal with life's practicalities and with her husband's dreams.
| Features | Interactive Menus | | Scene Access | | Spring Training: Tips From The Pros | | Deleted Scenes Introduced By Director John Lee Hancock | | THX Certified | | Featurette "The Inspirational Story Of Jim Morris" | | Featurette "Lights, Camera, Play Ball" | | Actual Major League Baseball Footage Of Jim Morris Pitching Spring Training | | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound; French | | Subtitles: English, Spanish | | Audio Commentary By Dennis Quaid And Director John Lee Hancock |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Buena Vista (Disney) |
| Release Date: 5/16/2006 |
| Running Time: 127 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2002 | | Catalog ID: 24023 | | UPC: 00786936165432 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, French Dubbed | | Available Subtitles: Spanish | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Widescreen 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | New York Times
"...Unabashedly lyrical and beautifully photographed....Its stately pace and appreciation of the austere grandeur of the Texas landscape and the eerie beauty of night baseball contribute to its aura of modern American folk tale..." 03/29/2002 p.E15USA Today
"...The movie keeps its eye on the ball....[The filmmakers] touch the heart without being sticky..." 03/29/2002 p.1E Premiere
"...A sweet, engaging, truth-based celebration of America's favorite pastime....THE ROOKIE will feel like a home run..." 04/01/2002 p.24-6 Rolling Stone
"...John Lee Hancock's heartfelt movie scores a solid hit..." 05/09/2002 p.80 Los Angeles Times
"...[The filmmakers have] given THE ROOKIE a lovely, relaxed feeling that makes us happy to be in this film's company..." 03/29/2002 p.C1 Variety
"...Smoothly directed....Schwartzman's attractive color lensing is splendid....Quaid's effortlessly compelling and engagingly earnest performance keeps the pic grounded in down-to-earth reality..." 03/25/2002 p.35-42 Sight and Sound
"...[Quaid] brings an appealing humility to his role..." 10/01/2002 p.49-50 Total Film
"...This gently played story of an ordinary second chance is actually quite a treat..." 11/01/2002 p.103 Los Angeles Times 7 of 10
...an unapologetically emotional film that doesn't make you gag, one that manages to be sentimental without turning into a shameless wallow. - Kenneth Turan
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