| The
Review: |
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.
|
| Image
and Sound |
A
sturdy transfer from Paramount that should please the film's
target audience. The 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer boasts good
color saturation with accurate fleshtones and solid blacks for
most of the presentation. Contrast can be wanting in certain
places, but overall it looks good, and shadow detail also has
its share of ups and downs. Edges are sharp with some halos
present, and the overall picture exhibits some grain and noise
that is distracting in some places, and hardly noticeable in
others. *** The sound is mixed in Dolby Digital 5.1, and for
what it's worth, it works just fine. The surrounds get a nice
workout with the music and some of the sound effects of the
big stadium during the game sequence in the finale, while deep
bass is generally minimal but clean. Dialogue sounds very good
and is free from blemishes, and while most of the track tends
to remain a bit forward-heavy, it's still a nice add-on for
the fans. |
