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Conor O'Neill (Keanu Reeves) never learns. A good-for-nothing drifter, with a liking for drinking
and gambling, he is in debt again. With the collectors after him, he runs to dependable friend Jimmy Fleming (Mike McGlone) a successful investment banker. This time, instead
of giving Conor another outright loan, he offers him work: coaching a company-sponsored boys baseball team from the city's depressed area. For this he would be handed a check
weekly. Seeing no alternative to his predicament, Conor takes the offer, though not knowing how to deal with such young boys and not liking what he has accepted to do.
Surprising himself, he discovers that he has it in him to be interested in and to care for the boys. However, how is he going to whip up 10 fractious boys into a workable
team? How will his gambling for the "big win" and problem with the loan sharks affect his efforts to form the Kekambas baseball.
Hardball is a
realistic and heart-warming story based on the book "Hardball: A Season in the Projects", where author Daniel Coyle writes about his personal experiences as a baseball coach.
It is a well-composed and effectively directed production that is both entertaining and uplifting. Reeves has to do more acting here, than in his many previous action roles.
He is good and believable as the down-and-out Conor but some of his emotive scenes are longer than necessary. Diane Lane as the caring boys' teacher Elizabeth Wilkes shows
skill in her limited role. While the ensemble cast of the young baseball players—in their various roles—is a pleasant revelation in acting ability.
The turning point in Conor's wasteful life comes when he meets up with the boys. Their beginning
relationship is disruptive and confusing. Eventually, their interaction—after frustration and almost quitting on each other—brings about trust, respect, leadership, teamwork,
the resolve to be better, and the determination to win. Above all, coaching and learning the game in this movie shows that one could win over oneself and rise above adversity.
(Date reviewed: May 10, 2002)
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