Hardball
© James C. Hess
If one were to attempt an overly simplistic summation of the movie "Hardball", which is an overly simplistic approach to resolving troubled youth today, two words would suffice:
Stupidity wholesale.
This movie is beyond stupid and I suspect, with evidence in hand, the makers of it knew so. Why else would they promote it as '"The Bad New Bears" for the next generation'?
Understand: "The Bad New Bears" was a stupid movie.
But not as stupid as "Hardball".
The premise, now, of "Hardball": This is the story of a gambler--a compulsive gambler--who finds his life turned around by a new lot in life: He coaches an inner-city baseball team.
This is a premise that could hold much promise and assurance to success: Just look at the aforementioned "The Bad New Bears" as proof. Here, though, thanks much to Keanu Reeves, as Conor O'Neill, it comes across as just another example of Politically Correct crap cranked from the bowels of the Hollywood Machine, socio-political liberal dogma sanctioned by the Clinton Film and Television office.
As noted: Keanu Reeves plays Conor O'Neill, a Generation X-type whose life primarly focuses on sports bars and professional sports; specifically the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan.
Realistic, this. So many young people today are far too willing and ready to engage in activities that are otherwise pointless, but which carry an almost-absolute promise of immediate gratification and quick-rich schemes.
Here's the thing: Because this premise is a twice-chewed one, because this movie is obviously meant as a vehicle for Reeves, because it is blatantly contaminated with the high-handed, self-important hyperbole of the aforementioned Clinton administration, because Reeves lacks anything resembling valid acting talent, "Hardball" cannot help but fail.
Take as example of this certain doom: There is a scene in which O'Neill, owing much to his bookie, manages, with little effort, to negotiate a weekly payment plan for his debt.
What? Is? This? A car loan? A house mortgage?
Stupidity wholesale.
Now. To pay on his debt O'Neill gets a friend, who just happens to be in investments, to loan him the money needed. The friend agrees to the loan but with a condition: O'Neill will get five hundred dollars a week only IF he agrees to coach a kid's baseball team overseen by the Chicago Housing Authority.
Predictably O'Neill balks initially at this. But then, recognizing the need for money for his debt payments, he accepts the deal. In formula fashion he meets the kids who will play on his team: One is a runt, one has physical ailments relating to low birth weight, one has asthma, one has--you get the idea. Of course, not only do they have these liabilities, along with living in low-income housing, but they are unmotivated.
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