Opened: September 14, 2001

Directed by: Brian Robbins

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes, Bryan C. Hearne, Michael Perkins, DeWayne Warren, Julian Griffith, Michael B. Jordan, A. Delon Ellis Jr., Brian M. Reed, Kristopher Lofton, Mike McGlone, Graham Beckel, D. B. Sweeney, Sammy Sosa, Sterling Brim, Wa-King Conner & Mark Margolis

Falling easily into the sports film formula, Hardball may not be the most original, but Keanu Reeves and the young cast of baseball players – including Michael B. Jordan’s feature debut – will steal your heart.

In order to make money to pay back debts he owes, Conor O’Neill (Reeves) reluctantly agrees to coach a boys baseball team in the projects of Chicago. With some encouragement from teacher Elizabeth Wilkes (Diane Lane), Conor leans into is humanity.

There’s a heavy amount of overacting from Reeves but he manages the slow development of his character well. The boys are the most memorable part though bringing great comedy and a few strong emotional moments.

Unfortunately, the elements of the story all feel too familiar. They’ve been played out in the same format before, just maybe not together.

Final say: Short of a home run. ★★★★☆