TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (C+)

Bottom Line: The cinematic (and not nearly as good) antithesis to Brad Pitt’s MONEYBALL, TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE forgoes computer generated stats in lieu of raw human emotion when choosing who to put on the field. Problem here is that, somehow, the computer way seems much more interesting. It’ll certainly entertain without ever offending – Eastwood, Adams and Timberlake all do what they can to give this thing a heartbeat and a bit of soul. But this grumpy daddy/needy daughter melodrama is never quite sure what genre it wants to run with (it's a drama, no a comedy, wait a romance, what about sports); and that schizophrenic nature coupled with lazy writing and clumsy direction will ensure that almost no one will see this is a hit out of the park. It’s still an easily accessible flick for mass audiences – and that alone should ensure that Eastwood’s new movie won’t have an empty seat in the house this weekend…well, maybe just the one.

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman
Directed by: Robert Lorenz
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 111 minutes
Story: Gus Lobel has been one of the best scouts in baseball for decades, but, despite his efforts to hide it, age is starting to catch up with him. Nevertheless, Gus—who can tell a pitch just by the crack of the bat—refuses to be benched for what could be the final innings of his career. He may not have a choice. The front office of the Atlanta Braves is starting to question his judgment, especially with the country's hottest batting phenom on deck for the draft. The one person who might be able to help is also the one person Gus would never ask: his daughter, Mickey, an associate at a high-powered Atlanta law firm whose drive and ambition has put her on the fast track to becoming partner. Mickey has never been close to her father, who was ill-equipped to be a single parent after the death of his wife. Even now, in the rare moments they share, he is too easily distracted by what Mickey assumes is his first love: the game. Against her better judgment, and over Gus's objections, Mickey joins him on his latest scouting trip to North Carolina, jeopardizing her own career to save his. Forced to spend time together for the first time in years, each makes new discoveries—revealing long-held truths about their past and present that could change their future. (Warner Bros.)

Trailer: www.troublewiththecurve.warnerbros.com