Monday 1 October 2012

Trouble with the Curve Movie Review and a Night Out

This past weekend, Charlie and I actually made it to a movie theater and saw Trouble with the Curve. Other than going to see children's films with Lily, it has been a long time since we've seen a movie in the theater. Not that we haven't tried. It just seems that every time we have enough time to do this, there is nothing I want to see. So, when Lily stayed the night over at a friend's house Saturday night, I jumped at the chance to go.

How was it? The movie was really good. It's not a blockbuster. I'd say it's a movie with an older style of writing, in that it's not all about action, the camera shots don't cut back and forth every 45 seconds, and the story (and characters) develop. Clint Eastwood played Gus Loebel, a crotchety, old baseball scout. (He's very good at crotchety. LOL) Amy Adams played his daughter Mickey and was very good. She has beautiful hair. Yes, I know I shouldn't have been thinking about that, but her hair truly was gorgeous. Every time she flounced off, which she did a lot, I noticed it and envied her hair. LOL I have never seen her in a movie. (I know, I know. I told you it's been a long time since I've seen a movie.) Her love interest, Johnny "The Flame" Flannagan, is the Justin Timberlake.

All of them do an excellent job in their roles. Clint's character evoked some memories of my own father. Not that my dad was ever as difficult to communicate with as Gus was, nor did my father have difficulties telling me he loved me. Perhaps it was just that Clint and my dad were from the same era and my dad enjoyed Clint.

It's a somewhat predictable storyline, but I didn't mind. There was a happy ending, some emotional ups and downs, and a... well, I won't ruin it for you.

If you like happy endings with a strong story and some emotional ups and downs, you'll enjoy this movie.

Despite the expense of the tickets, the popcorn and medium soda, the overloud sound system, and over half of the seats had broken armrests, it was lovely to just go out and enjoy my hubby sans child.

The entire evening was lovely, including the movie! I say go see it.

13 comments:

Faith Bicknell said...

This is one I've been wanting to see so I'm glad you posted this review. I love Clint Eastwood movies, but when he filmed Gran Torino, I was shocked in the difference from his earlier movies. I'm betting The Curve is just as good. But you know me, I love stories that really delve into the characters more than I am the bam-bam-bam methods of most of Hollywood's releases the past few years.

Valerie Mann said...

I've been wanting to see this, so I'm glad you liked it. I love Clint Eastwood and yes, he does play crochety well. My daughter was a tweenager when Justin Timberlake was the boy wonder, but she was a die-hard Backstreet Boys fan, so we had NSync Sucks rule in our house back in the 90s, so I've only recently allowed myself to like Justin. And I do, he's actually a good actor. And has a hot bod. I'll defiinitely go see this since it got the Marci stamp of approval!

Faith Bicknell said...

Val, if you haven't yet seen Black Snake Moan with Justin Timberlake, you'll prolly like that one, too. Very unique movie, imo.

Alexa said...

Great to hear! I definitely want to see this. My family was very much a baseball family and I love Clint Eastwood movies.

Marci Baun said...

Well, the reviews are ho-hum for this movie, Faith, from both reviewers and IMDB (69%). After seeing that, I knew I would most likely enjoy it. (g) And I did. There were times I was frustrated that Clint's character didn't evolve as quickly as I would have liked, but, you know, that's how most people are. LOL

I wasn't a big fan of Justin Timberlake either, Val, for a long time. Only since I've seen him on SNL over the past couple of years have I come to respect him. I still don't care for his music, but I can appreciate his acting. He also doesn't seem to take himself too seriously and seems like a nice guy.

I think you'll like it, Alexa. I'm not a baseball fan. I like to play it, I like to watch people I know at local baseball games, but as for going to a professional game or watching one on TV, nope. That's another thing I like about the movie: you don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it. There's no question there is a lot about baseball in it, but the story is more than that.

IM Cupnjava said...

I've not heard of this movie.

Bikecopblog said...

Daughter Katy (blogging at "Behind Blue Eyes and a Margurita Glass) is a huge baseball fan and loved the movie. Marci, we have been blessed here in Denver with "Skybox" theaters that serve drinks and dinner at stadium seats. Are we spoiled, or what? Now, all I need is time....

TK Anthony + www.scotianrealm.com said...

I went to see "TWTC" last week, mostly because my husband wanted to see it. I'm not a huge baseball fan. But I like Clint, and hey, it was a night out. Turns out, I enjoyed it! The movie only used baseball as the stage for a story that hits a lot of great themes--ageism, aging, the insight of the human heart and mind over "what looks good on paper," overcoming setbacks...plus, a nice little love story. I agree about Amy Adams' hair. Almost made me wish I had long hair again.

Patricia said...

Yours is the first review I've read of this movie but I already know I'll like it because I love Clint Eastwood's acting and ditto for Justin.
Glad you had a fun night out, Marci. My hubby and I tend not to go out at all. There's always an excuse or someone's too tired. Our 21st anniversary is coming up and we really need to get out.

Marci Baun said...

It's worth seeing, Cup. It's not a Quentin Tarantino movie, which is probably why I like it. (g)

Jim, I think she'll enjoy the movie. As TK says, you don't have to like baseball to enjoy the movie.

TK, I liked that it touched on all of those subjects. I've seen how people treat the older generation and it bothers me. Not just because someday I'll be one of them, but also because people deserve to be respected regardless of age.

Get out, Patricia. It does add spice to the relationship. It was so nice to be able to sit and just chat with Charlie. It reminded me, again, of why I married him.

Marci

Cheryl Norman said...

I want to see this film. I'm a sucker for happy endings. I'm hoping this one leaves me feeling more upbeat than Gran Torino, another great crotchety Eastwood role. But I'll wait for the DVD. Last time I was in a movie theater, I left with a headache from the too-loud sound system.

Faith Bicknell said...

The last movie I went to was The Punisher. Thought the sound was gonna blow us out of our seats.

Penny Estelle said...

I liked the movie. I don't think I have ever seen a movie when Clint teared up like he did at the grave site.....

Good show!