Metacritic-Rezensionen

Surprisingly brusque yet likable film.

It may follow a formula, but sometimes formula equals comforting routine. And there are times, in the movies and elsewhere, when routine is exactly what you need.

Its uplifting message about teamwork and caring wouldn't hurt a fly. You might even say, the movie is good for you.

It drifts above the surface of its natural subjects, content to be a genre picture. We're always aware of the formula--and in a picture based on real life, we shouldn't be.

A by-the-numbers tearjerker notable mostly for the most adorable little sluggers this side of the "Bad News Bears."

Those who were upset by the tragic ending of last year's "Pay It Forward" should be warned away.

It is only when Reeves meets up with his incredibly cute baseball team that this movie comes to life.

Remains watchable when it's not hitting you like a baseball bat with poignancy. But by the time you've endured all of the shamelessly manipulative plot turns and heart-yanking speeches that close out the movie, all you can do is cry foul.

Along the way, director Brian Robbins indulges Reeves in too many laughable inspirational speeches. He also wastes the terrific Diane Lane in the thankless role of the kids' dedicated teacher.

The movie is so littered with clichés of genre, as well as clichés of artifice in Reeves' pained performance, that any semblance of social reality goes foul.