Rating: 
Summary: A lyrical fantasy about the best ball player who ever lived
Review: This is one of those films where you heart loves it despite what your head might be telling you. Barry Levinson's 1984 film abandon's the Shoeless Joe Jackson ending of Bernard Malamud's novel, choosing to go in a totally different direction, and I have to tell you I have no complaints (I even have a Roy Hobbs baseball card!). "The Natural," more than any other baseball film, attempts to deal with the game on a mythic level that can really exist only in the poetic world of fantasy.Robert Redford plays Roy Hobbs, who is given a second chance to be the best baseball player who ever lived. The early part of the film where you have to believe Redford is a teenage phenom is a bit of a reach, but the film seduces you into a willing suspension of disbelief with its glowing images and sentimentality. As the older Hobbs, Redford's quiet desperation plays nicely. The supporting cast of Glenn Close as Iris, the girl Roy left behind, Robert Duvall as the cynical sports reporter, Wilford Brimley as the crusty manager, Robert Farnsworth as the affable coach, and Robert Proskey as the malignancy who owns the team are all treats. Barbara Hershey is memorably remote as the dangerous Harriet Bird but Jon Don Baker plays the mythical Whammer as if Babe Ruth was channeling Ty Cobb. Only Kim Basinger seems out of place, and this is more because her character is so clearly bad news for Roy that you can never understand what he sees in her given what happened in his past. Redford is the calm at the center of the storm, dignified in his efforts but boyish in his love for the game. The film is essentially a collection of carefully crafted scenes: The opening vignette of Roy playing catch with his father, his first at bat in the majors, Iris refusing to see Roy fail in Chicago, his last at bat of the season and the dissolve to the final images as the circle is completed. The cinematography by Caleb Deschanel needs to be enjoyed widescreen (I have my laser disc), while Randy Newman's score, easily one of the most memorable in movie history, adds something to virtually ever scene (I have the CD). Every spring I watch "The Natural" and Ken Burns' "Baseball." Sometimes, those are the best parts of the season for me.
Rating:
Summary: Wonder Bat
Review: In "The Natural" Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is an over-the-hill ball player who comes from nowhere to lead the fictional New York Knights in their pennant fight. Hobbs uses a bat he made as a child (from a lightning destroyed tree) and an endless reservoir of talent to capture the nation's attention as "The Natural". Hobbs comes along at a propitious moment for the Knights' manager, Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley). Pop is co-owner of the Knights with The Judge (Robert Prosky). The Judge is a smarmy, nogoodnik who would like nothing better than to deprive the likable Pop of his share of the team for nothing. Of course, no one knows where Hobbs came from, which leads one curious reporter, Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), to delve into his past. Max constantly pesters Hobbs about his past and where he had been playing all his life if he were always this good. Max's curiosity is compounded by a feeling that he's seen Hobbs before and just can't put his finger on where and when he ran into him. At heart, "The Natural" is a story about baseball. This may seem obvious for a baseball movie but many "baseball movies" are really just typical movies with a baseball setting. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it doesn't really make them baseball movies. "The Natural", like "Field of Dreams", is about the joy one gets from playing the game no matter what your age. It's also about the forgiveness of baseball. It's a sport that gives you a long time to redeem yourself for wasting talent or for not appreciating the game when you are young. "The Natural" is my second favorite baseball movie and one that has and will continue to stand the test of time.
Rating:
Summary: Could this be the best baseball movie ever?
Review: Having not read the book, the movie was not a disappointment. On the contrary, I think it ranks with, if not, the best baseball movie every made. It is a story of second chances both in baseball and in love. The movie avoids the usual Hollywood pitfalls of making a statement where no statement is needed (Holly Hunters library speech in Field of Dreams) and by avoiding meaningless cliques by the effective use of archetypes. For instance, the mystery woman who abruptly ends Hobbs fledging career is dressed in black as contrasted to Iris, Hobbs lost love, who stands in the bleachers backlighted by a halo of light. Also the use of lightening at critical movements of Hobbs life and career are but two examples of powerful archetype. Aside from a good story, this is movie making at its best. The cinematography is beautiful. Case in point: The contest between Roy Hobbs (the Robert Redford character) and the Whammer (played to the tee by Joe Don Baker). Cool summer evening, setting sun, beautiful light, the cottonwood fluff floating gently in the air and steam periodically erupting from the locomotive- it is a visual masterpiece. Add to the beautiful cinematography, the musical score from Randy Newman. Nineteen years after the making of this movie when one hears Newman's score we think- Baseball! The attention to detail and editing were also superb. Who make those advertising signs in the outfield? Bump Baileys meeting a premature end crashing into the outfield wall next to the crying baby sign? That is what I call attention to detail. How about this? In the train scenes the train actually rocks on its tracks as it speeds along its way- Roy has to steady himself as he talks to the woman in black. The editing is surperb- especially the water stop scene and the final at bat scene. Could this be the best baseball movie ever made?
Rating:
Summary: An ethereal, thinking-man's movie
Review: This movie is often considered to be the greatest film ever made about baseball, but it's much more than that. To restrict "The Natural" to the genre of a sports movie is to miss its essential point and its goodness. No doubt that many will never gravitate towards this film, which is much more intellectual and adroit than other sports movies. Here the characters are muted, ethereal and other-worldly, but you understand them and their motivations. Robert Redford is perfectly cast as the aging hero, Roy Hobbs. Never a favorite of mine, Redford delivers a stellar rendering; it's hard to imagine any other actor pulling off this role. Redford was 47 years old at the time of filming, but he's still trim, beautiful and wistful, like an aging oak tree. He underplays the role and is never likeable or knowable, but that is part of the charm. Unlike movies such as "The Pride of the Yankees," the baseball scenes here are believable and Redford looks like an athlete. The only small criticism is that they film all the pitches in slow-motion to heighten the dramatic effects. Glenn Close and Kim Basinger are adequate, nothing more, in their roles. Robert Duvall, as the inquisitive sports writer, is excellent, which is hardly surprising since Duvall is always exceptional in any role. The cinematography is awe inspiring. Watch when Roy hits homeruns which cascade into the lights and the resulting explosions and fireworks. It's poetry and beauty all at once. Watch the shadows fall as the "Wonder Boy" bat is broken and the tubby bat boy hands Roy another stick. The subplot of murder, avarice and revenge are omnipresent and not the outstanding portions of the movie. The greatness lies in the scenes on the diamond itself, as well as the poignant interplay between Close and Redford off the field. I've seen this film a dozen times and never fail to tear up when Glenn Close stands next to her son in the waning moments of the film and Hobbs blasts another home run. A mesmerizing movie, a true keeper.
Rating: 
Summary: Mythical Tale of "Good vs. Evil"
Review: It's a story that's been told countless times: a gallant protagonist dealt a stunning blow, who is able to come back against overwhelming odds to triumph over the relentless forces of darkness. How many times have all of us seen plots like this? Yet THE NATURAL takes this story, wraps it mythically and magically around the great game of baseball, and provides an entertaining, enjoyable film. Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is a 36-year-old athlete who has waited 16 painful years for his chance to play major league baseball. His past is dubious, ambiguous. But he posesses a "natural" talent to dominate the game--even at the age of 36. And he does. Yet his meteoric success and instant acclaim pit Roy against two adversaries: newspaper reporter Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), who is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of Roy's past; and The Judge (Robert Prosky), the corrupt owner of Roy's team. The stage is set--good vs. evil--and the battle ensues, to a mesmerizing ending. Glenn Close as Iris Gaines, the true love of Roy's life, is terrific in this film, but by far my two favorite characters were manager Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley) and his assistant, Red Blow (Richard Farnsworth), who virtually bring alive the game of Depression Era baseball. I could have done without the discomfort of watching Redford and Close play 18-year-old lovers at the beginning of this film (talk about suspension of disbelief), but overall director Barry Levinson furnishes a rich, well-told story. THE NATURAL hits a solid, satisfying double, right up the middle.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: The Natural is the best baseball movie ever made. Great for everyone in the family.
Rating:
Summary: A Naturally Great Film
Review: To quote a review "...there's enough 'corn' in this film to fill many grain bins, but it works...", THE NATURAL is one of the truly great baseball films of recent memory due to the great performance of Robert Redford (unfittingly not nominated for an Academy Award..probably making it look "easy" again), great direction (Barry Levinson), great cast/characters (Robert Duvall, Richard Farnsworth, Kim Basinger,Wilford Brimley,Robert Prosky, and Glenn Close) cinematography, musical score, and script. A modern myth and time period film, in the guise of a baseball movie, the film works on all levels of entertainment values and is worth watching many times over. A feel good film that isn't made anymore.
Rating:
Summary: There goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was in this game!
Review: I don't care for baseball. Never have. Truth be told, I would rather watch a meaningless pre-season football game than game 7 of the World Series. I've even tried watching it in person, but the game still seems about as dull as watching the grass grow. That said, it is ironic that this is my all time favorite sports movie. The cast is top notch; Robert Redford, Glenn Close and Robert Duvall are all cream of the crop actors. As the best sports movies do, the story transcends the game itself & uses it as a metaphor for life. Unexpectedly, the film also includes unmistakable mythology imagery regarding a hero's quest. Some of the symbolism is obvious, some of it is not. The majority of it, however, does not take a Jungian analysis to understand. Barbara Hershey and Kim Basinger play their parts well as two sultry sirens who attempt to lure unsuspecting men to crash into the rocks. The story takes place in the late 1920s; a simpler time, when some professional athletes had the audacity to play for the love of the game rather than the intention of getting a signing bonus with their next team (gasp!!! what a concept!!). Robert Redford plays an incredibly gifted baseball player whose life goes awry due to the adversity posed by an unexpected incident. He finds that he must struggle to keep playing the game he loves. I don't cry at movies very much, but I will admit I did cry the first time I saw "The Natural." OK, I also cried the 2nd time I saw it, too. The DVD release boasts useful documentary by Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles, probably the closest thing to a genuine hero that baseball has to offer. All in all, a worthwhile DVD for the sports fan and non-sports fan alike.
Rating:
Summary: You dont have to love baseball to enjoy this movie
Review: This is a great feel-good film. Why do I say that? Because it centers around a baseball player named Roy Hobbs who gets tragically sidetracked from a promising career by a mysterious woman. Lots of great actors in this one in addition to Robert Redford such as Kim Bassingr,Robert Duvall,Wilford Brimley and Barbara Hershey. This movie will inspire you to become a better person and it teaches you that no matter how old you are its never to late to make a difference in your life or someone else's. I liked the movie alot better than the book by Bernard Malamud. This is the rare case in which the movie is better than the book. Usually it is the other way around.
Rating:
Summary: The Natural
Review: 'The Natural' (1984) Robert Redford is an extraordinary guy. Never a word of scandal is written
about him. He lives quietly with his family on a ranch in western United
States. He runs the annual Sundance Film Festival and he is politically
active as a loyal democrat. He has had his share of bad films as all
Hollywood stars have but he has evened it all out with a Best Actor Oscar
nomination for 1973's 'The Sting' and a win in the Best Director category
for 1980's 'Ordinary People'. His other impressive list of credits include
such diverse films as 'Quiz Show' (1994) for which he received another Oscar
nomination as Best Director and 1988's gem and little seen 'The Milagro
Beanfield War' which squeezed its way in to win an Oscar for Dave Grusin's
music score. Redford's 1998 film 'The Horse Whisperer' should have had more
success but this film will become a buried treasure of the future and will
take its time to truly get noticed. Redford's 1984 film 'The Natural' is a film that greatly divided the
critics. Some accused it of being an obvious soap opera while others
praised it as being an old fashioned story which brought back memories of
Hollywood's golden era. The plain truth is that 'The Natural' is a story of
lost youth with one man wondering how things would have turned out if his
life had gone in a different direction. What makes it extremely worthwhile
and fascinating to watch is the fact that the circumstances in this man's life that hand him a sour lemon are determined by fate and not by choice. Set primarily from the early to mid 1920's to about 1940, Redford plays Roy
Hobbs, a man who can do anything that the game of baseball requires.....and
he excels at it. As a friend of his says to a sports writer: "I thought you
might have heard of his 8 no-hitters." The story of 'The Natural' is truly
filled with fairy tale like qualities and sentimental charm. As a boy,
Roy's father helps him develop a talent for baseball and after his dad dies,
Roy makes a bat from a tree that was struck by lightning and appropriately
names the bat "Wonderboy" as he brands the name on his bat along with the
image of a lightning bolt. Roy also has a special lady in his life named
Iris Gaines (Glenn Close). Roy leaves her behind and intends to send for
her when he makes it in the big leagues. At a carnival one fine day, after being provoked and taking on a bet, he
strikes out a heavy hitter in the major leagues whose nick name is "The
Whammer" (Joe Don Baker in a take on Babe Ruth). Traveling with "The
Whammer" is sports writer Max Mercy (Robert Duvall). The amazing feat
accomplished by Hobbs stuns everyone including the mysterious Harriet Bird
(Barbara Hershey) who is instrumental in Hobbs' future. The rest of the
story can be explored from here at your own convenience for fear of
spoilers. Other notable members of the cast are Kim Basinger as a floozy who tries to
seduce Roy in a set up by gamblers and swindlers. Robert Prosky is the
film's villain as a judge determined to take over the team from Pop Fisher
(Wilford Brimley). A sly performance which goes uncredited in the film is
by Darren McGavin as an unscrupulous bookie who makes 10 million dollars a
year (about 100 million by today's standards). Directed by Barry Levinson with a screenplay by Roger Towne and Phil
Dusenberry based on Bernard Malamud's novel, 'The Natural' is a fulfilling
drama of hope and inspiration that captured four Oscar nominations for Caleb
Deschanel's sunlight enriched photography and scenes of silhouettes and many
dark passages which make the film stand out in a truly visual fashion.
Glenn Close was the only member of the cast to receive a nomination, this
time in the Best Supporting Actress category and the art direction/set
decoration made the era look totally authentic as it and the triumphantly
rousing music score by Randy Newman were also nominated. For those who have flocked away from the game of baseball in recent years
since the devastating loss of the World Series in 1994 due to labour and
management difficulties, 'The Natural' and 1989's 'Field of Dreams' are two
great films that renew your faith in the game and may draw you to it even if
you were never a baseball fan to begin with.
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