720. The Natural

The Natural
1984
Directed by Barry Levinson

I have a friend in Florida who amazingly enough, actually takes my movie suggestions instead of just nodding and looking for the nearest exit.  I had him watch When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall, which not only are great films, but might actually help him with the ladies (not that you need it, Cole, if you are reading this...ahem).  In return, I watched Major League and The Natural.  I really think I got the raw end of the deal here.

This is the story of Roy Hobbs, who at a young age shows a promising talent for baseball.  His dreams are seemingly shot to hell (teehee) when a serial killer shoots him with a silver bullet.  He survives, but believes he will never be the great baseball player he was destined to be.  Sixteen years later, Hobbs is signed to the New York Knights.  Still, he is haunted by his part and must deal with the corruption of his team.

So Barbara Hershey plays a serial killer who dresses in black and goes after promising young athletes.  And that is not what the movie is about?  I would much rather watch a film about a creepy lady serial killer than watch a "heartwarming" film about baseball.  I'm not sure what that says about me.

I knew I wouldn't enjoy this movie, since I hate sports.  Perhaps if you are into baseball you will enjoy it more, though it still is undeniably long and predictable.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The movie differed greatly from the novel in an attempt to be more uplifting.