In The Natural, Robert Redford gives his best performance since the Sundance Kid. He plays Roy Hobbs, who's childhood dream was to make it big in baseball. After his dreams are shattered on that fateful train ride, Hobbs disappears for sixteen years, before returning to the semi-pros. Looking to play any chance he can get, he accepts a transfer to the last place New York Knights. After a decade and a half, does Roy still have what it takes to turn this team around?
Director Barry Levinson magnificently captures the early days of baseball with stunning visuals and a knockout cast. Watching the film, you almost feel like a kid in the stands, watching Hobbs step up to the plate.. The Natural also stars Wilford Brimley as the skeptical Knights' manger, Pop Fisher, who feels he's been scammed with the transfer of the 35 year old has-been. His mind is quickly changed when he finally lets Roy play, and he knocks the cover clean off the ball. Even Kim Basinger gives a good performance as the temptress who seems to steal Roy's power.
The film itself is based upon the book of the same name, but thankfully, some liberties were taken, because the book droned on at times and did not have the same uplifting fantasy feel that the movie drove home. The story is loosely based upon the mysterious shooting of Phillies' first baseman Ed Waitkus. This director's cut of the film also has an additional fifteen minutes of never-before-seen footage.
On disc two, you'll find a nice stash of special features, including a three-part making of featurette with present day interviews with cast and crew. The Extra Innings featurette takes a look at a few technical details of the film, such as the frequent use of slow motion, the design of the teams' uniforms and even President Reagan's inquiry as to why the woman in black shot Roy. Clubhouse Conversations takes a look at the cast and crew's love of baseball and how it reflected upon the movie. There's also a documentary about the real-life Ed Waitkus, of whom the story is loosely based. The Knights in Shining Armor mini-mentary delves into the mythology of the story and its relation to writers such as Homer. Finally, in Heart of The Natural, Cal Ripken, Jr. relates his life to the story and how emotionally attached he felt to the film.
The story is both uplifting and heartwarming. Randy Newman's score (his best work ever) is compassionate and epic. Kids and adults alike will love it. The Natural is a fun, inspiring fantasy that will be cherished for years to come.
