Movie Night: The Natural.

Review #383: The Natural.

Cast
Robert Redford (Roy Hobbs), Robert Duvall (Max Mercy), Glenn Close (Iris Gaines), Kim Basinger (Memo Paris), Wilford Brimley (Pop Fisher), Barbara Hershey (Harriet Bird), Robert Prosky (The Judge), Richard Farnsworth (Red Blow), and Joe Don Baker (The Whammer) Directed by Barry Levinson.

Review
While this is the first time I've reviewed a film with Robert Redford, this is not the first time I've mentioned him (#252 - Quiz Show), as he directed that, and I said this about it: "The film is nail-gripping in its drama, being very well delivered, all thanks to the direction by Robert Redford." This time, he's the main star and not behind the camera, but does this film work well either way is the question. And...I like it. While at times the film sounds a bit much in idolizing its main character sometimes, it does have heart and the baseball action goes well with it. Redford does a pretty good job, essentially a "natural" at this. Duvall is fine, and Close does a noticeable, but good job. The rest of the cast, especially Brimley, do good as well, and the film goes along without much flaws. It has its moments and it goes along well in a decent 137 minute pace. Films like these don't come along too much, but when they do they have good merit to it.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.