Rookie of the Year - PG

Far-fetched baseball fantasy. Silly, good-natured fun for all.

Rating: PG for some mild language. Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Directed By: Daniel Stern Cast: Gary Busey, Thomas Nicholas Running Time: 103 minutes Release Date: 10/10/1993 Genre: Family and Kids

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this movie is entirely wholesome save three mild exceptions: there's a punch to the face (no blood); the f-word is implied in one scene; and a young girl is referred to as being "stacked."

Families who watch this movie might discuss formula. Does this movie seem like other wacky sports movies you've seen before? Why do you think some types of movies seem to stick to the same themes, characters, and devices? Can movies that are formulaic still be entertaining? Why or why not?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Randy White

The Chicago Cubs are facing another dismal season. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Henry is a terrible little league player whose mother is dating a really sleazy guy named Jack. Trying to show off, Henry breaks his arm and the tendons heal a little tight. The result is a 100+ mph fastball. After the Cubs' general manager sees him throw, Henry is recruited to pitch in the big leagues.

Grumpy old pitcher Chet Stetman has to teach Henry to pitch. Henry's Mom falls for Chet and sleazy Jack is not happy. Jack has also arranged to sell Henry to the Yankees so he can collect a huge fee. Henry spills all to the kindly old Cubs owner, though, and everything works out. In the final game of the season, Henry relieves Chet after six great innings, but Henry's arm gives out in the ninth. Henry has to resort to trickery to win the division title.

Silliness fills to the brim, and occasionally slops over the sides of this good-natured sports fantasy. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR sticks close to the established kids's sports movie formula. Single parent mom works out dating issues; other kids are initially hurt by their friend's success, but end up supporting him; and, of course, everything builds to the big game. But this movie has such a good time playing out the inevitable that you can't help but enjoy yourself.

Much of the fun comes from a strong supporting cast. Gary Busey plays Chet with just the right mix of grumpiness and warmth. John Candy portrays the lovable blowhard baseball announcer with gusto. And first-time director Daniel Stern (he played one of the buddies in City Slickers) injects his movie with over-the-top comic relief both from in front of and behind the camera.

Kids will like Henry, the dork in way over his head. Kids who've stood, scared to death, in front of their class will understand the intense pressure Henry feels when he first steps on the mound.

Families who like this film might enjoy other movies in the wacky sports fantasy genre including Angels in the Outfield and the canine basketball film Air Bud.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content A young girl is described as being "stacked."
Violence Henry's mom punches the sleazy manager in the face. No blood though.
Language None, although the F word is implied.
Message
	Social Behavior Single parent mom has dating issues that eventually work out; other kids are initially hurt by their friend's success.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco