Parents' Guide to Million Dollar Arm

Hamm is well chosen to play a slick agent who's hoping that his idea of finding the first Indian baseball players to reach the major leagues will lead to a big payday. Hamm knows how to play charming but unlikable characters, and J.B. -- for most of the movie -- is just that: a man making a lot of shiny promises he then has to scramble to deliver. The actor has good chemistry with everyone, from Mandvi (who, as always, is effortlessly amusing) to cheery tenant/love interest Lake Bell to the trio of grateful, confused, and hardworking young Indians that his character brings back to the States.

Despite the standout performances by the MLB hopefuls -- Life of Pi star Suraj Sharma is quite magnetic and will hopefully get more roles, while Madhur Mittal is evocative as the broodier, more thoughtful athlete, Dinesh -- their story is secondary to J.B.'s. Which is kind of too bad, since it's their life-changing journey, their courage, their "fish out of water" tale that's most interesting. In addition to the two players, there's Darshan Jariwala, who plays Vivek, the comic relief of a pint-sized Indian baseball fan who hopes to coach baseball full time. While undeniably sweet and funny, his character occasionally feels cartoonishly cute. Overall this is a fine family sports drama with a feel-good message. It's just a shame the focus is on the agent and not the players.