Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Baseball star struggles with fame in sports drama with edge.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Phenom
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons) is THE PHENOM, a high schooler who throws a 98 mph fastball and is on his way to the pros. The biggest barrier is his domineering father, Hopper Sr. (Ethan Hawke), a one-time teen baseball star himself who's now a washed-up, bitter has-been. He takes out his frustrations by imposing special training routines on his son that cross the line into abuse. Skipping back and forth in time, the film visits both Hopper's early days as a pro who's lost control of his throw (and is reflecting on his life during sessions with a sports psychologist played by Paul Giamatti) and his time as a high school stand-out.
Is It Any Good?
This movie tries to hit a home run, but really it's just stuck on second base. The storyline's trajectory is obvious, the setup is all too familiar, and the climax is nonexistent. It's a pity, as the ensemble is strong, particularly Giamatti and Hawke (Simmons is, sadly, a little inert). The best sports movies make you want to cheer the main character to victory, even if it's not a literal triumph. But The Phenom isn't a natural; in sports parlance, hard training (as represented here by a dark, melancholic plot) doesn't mean great training. And talent only goes a certain distance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hopper's relationship with his father. Is he a good baseball player because of what his dad taught him -- or in spite of it? How does Hopper's rocky family life affect his skills on the field?
Is The Phenom truly a sports movie, since little of it actually takes place on the field? How does it compare to other films about athletes struggling with wealth and fame?
How does the film depict smoking and drinking? What role do they play in Hopper's treatment of others? Would you say the film glamorizes substance use at all?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 24, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : August 30, 2016
- Cast : Johnny Simmons , Ethan Hawke , Paul Giamatti
- Director : Noah Buschel
- Studio : RLJ Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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