Casting legit good guy Keanu Reeves as a degenerate gambler with anger issues is a curious choice, but Hardball is a bit of a curious movie.

 

The gritty gambling story is mashed up with a spunky underdog/kids' baseball story. Let's say the tone isn't always balanced. We weren't in complete agreement about Keanu's acting in this one and we also debated if he's playing a white saviour in this, but we were on the exact same page about the effectiveness of the emotions. All the kids are likeable (hey, that's Michael B. Jordan!), but G-Baby in particular is a charm machine.

 

So we'll break down Brian Robbins' flick while you Big Poppas feel the rhythm on the pitcher's mound and maybe, just maybe, you'll go to the 'ship.