Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by padreken (A) on August 30, 2006 at 15:47:43

In Reply to: "The Natural" posted by rico on August 25, 2006 at 10:10:42:

Redford's wooden acting is actually appropriate for the character as written, although he's clearly too old for the role. Kim Basinger is simply awful as Memo Paris-several lines are delivered so awkwardly it's embarassing ("what are trying to do-you're trying to kill yourself, aren't you" comes to mind). Come to think of it, all the female roles are forgettable-Hershey and Close have done better work elsewhere. Duval's devious sportswriter Max Mercy, Robert Prosky's sinister Judge and an uncredited Darren McGavin as corrupt bookie Gus Sands are all great, well-played roles and Wilfred Brimley and Richard Farnsworth are terrific as manager Pop Fisher and his bench coach Red. I like Joe Don Baker's cameo as the Ruthian "Whammer", too.

Critics tend to savage Randy Newman's score as too derivative of Copland and emotionally bombastic, but it's always been one of my favorites.