48
Metascore
25 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanSurprisingly brusque yet likable film.
- 70SalonStephanie ZacharekSalonStephanie ZacharekIt may follow a formula, but sometimes formula equals comforting routine. And there are times, in the movies and elsewhere, when routine is exactly what you need.
- 70The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenIts uplifting message about teamwork and caring wouldn't hurt a fly. You might even say, the movie is good for you.
- 63Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertIt drifts above the surface of its natural subjects, content to be a genre picture. We're always aware of the formula--and in a picture based on real life, we shouldn't be.
- 63New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardA by-the-numbers tearjerker notable mostly for the most adorable little sluggers this side of the "Bad News Bears."
- 63USA TodayClaudia PuigUSA TodayClaudia PuigThose who were upset by the tragic ending of last year's "Pay It Forward" should be warned away.
- 60Washington PostWashington PostIt is only when Reeves meets up with his incredibly cute baseball team that this movie comes to life.
- 50Chicago TribuneMark CaroChicago TribuneMark CaroRemains watchable when it's not hitting you like a baseball bat with poignancy. But by the time you've endured all of the shamelessly manipulative plot turns and heart-yanking speeches that close out the movie, all you can do is cry foul.
- 30TV Guide MagazineSteve SimelsTV Guide MagazineSteve SimelsAlong the way, director Brian Robbins indulges Reeves in too many laughable inspirational speeches. He also wastes the terrific Diane Lane in the thankless role of the kids' dedicated teacher.
- 25Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumThe movie is so littered with clichés of genre, as well as clichés of artifice in Reeves' pained performance, that any semblance of social reality goes foul.