I went into this movie with the expectations of a more orthodox time line. About a young pitching prodigy from his early days in High School to his troubled journey in the Major Leagues. The story scratched the surface of his overbearing Father and his mental state as to why he was having trouble throwing strikes, But for me, the movie never tied it all together. All the characters in the movie were never fully developed enough to explain the reason for Hopper's problem. I was waiting for the progress made by Hopper in his sessions with Dr. Mobley playing out on the field or the root of the problem being revealed finally at the end. That never materialized. The ending left you wanting more meat on the bone. I was very disappointed with this movie because it had a good premise but was too superficially told to make any impact on the viewer.
22 Reviews
Doesn't really have an ending...
treyosaddler1 July 2016
It was an alright movie for the most part, but when it was over I sat up in bed and said "Is that it"? I guess this is one of those movies that you just have to decide what happens to the characters when it's all over.
There are certain scenes that just felt very out of place and a few different parts of the story that didn't get fully fleshed out. Towards the end of the movie, I thought the movie was finally building up to a climax but it turned out to just be the end of the movie.
One thing I did like about the movie though, was that there were some very beautiful scenes and shots. Good camera-work and use of color, but the writing couldn't keep up with the directing.
If you're into baseball, are a huge sports enthusiast, or like movies without an ending, then this film may be for you. Otherwise, your time might be better spent elsewhere.
There are certain scenes that just felt very out of place and a few different parts of the story that didn't get fully fleshed out. Towards the end of the movie, I thought the movie was finally building up to a climax but it turned out to just be the end of the movie.
One thing I did like about the movie though, was that there were some very beautiful scenes and shots. Good camera-work and use of color, but the writing couldn't keep up with the directing.
If you're into baseball, are a huge sports enthusiast, or like movies without an ending, then this film may be for you. Otherwise, your time might be better spent elsewhere.
More Balls Than Strikes
iquine28 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
(Flash Review)
With an intriguing story of a major league pitcher needing a sports psychologist to help him regain his pitching command, this film had a lot going for it in addition to its unique plot. As it sets a confident atmosphere, competent acting, interesting pacing, editing with some nice long shot holds and framing composition. Where it threw its wild pitches was in tying all the scenes together and diving a bit deeper into certain characters and plot points. It failed to emotionally connect with me. I never truly felt the pitcher's strife; as much as the lighting tried to help from scene to scene. Many scenes were really good stand-alone scenes yet never added up to a great unified whole. Back to the plot, you learn what are some causes for his on the mound distractions and a couple vague ways he tries to resolve them. Can he conquer them and regain his pitching dominance? Overall it felt uneven and had a very abrupt ending; not in a clever way either.
With an intriguing story of a major league pitcher needing a sports psychologist to help him regain his pitching command, this film had a lot going for it in addition to its unique plot. As it sets a confident atmosphere, competent acting, interesting pacing, editing with some nice long shot holds and framing composition. Where it threw its wild pitches was in tying all the scenes together and diving a bit deeper into certain characters and plot points. It failed to emotionally connect with me. I never truly felt the pitcher's strife; as much as the lighting tried to help from scene to scene. Many scenes were really good stand-alone scenes yet never added up to a great unified whole. Back to the plot, you learn what are some causes for his on the mound distractions and a couple vague ways he tries to resolve them. Can he conquer them and regain his pitching dominance? Overall it felt uneven and had a very abrupt ending; not in a clever way either.
What A Mess
zkonedog27 February 2017
After watching the trailer for this movie, and being a big fan of baseball in general, I was really, really excited that this could be a winner. It looked like a taut, psychological take on the national pastime. What I found, however, was a movie that was a complete mess from beginning to end.
For a basic plot summary, "The Phenom" tells the story of Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons), an enormously talented pitching prospect who is having trouble harnessing his control. As a result, Hopper is sent to world-renowned sports psychologist Dr. Mobley (Paul Giamatti) in hopes of getting himself straightened out. During the course of his visits to Mobley, flashbacks reveal that many of Hop's problems may stem from overbearing father Hopper Sr. (Ethan Hawke).
The main problem with "The Phenom" is that it doesn't create any sort of emotional connection between the characters and the viewers. It basically just throws out a number of baseball clichés in place of meaningful character development. Even in the presence of some great actors (Giamatti & Hawk), this script/story just doesn't hold up. Heck, had the film just given me what the trailer showed it would have been at least decent. However, it ends up a muddled mess of clichés, flashbacks, and long dialogue scenes that don't seem to go anywhere or mean anything in the end.
Another big issue with the movie? I hate to criticize one single individual for the failure of an entire movie, but I will say this: Simmons (as the lead Hopper) either gave a poor performance or just wan't right for the roll. Never once did I feel caught up in what he was going through, likely because it didn't seem like he himself was too interested, either. I read a comment where this movie was called the "Good Will Hunting" (a film I don't enjoy all that much) of baseball flicks, but even in that effort at least Matt Damon gave a great effort as a mentally tortured youth. Simmons' character shows no such promise here.
So, unfortunately, "The Phenom" ended up being one of the poorest movies I've seen in quite some time. Whoever cut the trailer sure knew what they were doing, but other than that nothing goes right. The film needed to either go whole-hog into the baseball clichés, or not use them at all. Instead, the muddled middle is reached which, combined with a dud lead actor performance, sinks the entire project. I can't recommend this one in any way, shape, or form to anyone.
For a basic plot summary, "The Phenom" tells the story of Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons), an enormously talented pitching prospect who is having trouble harnessing his control. As a result, Hopper is sent to world-renowned sports psychologist Dr. Mobley (Paul Giamatti) in hopes of getting himself straightened out. During the course of his visits to Mobley, flashbacks reveal that many of Hop's problems may stem from overbearing father Hopper Sr. (Ethan Hawke).
The main problem with "The Phenom" is that it doesn't create any sort of emotional connection between the characters and the viewers. It basically just throws out a number of baseball clichés in place of meaningful character development. Even in the presence of some great actors (Giamatti & Hawk), this script/story just doesn't hold up. Heck, had the film just given me what the trailer showed it would have been at least decent. However, it ends up a muddled mess of clichés, flashbacks, and long dialogue scenes that don't seem to go anywhere or mean anything in the end.
Another big issue with the movie? I hate to criticize one single individual for the failure of an entire movie, but I will say this: Simmons (as the lead Hopper) either gave a poor performance or just wan't right for the roll. Never once did I feel caught up in what he was going through, likely because it didn't seem like he himself was too interested, either. I read a comment where this movie was called the "Good Will Hunting" (a film I don't enjoy all that much) of baseball flicks, but even in that effort at least Matt Damon gave a great effort as a mentally tortured youth. Simmons' character shows no such promise here.
So, unfortunately, "The Phenom" ended up being one of the poorest movies I've seen in quite some time. Whoever cut the trailer sure knew what they were doing, but other than that nothing goes right. The film needed to either go whole-hog into the baseball clichés, or not use them at all. Instead, the muddled middle is reached which, combined with a dud lead actor performance, sinks the entire project. I can't recommend this one in any way, shape, or form to anyone.
The people that would like this film probably would not watch it.
somf11 June 2017
This is a strong character study. I really enjoyed it, but it is not a sports movie, at least not what one thinks of a typical sports movie. Strong acting throughout elevate this from being a pretty run of the mill character study. I really enjoyed hating the Ethan Hawke character. At times I thought the character was slightly over the top, but I still liked it. Worth watching. Just a word of warning, if sports movies are your favorite genre, you may want to reset your expectations a bit before watching. You will probably enjoy it more.
Requires the Services of a Good Editor
statmanjeff9 August 2019
As my first experience with a film from writer/director Noah Buschel, I worry that his five earlier efforts also exhibit a sore lack of editing. Did not spot any editor credit (other than that of an assistant or something) and believe Noah Buschel handled it himself. He seems unable to discard anything he films (a lesson all great directors learn to do). Cast is fine, but scenes don't join together for a unified whole and often reach points of stagnation as well as present conflicts of information.
Slow movie, more about the psychology of pitchers block.
bhwin-2716311 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is a slow movie so if you are looking for a baseball movie with excellent plays, this is not what you are going to get. This is pure dialog with psychological upbringing playing a major role in the protagonists head.
I'll keep this short, this movie is about a good kid who is barely out of high school and has an incredible skill at pitching. He's a phenom, a boy genius with a ball in his hand.
The movie is about all the pressures that a young man goes through when he has a gift even he has yet to truly understand and control. He undergoes struggling with it and begins to question his talent, his beliefs and all that he was taught about pitching.
This is a movie for someone who wants to put themselves in the position of someone who is struggling to nurture what he/she naturally is talented at. The protagonist has pitchers block, many of us have a type of block in our life that we struggled to get through or failed to get through.
I'll keep this short, this movie is about a good kid who is barely out of high school and has an incredible skill at pitching. He's a phenom, a boy genius with a ball in his hand.
The movie is about all the pressures that a young man goes through when he has a gift even he has yet to truly understand and control. He undergoes struggling with it and begins to question his talent, his beliefs and all that he was taught about pitching.
This is a movie for someone who wants to put themselves in the position of someone who is struggling to nurture what he/she naturally is talented at. The protagonist has pitchers block, many of us have a type of block in our life that we struggled to get through or failed to get through.
Too Talky, bordering on boredom
rutzelb29 September 2016
Major League Pitcher Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons) is sent down to the minors because he lost his pitching mojo. He is assigned to Dr. Mobley (Paul Giamatti) a renowned sports psychologist. Hopper's overbearing father Hopper Sr (Ethan Hawke) makes his presence known as he just out of prison.
So I see the title and jump at this movie hoping to see something like Roy Hobbs (from the Natural) in earlier days. Didn't happen. This is a talk- fest and I am not sure we got all of the movie or the script or something that would make sense of this. The ending came so quickly without anything being resolved that I had a hard time figuring this out. Maybe you will have better luck, but truth be told I advise all to stay away.
There are many uncomfortable scenes with Hopper and Hopper Sr, who is not physically abusive, but is verbally abusive and his son just quietly takes it. At a family dinner with Hopper's girl friend Rachel (Marin Ireland) the music was so annoyingly loud to a point we could barely hear what was being said.
Ethan Hawke (following his part of the script) is okay but we don't like seeing this abusive side of anyone. Paul Giamatti as Dr. Mobley tries too hard with unnecessary facial expressions.
There are a couple sub plot that don't go anywhere.
This appears to be half of a movie, a script or some kind of a half-told story to help Hopper get his mojo back. We do not see any real baseball games or parts of. We do see Hopper on the mound, at times, looking lethargic or out of focus.
Just so you know: this is an under-developed story the way I saw it. Good luck with it. (2/10)
Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, at times, not much but there.
So I see the title and jump at this movie hoping to see something like Roy Hobbs (from the Natural) in earlier days. Didn't happen. This is a talk- fest and I am not sure we got all of the movie or the script or something that would make sense of this. The ending came so quickly without anything being resolved that I had a hard time figuring this out. Maybe you will have better luck, but truth be told I advise all to stay away.
There are many uncomfortable scenes with Hopper and Hopper Sr, who is not physically abusive, but is verbally abusive and his son just quietly takes it. At a family dinner with Hopper's girl friend Rachel (Marin Ireland) the music was so annoyingly loud to a point we could barely hear what was being said.
Ethan Hawke (following his part of the script) is okay but we don't like seeing this abusive side of anyone. Paul Giamatti as Dr. Mobley tries too hard with unnecessary facial expressions.
There are a couple sub plot that don't go anywhere.
This appears to be half of a movie, a script or some kind of a half-told story to help Hopper get his mojo back. We do not see any real baseball games or parts of. We do see Hopper on the mound, at times, looking lethargic or out of focus.
Just so you know: this is an under-developed story the way I saw it. Good luck with it. (2/10)
Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, at times, not much but there.
Not sure what the film is about
Gordon-117 September 2016
This film tells the story of a young baseball player in high school, who loses his pitch and hence worries about his potential future as a professional player. He enlists a sports psychologist to help him through the difficult times.
I had no idea what the film before watching the film, as the title doesn't give anything away. Honestly, I have no idea what the film is about after watching it either. The beginning looks promising, as the door psychologist talks with the young athlete. Then, it gets downhill and have no clear focus. I don't know whether it wants to talk about the father, the psychologist or what. I get so lost in the half developed plot, where subplots are underdeveloped. And the ending is so abrupt that the story is literally unfinished. I regret having watched this film because I think I wasted my time.
I had no idea what the film before watching the film, as the title doesn't give anything away. Honestly, I have no idea what the film is about after watching it either. The beginning looks promising, as the door psychologist talks with the young athlete. Then, it gets downhill and have no clear focus. I don't know whether it wants to talk about the father, the psychologist or what. I get so lost in the half developed plot, where subplots are underdeveloped. And the ending is so abrupt that the story is literally unfinished. I regret having watched this film because I think I wasted my time.
An interesting, albeit slow-moving, movie
steiner-sam9 March 2022
It's a baseball psychology movie set in modern times that follows a talented young pitcher with a 98-mile-an-hour fastball who gets the "yips" and can't throw strikes sometimes. It's said to be loosely based on the early career of Rick Ankiel.
Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons) is the young phenom who has been sent by his Major League team to a sports psychologist, Dr. Mobley (Paul Giamatti), to try to learn how to regain his ability to pitch at an elite level. Many flashbacks give background to Hopper's current state. These flashbacks include his father, Hopper, Sr. (Ethan Hawke), a sociopath in and out of prison. Other significant characters include his high school coach (Yul Vazquez), his mother (Alison Elliott), and his high school girlfriend (Sophie Kennedy Clark).
Significant portions of the film depict the interaction between Hopper and his father, and Hopper and Dr. Mobley. The movie ends as Hopper is about to be called up again as a pitcher, but we're uncertain whether he will be successful. So in one sense, there is no ending.
This is an interesting, albeit slow-moving, movie. There is not much baseball action; the focus is more on exploring Hopper's psychological baggage.
Johnny Simmons and Ethan Hawke give strong performances, as does Alison Elliott. The rest are less memorable, including Paul Giamatti. The ending could have been more robust and would have been if more of Rick Ankiel's trajectory had been included.
Hopper Gibson (Johnny Simmons) is the young phenom who has been sent by his Major League team to a sports psychologist, Dr. Mobley (Paul Giamatti), to try to learn how to regain his ability to pitch at an elite level. Many flashbacks give background to Hopper's current state. These flashbacks include his father, Hopper, Sr. (Ethan Hawke), a sociopath in and out of prison. Other significant characters include his high school coach (Yul Vazquez), his mother (Alison Elliott), and his high school girlfriend (Sophie Kennedy Clark).
Significant portions of the film depict the interaction between Hopper and his father, and Hopper and Dr. Mobley. The movie ends as Hopper is about to be called up again as a pitcher, but we're uncertain whether he will be successful. So in one sense, there is no ending.
This is an interesting, albeit slow-moving, movie. There is not much baseball action; the focus is more on exploring Hopper's psychological baggage.
Johnny Simmons and Ethan Hawke give strong performances, as does Alison Elliott. The rest are less memorable, including Paul Giamatti. The ending could have been more robust and would have been if more of Rick Ankiel's trajectory had been included.
What could have been.
Scott2723 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"The Phenom" is the story of a young major league pitcher - Hopper Gibson - struggling with a mental block that has negatively affected his control. He is sent to the minor leagues and sees a sports paychologist, who digs through his past.
Baseball movies are among some of my most favorite movies. It's a game that plays out very well on film, naturally carrying several themes about teamwork, pressure, isolation and fatherhood to name a few. Even not-so-good baseball movies are still enjoyable if the baseball is done right. If this was an attempt to try and be "original" in the genre, it was a huge swing and miss (pun intended).
If you're going by the poster and tagline thinking this is a baseball movie you'll be as disappointed as I was. I would argue it's a good thing there wasn't more baseball because what little baseball action that was actually featured was very subpar.
The thought I'm left with after watching this movie is the themes that were left undeveloped and what it could have been. What could have been an in-depth story about overcoming mental barriers was instead a collection of loosely strung together scenes, flat secondary characters that come and go at random and an out-of-place robbery scene that has no context or consequence. What could have been a story about overbearing parents and their impact on a child's future turned out to be a cliché deadbeat dad - played admirably by Ethan Hawk - that shows up randomly to hurl hollow insults at the main character and then disappears. What could have been a unique relationship between a therapist - played by Paul Giamatti - and a patient ended up as extended, dialogue-heavy scenes that never go anywhere.
The defacto climax that occurs with the line "they picked the wrong guy, I'm just a regular kid" is, in and of itself, out of context from the rest of the film. We never see any of his life outside of the context of baseball. Even his interactions with his girlfriend are centered around his baseball career.
Any potential this film may have had are greatly overshadowed by the lack of character development, uneventful plot and generic dialogue. I cannot recommend this film.
Baseball movies are among some of my most favorite movies. It's a game that plays out very well on film, naturally carrying several themes about teamwork, pressure, isolation and fatherhood to name a few. Even not-so-good baseball movies are still enjoyable if the baseball is done right. If this was an attempt to try and be "original" in the genre, it was a huge swing and miss (pun intended).
If you're going by the poster and tagline thinking this is a baseball movie you'll be as disappointed as I was. I would argue it's a good thing there wasn't more baseball because what little baseball action that was actually featured was very subpar.
The thought I'm left with after watching this movie is the themes that were left undeveloped and what it could have been. What could have been an in-depth story about overcoming mental barriers was instead a collection of loosely strung together scenes, flat secondary characters that come and go at random and an out-of-place robbery scene that has no context or consequence. What could have been a story about overbearing parents and their impact on a child's future turned out to be a cliché deadbeat dad - played admirably by Ethan Hawk - that shows up randomly to hurl hollow insults at the main character and then disappears. What could have been a unique relationship between a therapist - played by Paul Giamatti - and a patient ended up as extended, dialogue-heavy scenes that never go anywhere.
The defacto climax that occurs with the line "they picked the wrong guy, I'm just a regular kid" is, in and of itself, out of context from the rest of the film. We never see any of his life outside of the context of baseball. Even his interactions with his girlfriend are centered around his baseball career.
Any potential this film may have had are greatly overshadowed by the lack of character development, uneventful plot and generic dialogue. I cannot recommend this film.
Giamatti is great as usual. Basically a baseball player version of Good Will Hunting. I really enjoyed this and recommend it.
cosmo_tiger3 August 2016
"It doesn't matter what I want cause I have a contract, and you know what, I'll tell you something. They picked the wrong guy because I'm just an ordinary kid." Hopper (Simmons) is a star baseball pitcher that has recently been demoted after a shaky outing. He is sent to psychologist Dr. Mobley (Giamatti) in hopes of him figuring out what is wrong. When Hopper begins to talk about his overbearing father (Hawke) Mobley begins to understand what Hopper's problem is. But it may be too late. I am a huge sucker for all sports movies and I love Paul Giamatti so I was really excited about watching this. I have to say though this is nothing like I expected. At the risk of over simplifying, the movie is basically a baseball player version of Good Will Hunting. Simmons actually plays the part perfect as a kid who isn't sure what he wants anymore and is essentially going though the motions while his dad tries to totally control him. I could keep going on about this but if you liked Good Will Hunting I would recommend this as well. Overall, not what I expected, it was better. I give this a B+.
Below Average Sports Drama Inspired by Rick Ankiel's Story
patrickkahn4 July 2017
Having just finished Rick Ankiel's book, The Phenomenon, and just finishing this movie, I think it's pretty obvious the plot is based on his story. As mentioned in the FAQ, nobody has come out and said the movie is based on Ankiel but the many similarities are striking and pretty hard to ignore. Here are a few:
1) Ankiel attended Port St. Lucie HS like the main character, 2) Ankiel's dad was crazy, abusive and overbearing. Ankiel even talks about him screaming at and intimidating his HS coaches. He also took credit for Rick's success, 3) Like the movie's main character, Ankiel told people his father was a fisherman and hung drywall, when in reality he was a drug dealer who spent time in prison, 4) The main character in the movie plays in the Atlanta Braves organization, which was Ankiel's favorite team growing up, 5) After he loses his control in the 2000 playoffs, Ankiel moves down to the minors and spends a ton of time with sports psychologist Harvey Dorfman, and they talk a lot about his past with an abusive father.
Those are just some of the glaring similarities so it seems pretty obvious this movie was inspired by Rick Ankiel's story. As usual, artistic license has added and changed certain parts of the story but it seems pretty obvious this movie was based on Ankiel's story.
I'd consider the overall production below average, in part due to the lack of character development. However, I applaud the ambition for undertaking a difficult and often unspoken aspect of professional sports. The "yips" is a well-known phenomenon in the baseball world, but one that players avoid in daily conversation because of its ability to sneak up on any player at any time, and the emotional toll it takes on its victims.
Because this theme seemed to take precedence, I was willing to overlook the main character's unrealistically poor pitching mechanics and the frequent and awkward misuse of baseball terminology. It would have been nice if the movie focused a bit more on the emotional turmoil experienced in the player's personal life as he tries to overcome his affliction. This seems to be a product of the lack of character development. Additionally, I think beginning the movie with various notable events throughout the pitcher's childhood would have provided some more context, added some character development, and provided a good foundation for the rest of the movie.
1) Ankiel attended Port St. Lucie HS like the main character, 2) Ankiel's dad was crazy, abusive and overbearing. Ankiel even talks about him screaming at and intimidating his HS coaches. He also took credit for Rick's success, 3) Like the movie's main character, Ankiel told people his father was a fisherman and hung drywall, when in reality he was a drug dealer who spent time in prison, 4) The main character in the movie plays in the Atlanta Braves organization, which was Ankiel's favorite team growing up, 5) After he loses his control in the 2000 playoffs, Ankiel moves down to the minors and spends a ton of time with sports psychologist Harvey Dorfman, and they talk a lot about his past with an abusive father.
Those are just some of the glaring similarities so it seems pretty obvious this movie was inspired by Rick Ankiel's story. As usual, artistic license has added and changed certain parts of the story but it seems pretty obvious this movie was based on Ankiel's story.
I'd consider the overall production below average, in part due to the lack of character development. However, I applaud the ambition for undertaking a difficult and often unspoken aspect of professional sports. The "yips" is a well-known phenomenon in the baseball world, but one that players avoid in daily conversation because of its ability to sneak up on any player at any time, and the emotional toll it takes on its victims.
Because this theme seemed to take precedence, I was willing to overlook the main character's unrealistically poor pitching mechanics and the frequent and awkward misuse of baseball terminology. It would have been nice if the movie focused a bit more on the emotional turmoil experienced in the player's personal life as he tries to overcome his affliction. This seems to be a product of the lack of character development. Additionally, I think beginning the movie with various notable events throughout the pitcher's childhood would have provided some more context, added some character development, and provided a good foundation for the rest of the movie.
The ending ruined a good movie
rexdart-860523 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The ending is abrupt with so many unanswered questions. The acting is good with a decent story line. If the ending was better I would rate it much higher. As a former ball player I was dissapointed as I could relate to Hopper and really wanted to see how he devoloped with his treatment.
"I think both of us have some issues about being perfect, man."
classicsoncall11 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
My oh my, what the heck do you think the film makers were going for here? There's a lot of subtext going on but the story doesn't bring any of it together in any sort of meaningful way. I get the whole business about the kid Hooper (Johnny Simmons) having doubts about himself, the father (Ethan Hawke) trying to live vicariously through his son's ability, and the shrink's (Paul Giamatti) attempt to draw young Hooper out to confront his personal demons, but man, what a poor attempt at a story.
The most frustrating thing about Hooper was that he seemed to be completely oblivious as a human being. His frequent sessions with Dr. Mobley (Giamatti) seemed to be spent laughing off the doctor's questions or challenging the doc himself as if he were running the therapy session. As for Hooper, Senior, he looked like a real picture of ambition imparting his words of wisdom to a son who couldn't or wouldn't stand up for himself in the face of the old man's insults and put-downs. The drug smuggling rap was just the icing on the cake for me. The guy actually did have a point about staying focused on the pitcher's mound and trying to intimidate opposing batters, but with all that valuable insight, how did he wind up being such a dirt bag?
On top of all that, the movie doesn't really even have too much to do with the game of baseball when you come right down to it. There are a few scenes of Hooper throwing the ball but no actual game situations to test the man's mettle. For a better treatment of a baseball pitcher in a somewhat similar situation, try going all the way back to 1957's "Fear Strikes Out", a true story of Jimmy Piersall's struggle with mental illness and a domineering father for whom his son's triumphs were never good enough. Of more recent vintage, Clint Eastwood's "Trouble With the Curve" also has some merit, but deals more with a dysfunctional relationship between a father and daughter with a baseball backdrop.
The most frustrating thing about Hooper was that he seemed to be completely oblivious as a human being. His frequent sessions with Dr. Mobley (Giamatti) seemed to be spent laughing off the doctor's questions or challenging the doc himself as if he were running the therapy session. As for Hooper, Senior, he looked like a real picture of ambition imparting his words of wisdom to a son who couldn't or wouldn't stand up for himself in the face of the old man's insults and put-downs. The drug smuggling rap was just the icing on the cake for me. The guy actually did have a point about staying focused on the pitcher's mound and trying to intimidate opposing batters, but with all that valuable insight, how did he wind up being such a dirt bag?
On top of all that, the movie doesn't really even have too much to do with the game of baseball when you come right down to it. There are a few scenes of Hooper throwing the ball but no actual game situations to test the man's mettle. For a better treatment of a baseball pitcher in a somewhat similar situation, try going all the way back to 1957's "Fear Strikes Out", a true story of Jimmy Piersall's struggle with mental illness and a domineering father for whom his son's triumphs were never good enough. Of more recent vintage, Clint Eastwood's "Trouble With the Curve" also has some merit, but deals more with a dysfunctional relationship between a father and daughter with a baseball backdrop.
Squandered potential
maccas-5636725 May 2019
I probably wouldn't have lasted through this - had one of my favourite AFL players not recently retired at just age 23, citing mental health issues. There are definitely some parallels here.
Beyond that, "The Phenom" is a frustrating film to watch.
Ethan Hawke successfully portrays one of the most unlikeable guys I've seen on film in ages.
Paul Giamatti also puts in a great performance as a sports psychologist. The back and forward emotional banter between Giamatti and Simmons is in a very similar vein to that of Damon and Williams in "Good Will Hunting" - just without the Oscar-worthiness.
Johnny Simmons is convincing as the somewhat of an asshole but emotionally vulnerable sports star.
None of it seemed to tie together though and the film just went nowhere. It never succeeded as anything more than being a fly-on-the-wall look at a young talented sportsman with emotional difficulties. I also agree with many other viewers, that found the ending abrupt and poorly written.
Beyond that, "The Phenom" is a frustrating film to watch.
Ethan Hawke successfully portrays one of the most unlikeable guys I've seen on film in ages.
Paul Giamatti also puts in a great performance as a sports psychologist. The back and forward emotional banter between Giamatti and Simmons is in a very similar vein to that of Damon and Williams in "Good Will Hunting" - just without the Oscar-worthiness.
Johnny Simmons is convincing as the somewhat of an asshole but emotionally vulnerable sports star.
None of it seemed to tie together though and the film just went nowhere. It never succeeded as anything more than being a fly-on-the-wall look at a young talented sportsman with emotional difficulties. I also agree with many other viewers, that found the ending abrupt and poorly written.
This Phenom is a Phailure
vcgraves30 April 2018
I watched this movie because it's a baseball movie, and because Paul Giamatti is in it.
Script? Sorry to report this, but the writing is BAD. The script--- the words these actors are forced to say as the camera rolls---are not believable.
They don't sound like things real people in real life would say. And there's too many of them. Way too many. Result? BORING.
Where's some action? ANY action? The baseball scenes add up to about 90 seconds total.
Ethan Hawke's character? The mean father? So over the top it is, again, completely unconvincing and irritating.
And there's no ending, really. Whoever wrote this....ughh.
To pour salt in the wound, the soundtrack sucked. You don't have a noisy rock song with LOUD SINGING playing under a major speech from one of the characters.
There should be an instrumental, or no music at all, as the character is screaming at another character.
So to sum it up in one word, "The Phenom" is a PHLOP.
You're Either Alpha or You're not
dansview15 April 2017
I've read the reviews and no one got it. Sports are for "alpha" personalities. You can't overthink your duties in a sports game. If you do, you will doom your efforts. The father character understand this, to an extreme.
The kid, our protagonist, does not. The psychologist does a little. Everything else was just a waste of time. Not only that, but you have to get an actor who looks like a 100 mph pitcher. I really like that Simmons guy, but he doesn't look like a major league pitcher. Even the father mentioned that repeatedly.
Life is separated between the alphas, the betas, and the omegas. Which one are you? Having talent is not enough to make you a major league great. You have to have the mental game down as well.
There was some good dialogue and some decent scenes, but much of it was disjointed. What was the point of the robbery? To show that he is a rube?
Why does the girl even like him? He doesn't show any charm. Why did the mom go with the dad in high school? Was it just because he was a jock and a star, or did he show promise as a human being?
This movie sucked, but had potential.
The kid, our protagonist, does not. The psychologist does a little. Everything else was just a waste of time. Not only that, but you have to get an actor who looks like a 100 mph pitcher. I really like that Simmons guy, but he doesn't look like a major league pitcher. Even the father mentioned that repeatedly.
Life is separated between the alphas, the betas, and the omegas. Which one are you? Having talent is not enough to make you a major league great. You have to have the mental game down as well.
There was some good dialogue and some decent scenes, but much of it was disjointed. What was the point of the robbery? To show that he is a rube?
Why does the girl even like him? He doesn't show any charm. Why did the mom go with the dad in high school? Was it just because he was a jock and a star, or did he show promise as a human being?
This movie sucked, but had potential.
The baseball version of "Good Will Hunting"
goodman52828 June 2016
It's a movie about a kid who loved playing baseball. He worked really hard everyday to get better and better at the game, then suddenly one day he discovers he is better than everybody else. So, what now?
Everybody expects something of him. His team expects him to throw 100mph fastballs into the strike zone game after game. His coach expects him to stay out of trouble. His teacher expects him finish school. His dad expects him to not get lazy and waste his talent. His girlfriend expects him to be just a normal guy who she can talk to and relate to and be best friends with. And his shrink expects him to accept his talent.
Would I recommend you to watch this movie?
Yes. Although most of us can't throw 100mph fastballs, but if you can just suspend belief for a moment and put yourself into his shoes, you will find a very well written story about a working class kid working hard and making a success of himself.
No. If you go into this thinking "he's making $$$ millions, what's he got to complain about?" or "he's naturally talented, why everybody want to drag him down?" Then you are better off watching something else.
Everybody expects something of him. His team expects him to throw 100mph fastballs into the strike zone game after game. His coach expects him to stay out of trouble. His teacher expects him finish school. His dad expects him to not get lazy and waste his talent. His girlfriend expects him to be just a normal guy who she can talk to and relate to and be best friends with. And his shrink expects him to accept his talent.
Would I recommend you to watch this movie?
Yes. Although most of us can't throw 100mph fastballs, but if you can just suspend belief for a moment and put yourself into his shoes, you will find a very well written story about a working class kid working hard and making a success of himself.
No. If you go into this thinking "he's making $$$ millions, what's he got to complain about?" or "he's naturally talented, why everybody want to drag him down?" Then you are better off watching something else.
Not a baseball movie
nancydooley225 March 2018
I think this could of been a decent movie. But it has very little to do with baseball. It is about a young prospect who makes it to the show and then struggles. But they never show any of it. It's all implemented. The movie is more about how the guy has a crappy dad who may be the reason the kid is a head case at the time and in a slump. Then the movie just ends with no closing at all. Honestly, there never really seemed to be a point to the movie.
Baseballplayers cry too
imseeg15 March 2018
Even if you dont like baseball you could still appreciate this picture about an aspiring young baseball talent who has lost his confidence at his game and isnt able to throw winning curve balls anymore. Having already signed a million dollar contract this baseball kid is under tremendous pressure to perform. Enter Paul Giamatti as a mental coach who is appointed to get the kid's winning streak back. Will he succeed or will he fail? I wont tell.
The Phenom is in nothing comparable to other sport movies. Baseball is just an excuse to let two people talk on screen with eachother about FEELINGS. Everything in this movie takes its time. As if the movie itself reflects the rut the baseball kid is in. Slow scenes, many pauses. Many widely spun out scenes about relationships. Not at all a sports movie. If you expect a cool,fast movie about a baseball hero, you will be disappointed. If you wanna see how sportheroes mentally can struggle with loosing, then this is the movie for you.
It is a movie about a young kids own mindgames: thoughts he throws at himself and keep hurting again and again. Man is one's own worst enemy and this sweet baseball kid is struggling to deal with that. 10 points for realism and originality. Less points for the drama. Âverage of a well deserved 8. This movie about coping with loosing is a winner!
I want to dedicate a special paragraph to producer, writer and director Noah Bushel. This young man has achieved something very unique: he has written EVERYONE of his directed movies! Few great directors have achieved that. I urge you to look at his other work too, because of his total control over his own movies. Everytime he produces something it is unique. Very interesting director of whom we certainly will see more surprising movie gems!
The Phenom is in nothing comparable to other sport movies. Baseball is just an excuse to let two people talk on screen with eachother about FEELINGS. Everything in this movie takes its time. As if the movie itself reflects the rut the baseball kid is in. Slow scenes, many pauses. Many widely spun out scenes about relationships. Not at all a sports movie. If you expect a cool,fast movie about a baseball hero, you will be disappointed. If you wanna see how sportheroes mentally can struggle with loosing, then this is the movie for you.
It is a movie about a young kids own mindgames: thoughts he throws at himself and keep hurting again and again. Man is one's own worst enemy and this sweet baseball kid is struggling to deal with that. 10 points for realism and originality. Less points for the drama. Âverage of a well deserved 8. This movie about coping with loosing is a winner!
I want to dedicate a special paragraph to producer, writer and director Noah Bushel. This young man has achieved something very unique: he has written EVERYONE of his directed movies! Few great directors have achieved that. I urge you to look at his other work too, because of his total control over his own movies. Everytime he produces something it is unique. Very interesting director of whom we certainly will see more surprising movie gems!
Not your standard film, and that's a good thing
davidabarak29 April 2023
As others have mentioned, this was more of a character study than a film about baseball. It could have been a film about being an artist, an executive, pretty much anybody who finds themself under unwanted pressure from an outside source.
There were a few odd stylistic choices in the directing, but those odd choices worked for the most part. The director took some gambles, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work. It's refreshing to see something surprising (unlike those tired, old super hero movies).
My only real complaint is so minor it's comical - I didn't like Ethan Hawke's flat top hair cut. It just didn't seem to fit. A buzz cut, yes, but not a flat top. This wasn't 1958.
If you're a fan of the same old ordinary movie with no surprises, this isn't for you. But if you love film as entertainment _and_ art, then The Phenom is one to consider.
There were a few odd stylistic choices in the directing, but those odd choices worked for the most part. The director took some gambles, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work. It's refreshing to see something surprising (unlike those tired, old super hero movies).
My only real complaint is so minor it's comical - I didn't like Ethan Hawke's flat top hair cut. It just didn't seem to fit. A buzz cut, yes, but not a flat top. This wasn't 1958.
If you're a fan of the same old ordinary movie with no surprises, this isn't for you. But if you love film as entertainment _and_ art, then The Phenom is one to consider.
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