Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Trouble With the Curve



Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard
Director: Robert Lorenz
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: PG-13

This past April, I got to hang out with Justin Timberlake, Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood when I was an extra in “Trouble With the Curve.” When I say “hang out,” I mean, I glanced at JT from afar (he is TINY in person), smiled at Amy Adams, and Clint Eastwood ate some of my peanuts and complimented my teal Chucks. Production needed 300 or so people to sit in the stands of Young Harris College’s baseball stadium, and since my aunt lives right down the road in Hiawassee, GA, we gladly pounced on the opportunity. *Clint dined with the crew and was even spotted working out in the school's gym!

Of all the colors I could have worn, they chose the two worst for my complexion.
This is why JT didn't fall in love with me.















 

Two 12-hour days translated into a 3-minute scene, where I unfortunately wasn’t able to spot myself. My aunt, on the other hand, casually exits the stands right behind Amy and Clint, totally giving her a good 15 seconds of fame. Though I only planned to see the movie because of our involvement, I actually ended up really enjoying it. Discussion of the Atlanta Braves and North Carolina hit close to home, and as Mickey, Amy’s emotionally-charged performance was the best I’ve ever seen her. *Amy is a knock-out in person, and was drinking a green liquid during breaks - probably kale juice or something ridiculously healthy.

As Gus, Clint Eastwood gives way to his recent trademark character – a frustratingly ornery curmudgeon. I cannot use enough negative words to describe his behavior for most of the film, though I would probably be just as difficult to be around if I was suffering from macular degeneration and at risk of losing my job as a baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves.

The baseball action seems to take backseat to the characters’ internal struggles and conflicts. As father and daughter, Mickey and Gus have been emotionally disconnected for most of her life, and the audience can’t help but pull for them to reestablish a bond. Mickey is desperate for her dad’s approval, but her successful career as a lawyer doesn’t come close to winning it. She clearly puts more effort into their relationship, and his refusal to acknowledge it is infuriating. Baseball is their only common ground, and the audience is left to wonder if she really likes it, or if she just knows it’s her only real connection to her father.

In a final attempt to salvage their relationship, Mickey accompanies him on a scouting trip in North Carolina, where they run into Johnny (Justin Timberlake). Gus scouted him as a kid, and his new position as recruiter for the Red Sox doesn't bring about too much competition between them. Instead, Johnny gives Gus a few laughs, and reminds Mickey that she indeed has a heart. *I asked JT’s bodyguard when he’d be releasing a new album, because he’s a great actor, but even better in the studio. He assured me that a lot of people have been on his case about it, and he was aware he needed to make one to satisfy the ladies.*

I consider the supporting cast the beautiful backdrop of North Carolina/North Georgia mountains, and Matthew Lillard (love that he is popping up all over the place lately!) He is perfect as snotty, easy-answer Phillip, who thinks a computer can scout talent better than veteran scout Gus.

It was incredibly fun to be part of this, and even more fun to look for my fellow extra friends who were lucky enough to be featured. I can’t say that I’ve seen many baseball movies besides “The Sandlot,” and I’m going for the obvious pun here, but “Trouble With the Curve” hits a home run.


2 comments:

  1. The editor must be a moron not to have included your visage in the final cut......

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.