Hard getting old; Clint Eastwood reveals in 'Trouble with a curve'

The film "Trouble with the Curve," is a 2012 release with stellar performances by Clint Eastwood as Gus and Amy Adams as his daughter, Mickey. John Goodman played a supporting role as Pete, Gus’s best friend and colleague. The genre would be drama and it includes deep messages on family dynamics.

The first scene was unnecessary. In trying to depict Gus as an old man, the scene opens with him in the bathroom encouraging himself to urinate. The scene lasts several minutes illustrating the typical prostate problems of elderly gentlemen. There are softer and perhaps more respectful ways to illustrate the annoyances faced during the aging process.

"Trouble with the Curve""Trouble with the Curve"

Gus is an angry, belligerent, and wise older man on the verge of unwilling retirement as a baseball scout. Mickey, his daughter, is constantly seeking his approval and admiration, something Gus doles out infrequently. Mickey stands by him, even when he shoves her as far away as possible.

The two go on a recruiting trip after Pete, John Goodman, appeals to Mickey out of concern for Gus’s failing eyesight. She is an unwelcome tag-a-long to Gus on the surface. Gus and Mickey work through years of misunderstandings and end the trip as not just father and daughter, but genuine friends.

Gus also demonstrates the importance of experience that comes from honing in on one’s craft. He assesses the draft picks without the benefit of technology and proves his value as a scout regardless of his age.

The movie was a heartwarming tale. The solid acting skills of Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams overcame what the storyline drags on too long in parts.