The Rookie

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The Rookie

G

Released Mar 29, 2002

2h 7m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

153 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A true story about a coach who discovers that it's never too late for dreams to come true. Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) never made it out of the minor leagues before a shoulder injury ended his pitching career twelve years ago. Now a married-with-children high-school chemistry teacher and baseball coach in Texas, Jim's team makes a deal with him: if they win the district championship, Jim will try out with a major-league organization.

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Critics Consensus

A heart-warming sports flick, The Rookie greatly benefits from understated direction and the emotional honesty Dennis Quaid brings to the role of Jim Morris.

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Jack Mathews

New York Daily News

At two-plus hours, The Rookie is a good 20 minutes too long, but for father-son teams waiting eagerly for the umpire's "Play ball!", it's an uplifting season opener.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 12, 2014

Full Review

David Germain

Associated Press

Morris ultimately lasted two partial seasons in the majors, and the film's rendering of his minor-league struggle is so enjoyable you want to see more of that and less of the everyday life preceding it.

May 12, 2014

Full Review

Scott Tobias

AV Club

Though Hancock traffics in a lot of bogus small-town sentiment, The Rookie exhibits a refreshingly honest understanding of baseball as a job, with long road trips away from home and a workmanlike routine.

May 12, 2014

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Welcome back to the cinematic big leagues, Dennis Quaid, we've missed you!

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 21, 2020

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Fathers and sons and baseball. There's no combination like it. The Rookie -- it's a swing -- it's a hit -- it's going, going, gone!!! A grand slam home run.

Nov 9, 2019

Full Review

Leah Rozen

People Magazine

As Morris, the reliable Quaid throws heat, delivering smoothly in dramatic scenes and convincingly from the mound.

May 12, 2014

Full Review

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Joshua m

Enjoyable family film. Based on a true story.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

Full Review

S R

A great film for the whole family that never gets old.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

Dale R

Based on a true story and starring Dennis Quaid as a high school baseball coach that is convinced to try out for the major leagues. Because the plot is based on real events, the movie is very believable. There might be a few scenes with added drama for effect, but they don’t last long or they make sense. Dennis Quaid does a great job in the lead role and is the center to the heart of the movie. I think this movie is worth your time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

Tim M

With just enough baseball mysticism and grounded storytelling, The Rookie tells an unconventional sports story that'll have audiences cheering regardless.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/24

Full Review

Fabian R

Very inconsistent storytelling. Also bad craftmanship. Heavy on exposition dialogue instead of show don't tell. Often feels forced.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/16/24

Full Review

Red T

Solid All Around. There really isn't anything truly bad about it at all. It's very heartfelt and sincere with great performances all around. The only complaints is everything is well done just not masterful or anything other sports films like The Natural or Rocky don't do better. Also, I would've maybe liked to have seen more characters to add more depth at times because of how simple the plot is but Quaid does a good job overall of carrying this film! Anyone who is a fan of sports films or Quaid should give this a watch for sure!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/01/23

Full Review

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John Lee Hancock

Director

Dennis Quaid

Jim Morris

Rachel Griffiths

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Synopsis

A true story about a coach who discovers that it's never too late for dreams to come true. Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) never made it out of the minor leagues before a shoulder injury ended his pitching career twelve years ago. Now a married-with-children high-school chemistry teacher and baseball coach in Texas, Jim's team makes a deal with him: if they win the district championship, Jim will try out with a major-league organization.

Director: John Lee Hancock
Producer: Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, Mark Johnson
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co: 98 MPH Productions, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 29, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 8, 2016
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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