Hardball
A debt-ridden gambler finds a fragile path toward redemption when he becomes the unlikely coach and role model of a Chicago Little League team.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- gritty
- sentimental
- hopeful
- sports movie night
- inspirational drama night
What critics said
Critics found touching moments and effective sentiment but felt the film remained trapped within a conventional sports formula.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Conor's gambling, drinking, and criminal entanglements are countered by his commitment to coaching the Little League team.
The story positions white coach Conor as the transformative figure for a Black Chicago youth baseball team.
The film uses a troubled coach, disadvantaged young athletes, team competition, and inspirational personal growth.
Conor is described as bright, educated, and handsome, yet his gambling addiction, drinking, and debts have wrecked his future.
Films like Hardball, and why
The Mighty Ducks
sentimental underdog sports drama centered on a troubled adult finding purpose through coaching disadvantaged children
Coach Carter
urban youth sports drama combining mentorship, community hardship, and emotional redemption
The Blind Side
formula-driven but touching drama about an outsider guiding marginalized young people toward confidence and teamwork
Movie Details
- Director
- Brian Robbins
- Release Date
- 2001-09-14
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (582)
Cast
- Keanu Reeves
- Diane Lane
- John Hawkes
- Bryan Hearne
- Julian Griffith
- Michael B. Jordan
- A. Delon Ellis Jr.
- Kris D. Lofton
- Michael Perkins
- Brian M. Reed
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Essential, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Hardball about?
- A debt-ridden gambler finds a fragile path toward redemption when he becomes the unlikely coach and role model of a Chicago Little League team.
- What is Hardball like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hardball as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Hardball violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Hardball as mild.
- What did critics think of Hardball?
- Critics found touching moments and effective sentiment but felt the film remained trapped within a conventional sports formula.
- Which films are like Hardball?
- Films with a similar feel include The Mighty Ducks, Coach Carter, and The Blind Side.
- How long is Hardball?
- Hardball runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hardball?
- In United States, Hardball streams on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Essential, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
