Hardball is a lot of things. Cliched? Yes. Sentimental? Absolutely. Still, I was slightly won over by this picture, and I'm sure a lot of it had to do with my mood. As is the case with most Americans, the last couple of weeks have been difficult for me. Hardball was the first film I saw following the horrible and meaningless terrorist attacks. This is to say that I went into Hardball with zero expectations and actually walked away feeling entertained.

Based on the book by Daniel Coyle, Hardball is the story of a compulsive gambler (Keanu Reeves) who finds a new life as the coach of an inner city, youth baseball team. Before long, Reeves finds himself connecting with the youngsters on the team and slowly develops a new outlook on life.

Now many would argue that the only good Keanu is a silent Keanu. I mean look at this guy's track record. He was horribly miscast in great pictures like Dracula and Dangerous Liasions. Thankfully, those pictures were too good to be ruined by his awful supporting performance. On the other hand, Reeves seems right at home in pictures like Speed and The Matrix (he's prepping for the sequels at this moment) where his dialogue is kept to a minimum.

It should also be noted that Reeves has been effective in dramatic roles before (see Permanent Record and The River's Edge). And you can't discredit his good spirited work in the Bill and Ted movies. Critics have already trashed his performance in Hardball, and while he's hardly perfect in the role, he does shine in moments of true sincerity.

Diane Lane is also effective as a teacher and the object of Reeves' affection. Of course the true draw in Hardball are the young baseball players. Each one of these bright youngsters has a distinct personality and all are surprisingly natural and at ease in front of the camera. It also helps that this cast has real chemistry.

Director Brian Robbins (Varsity Blues, Ready to Rumble) directs in an obvious fashion, but darkens the film with a bit of edgy subject matter. Mighty Ducks this ain't. In fact, at one point Hardball was slapped with an R rating and while watching the movie, it's is easy to tell where things were trimmed. So I would like to give a word of caution to parents. I wouldn't call this a family film but I would say it is a movie that parents can take their kids to.

Screenwriter John Gatins (Summer Catch) has fashioned a pretty predictable screenplay, but at moments, the film does manage to resonate with honesty. For some kids in the hood, these community leagues keep them out of trouble. It's the only chance they have to make a better life for themselves. For some of us, this may not ring true because we can't identify with their situation. But for many kids, this is unflinching reality.

Many have complained about Hardball's ending. Without giving too much away, I found it to be in keeping with the rest of the picture. This isn't like that ludicrous and completely unnecessary climax in Pay it Forward. The final moments of Hardball feel much more honest. I don't want to give anyone the impression that Hardball is a masterpiece. It definitely has it's faults. But with it's light humor and a touch of realism, Hardball sort of plays like Bad News Bears in the Hood.