Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Albert Brooks | ... | Al Percolo | |
Brendan Fraser | ... | Steve Nebraska | |
Dianne Wiest | ... | Doctor H. Aaron | |
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Anne Twomey | ... | Jennifer |
Lane Smith | ... | Ron Wilson | |
Michael Rapaport | ... | Tommy Lacy | |
Barry Shabaka Henley | ... | McDermott | |
John Capodice | ... | Caruso | |
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Art Garfield | ... | Stan (as Garfield!) |
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Louis Giovannetti | ... | World Series Catcher |
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Stephen Demek | ... | Yankee Catcher |
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Ralph Drischell | ... | Charlie |
Brett Rickaby | ... | George's Assistant | |
Jack Rader | ... | Mr. Lacy | |
Marcia Rodd | ... | Mrs. Lacy |
Al Percolo is a major league baseball scout sent to scout in Mexico as a punishment. However, he eventually stumbles across Steve Nebraska, a young American who can pitch AND hit better than anyone else can do either. He signs Steve and returns home in glory. It soon becomes obvious, though, that Steve is immature and possibly unstable, and Al turns to psychiatrist Doctor H. Aaron, whom he picks for her name, for help. Written by Reid Gagle
Considering that this film had the screenwriting and acting talent of Albert Brooks, one of the funnier writers in the industry, and the acting of Brendan Fraser (don't laugh, I actually think he's a pretty good actor), it was very disappointing to see it fizzle the way it did. It starts off great, with Brooks being banished to Mexico, and the Fraser character is amusing for a little while. Unfortunately, we get bogged down in the emotional trauma of Fraser's eccentric ballplayer, when we should be enjoying the silly antics we all came to see. Let's face it, the Fraser character should have been a wacky, yet lovable idiot, but instead is a whining, depressed, troubled person. This really doesn't work, since the story would easily have lent itself to a comedy, and Brooks still seems to think he's acting in one. I don't really know where this went wrong, I have a feeling that there were some conflicting ideas on the writing end, but this movie is best left on the shelf. If you want a great Albert Brooks film, see Defending Your Life.