And <3 Conor. But not as much as Neo.

It must be admitted that I didn't really care all too much about the story in itself, but wow - WOW! - Keanu played Conor so well. Is it just my imagination, or did he play this character in a more physical manner than usual? A bit hyper, severely stressed out, a guy thrashing furiously to get out of the tangled web he'd got himself snagged in.

I loved him. Doubt if the love affair with that teacher would last long, though. I could so easily picture him getting sucked into betting again.

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or did he play this character in a more physical manner than usual? A bit hyper, severely stressed out, a guy thrashing furiously to get out of the tangled web he'd got himself snagged in.

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yes.

conor. <3

see, ink, there's something about each movie K chose to be part of. sometimes it's the story. sometimes it's the 'talent' involved ( director and cast). And sometimes it's the role itself.

But like Ink, I don't like sports movies all that much... but I'll still watch it. maybe.

<3

But I hear it's kinda sad, and although Hardball is supposed to be sad too, I hope it's more appropriate to watch in the middle of the night.

I haven't seen Gen Um, but Hardball is definitely okay for middle-of-the-night watching.

People on IMDb boards say "what's with all the excessive gestures, especially outside the bar, with Elizabeth". That is so weird. I usually try to control myself and not get too animated in pubic, but when I'm even get mad (which happens more often than I'd like, because people are just so stupid and lazy), things start flying around, desk gets slammed, and my laptop keyboard (along with the laptop, since they are so integrated, hehe) squeals in pain. Are these other people always calm?

Great movie, why people would hate it is beyond me.

I recently watched Hardball for the first time, and I think I found it hard to get through because the "projects kids" trope has been so over done SINCE this film. It was a bit trying because I'm so used to seeing the same old thing....but that said, Keanu was absolutely fantastic in the role. His accent was amazing, he barely sounded like himself and I really believed in Conor. I hadn't read those quotes from Keanu before, but it's true - Conor is a total scumbag, but he has heart underneath it all. And he really does end up loving those kids.

Also, early 2000's fashion. It's finally become it's own little niche! Those leather jackets and button down shirts, haha.

Apparently some have complained about this being a lot darker than the trailer and ads have presented. To which I say it seems pretty realistic to me - Cabrini-Green, y'all - and having G-Baby die gives the "you showed up" speech so much more meaning. These were no middling obstacles the kids had to overcome. It is hard as hell to keep showing up to life when you've lost a loved one, and these kids did it. I liked the fact that they schooled Conor on this, rather than the reverse. I'd like to think that kind of mental fortitude will reward them later in life.

Anyway, am thinking rental so I can see the whole thing once. Don't know if it's worth a purchase as the death stuff will get harder on repeated viewings.

And, per usual, Keanu continues to amaze me with his ability to make me forget all his other roles. I just sort of stare at him now, unable to trace how Jack Traven can be Thomas Anderson can be Conor O'Neil can be John Constantine can be Tom Ludlow. I've never seen another actor who can just erase my memories of him when I'm watching one of his roles. I've learned to forget my previous notions of "Keanu Reeves" and just lose myself in whatever he's doing at the moment. That's when I wind up getting emotional about his work and seeing the tons of layers he brings to his characters. He is an endlessly interesting performer.

Forgot to add: when he said "I see some ladies who should be having my babies" how did those two women not jump up in agreement?!