"The Phenom"

Not at all what I expected. Based on the title, I thought this movie would be about a superstar that lights the baseball world on fire.  Actually, it's about a talented young pitcher (played by Johnny Simmons) trying to come to terms with his talents. He makes it to the Majors but when he struggles with his pitching, he's sent down to the minors. A large part of the movie involves him discussing his life with an unorthodox sports psychiatrist, (played brilliantly by Paul Giamatti, who's father was the Baseball Commissioner, Bart Giamatti) and dealing with his relentless father (Ethan Hawke). The acting and cinematography are wonderful. An underrated little gem.
4 out of 5 stars