Daddy issues and home runs

Clint Eastwood, who recently baffled with his unscripted rambling during the US’ presidential campaign, returns to more familiar territory, portraying an aging grump somewhat reminiscent of his acclaimed “Gran Torino” role. Eastwood’s elderly baseball scout Gus is similarly gruff and stubborn, but is considerably lighter in “Trouble With the Curve,” a decent, if formulaic sports-family drama/rom-com.

His vision failing, Gus is assisted by his daughter Mickey (Amy Adams), who learned to spot talent in the company of her dad and his colleagues when she was much younger. She eventually bemoans the fact, however, that she grew up without him around, the estrangement an unspoken topic until she has to spend some time with him during a short break from her busy work schedule.

This can be described as an anti-“Moneyball” film, as it scoffs at the idea that underused players are recruited based on calculable data. Gus and Mickey’s presence on the field reveals the importance of instinct and experience. Their main naysayer Phillip (Matthew Lillard) is Gus’ cocky co-worker who thinks highly of his own supposedly infallible recruitment process.

“Trouble’s” romantic comedy elements are pretty run-of-the-mill; Justin Timberlake plays baseball player-turned-scout Johnny, who hits it off quite effortlessly with the very knowledgeable Mickey. The romance angle is a bit overshadowed by the more pressing sports drama, but it’s undeniably cute, offsetting the recurring seriousness with necessary, flippant lightness. And speaking of light moments, there’s also Eastwood’s unintentional but timely reference to interacting with furniture; there’s a table that elicits his character’s grouchy side.

“Trouble With the Curve” opens today.