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Curveball is a 2015 American drama film directed by Brandon Thaxton and starring Lynn Whitfield, Rockmond Dunbar, and Jean-Luc McMurtry. The movie follows the story of a young baseball player named Nolan, who hopes to become a successful pitcher in the major leagues. However, his dreams are shattered after a devastating injury that leaves him physically and emotionally broken.

Nolan's father, Joe, played by Rockmond Dunbar, is a former baseball player himself and becomes his son's biggest supporter during his recovery. Joe encourages Nolan to never give up hope and offers his son the guidance he needs to get back on his feet. Unsurprisingly, this is easier said than done as Nolan struggles to come to terms with his injury and the impact that it has on his mental health.

Throughout the movie, Nolan's story is intertwined with those of other characters, such as his friend and fellow player, Dwight, played by Jean-Luc McMurtry, who also face their own set of challenges. Dwight is a talented player who is constantly undermined by his teammate, who has connections with the coaches. He eventually decides to quit the team after realizing that he cannot cope with the politics of the sport.

Throughout the film, we see that the world of baseball is not what it seems, and that many players struggle with the pressure and expectations that come with being an athlete. Despite the challenges, Nolan continues to work hard and make progress in his physical therapy. It is during this time that he meets a physical therapist named Sophia, played by Beverly Todd, who becomes a source of inspiration and guidance. Sophia helps Nolan to overcome his fears and rekindles his passion for the sport.

As the movie progresses, we see that the characters each have a different perspective on what success means. For some, it is about fame and fortune, while for others, it is about finding their inner strength and overcoming adversity. It is this aspect of the film that sets it apart from other sports movies, as it speaks to universal themes of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness.

Overall, Curveball is a heartwarming and powerful film that explores the world of baseball in a refreshingly honest way. Although it is primarily about one person's journey, it also touches on broader themes such as the human experience and the power of community. The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly that of Lynn Whitfield, who shines as the strong and empathetic Sophia. At its core, Curveball is a story about hope and the transformative power of following your dreams, no matter how difficult the road might be.

Curveball is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.