The Scout (1994)

TOMATOMETER

22%
50%

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

21%

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Movie Info

After several weeks filming The Scout in the late 1970s, star Peter Falk and director Howard Zieff abandoned the project. Two decades later, writer Andrew Bergman gave his original script to Albert Brooks and Monica Johnson, who polished it as a vehicle for Brooks and director Michael Ritchie. Brooks stars as Al Percolo, a talent scout for the New York Yankees whose latest recruit (Michael Rapaport) has just vomited on the field and fled. Sent to Mexico as punishment by his boss (Lane Smith), Percolo finds phenomenal young pitcher Steve Nebraska (Brendan Fraser). Before he can get back to the Big Apple, however, Percolo gets pink-slipped by the Yankees, so he offers Nebraska as a free agent. After a stellar tryout, Nebraska is signed for millions. Soon after, he starts to exhibit odd behaviors that may be linked to psychological problems. A psychiatrist (Dianne Wiest) hired by the ball club wants Nebraska in daily therapy, so Percolo ends up babysitting a mentally unstable pitcher. Brooks's normally winning mix of laughs with psychological insights didn't add up to box office or critical success, despite cameos from real-life sports figures such as George Steinbrenner and Steve Garvey. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Cast

Albert Brooks
as Al Percolo
Brendan Fraser
as Steve Nebraska
Dianne Wiest
as Dr. Aaron
Lane Smith
as Ron Wilson
Anne Twomey
as Jennifer
Michael Rapaport
as Tommy Lacy
John Capodice
as Caruso
Garfield
as Stan
Louis Giovanetti
as World Series Catcher
Stephen Demek
as Yankee Catcher
Ralph Drischell
as Charlie
Brett Rickaby
as George's Assistant
Jack Rader
as Mr. Lacy
Marcia Rodd
as Mrs. Lacy
Barry Shabaka Henley
as McDermott
Steve Eastin
as Clubhouse Manager
Lee Weaver
as Ben
John LaMotta
as Elevator Guard
Jose Luis Cortes
as Mexican Desk Clerk
Chuck Waters
as Photographer
Antonio Lewis Todd
as Yankee Player
Abel Woolridge
as Nachito Fan
Gabriel Pingarron
as Mexican Umpire
Lolo Navarro
as Widow in Stands
Frank Slaten
as College Umpire
Charlie Stavola
as Doorman
Jimmy Raitt
as World Series Umpire
Larry Loonin
as Radar Gun Man
John B. Sterling
as Himself
Harsh Nayyar
as Cab Driver
J.K. Simmons
as Assistant Coach
Bruce Wright
as Reporter
Steven M. Porter
as Reporter
Josh Clark
as Reporter
Jordan Lage
as Reporter
Chris Willman
as Reporter
Bob Costas
as Himself
John Roland
as Himself
George Steinbrenner
as Himself
Rosanna Scotto
as Herself
Tony Bennett
as Himself
Carl White
as Himself
Bobby Murcer
as Himself
Steve Garvey
as Himself
Tim McCarver
as Himself
Tom Kelly
as Himself
John Sterling
as Himself
Ken Brett
as Himself
Bret Saberhagen
as Himself
Reggie Smith
as Himself
Keith Hernandez
as Himself
Roy Firestone
as Himself
Bob Sheppard
as Himself
Phil Pote
as Himself
Bob Tewksbury
as Himself
Ozzie Smith
as Himself
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Critic Reviews for The Scout

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (8)

The Scout is the best comedy-fantasy about baseball ever made, which goes to show that if Hollywood keeps trying, eventually someone will get it right.

Aug 12, 2009 | Full Review…
TIME Magazine
Top Critic

Even with the modest allure of Albert Brooks in what amounts to a mainstream effort, The Scout should get a quick trip to the showers.

Mar 26, 2009
Variety
Top Critic

The Scout was directed by Michael Ritchie and written by Mr. Brooks and Monica Johnson from a script written by Andrew Bergman years ago. It's probably not all that valuable to wonder how so many talented people went so wrong.

May 20, 2003
New York Times
Top Critic

Rarely does a movie start high and go downhill so fast. It's as if the filmmakers progressively lost their nerve with every additional scene.

Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review…
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic

It's been a long time since there's been a good baseball movie. The Scout makes you wonder if there's ever going to be one again.

Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review…
ReelViews
Top Critic

A genuine -- and immensely enjoyable -- curiosity.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…
Washington Post
Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for The Scout

½

really good sports flick

danny d
danny d

Super Reviewer

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The Scout Quotes

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