Sean Astin’s the most valuable player for cliche-filled ‘The Final Season’

  • By Robert Horton Herald Movie Critic
  • Thursday, October 11, 2007 4:42pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

Physical appearance relegates some performers to the role of character actors, even if they seem to have the talent for leading parts.

Sean Astin has been that guy for a while. Despite the occasional youthful lead (in the sport flick “Rudy,” for instance), Astin’s short stature and stocky build have made him a reliable, sometimes inspired, supporting guy. He got rave reviews for his ultimate-sidekick role in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, for instance.

In “The Final Season,” Astin gets to play a rare lead. And his understated approach and warm-hearted delivery make you wish he got more chances like this.

The film itself? Take the sports-movie blueprint and put it through the Xerox machine, and you’ve got “The Final Season.”

It’s based on fact: the setting is small-town Iowa, where a high-school powerhouse, Norway High, is told they will be absorbed by a larger school district.

That’s the end of their proud baseball tradition and 19 state titles. Of course, there will be one final season.

Ah, but Norway loses its legendary coach (Powers Boothe) after he gets eased out by school board politics. It will fall to his likable but underwhelming assistant coach to steer the team back to glory.

Guess who plays that role? Astin has a wonderful lack of vanity in this part: Dressed in a baseball uniform, he lets his gut hang out like Lou Piniella, and he willingly forfeits the charisma to Boothe.

There’s a bit of conventional (and unbelievable) love interest for Astin’s character, a school board attorney played by Rachael Leigh Cook. The movie is propped up with a sideplot about a troubled Chicago kid (busy Michael Angarano) who gets sent to Iowa by a fed-up father (Tom Arnold).

This movie knows all the tricks, and uses them. It creates a likable enough mood, and benefits from location shooting in Iowa, which looks like Iowa, not an anonymous movie set.

They grow corn in Iowa, and I guess that’s what this movie offers, too. It’s a little out of season, but if you have to have it, chow down.

“The Final Season”

True blue: Based on a true story, this sports-movie blueprint offers up the last campaign for a storied high school baseball program in Iowa. It’s a heaping helping of corn, but Sean Astin makes a nicely understated head coach, and the location shooting helps.

Rating: PG for language

Now showing: Everett, Meridian, Cascade Mall

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.