The Rookie is the platonic ideal of a Disney sports movie: true story, underdog hero, family values, zero edge. It's safe, wholesome, and genuinely inspiring—Jim Morris's journey from high school chemistry teacher to major league pitcher is the kind of story that makes you want to dust off your own abandoned dreams.

That said, it's also a 2002 movie that moves at 2002 speed. Kids used to the rapid-fire pacing of modern streaming content may find it slow, and the earnest, predictable storytelling won't surprise anyone. The 127-minute runtime is long for younger viewers, and the G rating means there's no real tension or stakes beyond 'will he make the team?'

But if you've got a sports-loving kid in the 7–12 range who's ready for a full-length feature, this is a solid, safe pick. The messages about perseverance, family support, and chasing your goals are delivered without preachiness, and the true-story angle adds weight. It's not groundbreaking, but it's exactly what it promises to be—and sometimes that's enough.