It's true that they don't "make 'em like they used to," but every once in awhile a movie demonstrates that filmmakers can come close to recapturing the Golden Age of cinema if they really, really try.

"The Rookie" is a prime example, a warm and wonderful family movie that has all the heart and smarts we've been craving. Or, more correctly, it has all the qualities we've been positively starving for, right down to its emotion-heavy ending, which, surprisingly, doesn't feel overly manipulative.

And the film accomplishes all this without resorting to cheap trickery or expensive special-effect sequences, which makes it all the more astonishing. Even better, since it's based on real-life events, it has value as a cinematic testament to the rewards of hard work and perseverance. (The film can also be seen as a huge surprise, considering that it comes from Disney's live-action division, which of late has produced fare that is either lightweight or completely wretched.)

Not to be confused with the 1990 Clint Eastwood/Charlie Sheen vehicle of the same title, or the 1993 comedy "Rookie of the Year," this film tells the true story of Jim Morris, a baseball lover who believed his dreams of a major-league career ended when his family moved to Texas.

The close-to-middle-age Morris (Dennis Quaid) tries to find contentment by becoming the best husband and father he can be. And he works as the coach of his town's high school baseball team.

To his surprise, and perhaps due to his encouragement, the team actually starts to win. And his players become so confident in their ability that they make him a bet — if they manage to get into the playoffs, Morris has to try out for a major-league team. Believing the goal to be impossible, he laughingly agrees and is astounded when the team continues to win. He also finds that at least one big-league team might have an interest in him.

If "The Rookie" has a problem, it is its length (the film runs about 15 minutes too long). And there are times when it almost feels as if there are two major stories fighting for attention here — the team's attempt to win a championship and Morris' efforts to get into the majors. But both stories are completely engrossing, thanks to the low-key nature of Mike Rich's script, which is filled with unexpected but natural, character-driven humor.

Also, director John Lee Hancock gives great attention to detail, and his baseball action scenes feel authentic. (Not to give too much away, but the climactic sequence, shot at The Ballpark in Arlington, is breathtaking).

The cast is wonderful, top to bottom. As Morris, Quaid makes an extremely likable hero, and he has believable chemistry with co-star Rachel Griffiths. Young Angus T. Jones, who plays his son, is adorable without being cloying and there's terrific support by a trio of character actors (Royce D. Applegate, Raynor Scheine and David Blackwell) who could easily have stolen a less sturdy film.

"The Rookie" is rated G, though it does contain some mild vulgarity (some mildly lewd dancing and gestures). Running time: 129 minutes.

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E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com