All Square

Hyams directs Timothy Brady’s script appropriately if not brilliantly (Hyams is also credited as a co-editor), but the movie’s main attraction, finally, is its cast.

Stands on its own as a small-scale enterprise which makes some telling points about much bigger issues relating to American society, sports and community ties.

Away from the baseball diamond, All Square effectively pivots to moments of surprisingly affecting drama.

I didn’t expect to like it, and Timothy Brady’s script never quite hits that “sleeper” sweet spot. But All Square rides its spot-on casting, sharply defined performances and beer-stained sense of place well past second base, if not all the way home.

A good supporting cast — including Isiah Whitlock Jr., Harris Yulin, Tom Everett Scott and Josh Lucas as a hindrance to John’s plans — gives Kelly much to play off, but the story is too rote to get worked up about any of the conflicts.