Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Million Dollar Arm (2014)

What is it about? 

The true story of agent JB Bernstein's last effort attempt to keep his business alive when he starts a competition to find a talent from India to transform into a Major League prospect. 

Who is in it? 

Jon Hamm - JB Bernstein

Lake Bell - Brenda

Aasif Mandvi - Aash

Favorite Scene: 

After winning the contests, JB, Aash, and the Million Dollar Crew visit the villages and homes of Dinesh and Rinku who were selected as the winners of the Million Dollar Arm contest. 

Favorite Quote: 

Tom House: [Seeing Dinesh's "flamingo" pitching stance] We might have to tweak that a little.

Review: 

Million Dollar Arm is exactly what you would expect a Disney film based on a true story to be - solid, happy, funny, cute, and entertaining. And to be honest, that is exactly this film was making it a solid movie. Just a well rounded, overall, solid film. 

Of course, the true story, once you get beyond the fairytale-like feel of it, is a remarkable one that deserves a movie and a wide audience platform. Though the film design for entertainment, doesn't dig deeper in the struggles and challenges of the entire process from setting up the challenge to getting the boys a second tryout. But again, it's nitpicking, and simply a result of Disney making the film entertaining to all. 

Jon Hamm was good in his role, and I've become a huge Lake Bell over the years. She's often rock solid. Pitobash, who plays the role of Amit was insanely hilarious and sort of stole the movie in some aspects. 

Also, kudos to Disney on getting the baseball and sports jurgen correct in the film. Nothing is more insulting for a sports fan to see sports references, likenesses, and culture cheapened. 

All in all, MDA is solid. Typical disney flick that tells a truly great story. I'm sure everyone will soon catch this one on ABC family very soon.  

Grade: 2.75/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...