Million Dollar Arm (2014) Poster

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8/10
feel good movie
coolcleangreen15 May 2014
went to an advanced screening with mom and we were laughing crying and cheering all over ourselves and with the other moviegoers in the theater. i mean, seriously we all clapped and jumped out of our seats. what a treat! the premise is simple: take a self-involved ambitious businessman and stick him with three talented but hungry baseball prospects and they end up changing each other for the better. plus, the cast is superb! Alan Arkin, Bill Paxton and Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal who play their real-life counterparts, wow just wow!

my family loves sports movies and my mother loves baseball movies in particular, so seeing this with her on mother's day was perfect. if you love baseball movies or know kids who love baseball (or any sports for that matter), Million Dollar Arm is a must-see feel good film. it's The Rookie meets Hoop Dreams.... go see it
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8/10
Predictable but enjoyable...definitely worth a watch!
Sam-was-sammy10 May 2014
Based on a true story, Million Dollar Arm is a predictable motivating sport film from the Disney stable.

Jon Hamm with his flawlessly groomed stubble and cocky grin plays the haughty sports agent Bernstein with ease. As a groomed smooth talker in sharply tailored corporate suits, there are few to match Hamm and he does what is expected of him. The two main characters of the movie are Suraj Sharma, the star of Life of Pi who plays Rinku and Madhur Mittal, the older brother in Slumdog Millionaire who plays Dinesh. Both of them perform their roles very beguilingly and inspire affection from the crowd. The rest of the supporting cast also perform their roles very well especially Lake Bell who was very impressive in her cameo role as Brenda.

I might be a bit biased since I am from India but the comedy in the movie is hilarious...I found myself laughing throughout the movie enjoying every moment of it. The direction and editing are also pretty impressive. In a nutshell, all the elements in the movie combine really well and the result is a fine movie which has plenty to offer.

So, overall, Million Dollar Arm is a finely made movie which will impress you despite being predictable and is certainly worth a watch.

My Rating : 8.5 out of 10
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7/10
Not Bad, Not Bad
lansdenrs26 May 2014
Actually a very effective movie. It's got some great performances along with a great script. Its funny at times and keeps you entertained At times though moments are stretched and it is very predictable. Hamm gives a good strong performance and Arkin just cracked me up! It's not the best movie in the world but its worth giving a look. I think down the road it will be looked at as very underrated and it has a reason. The reason is that this movie is how a movie should be, a funny, smart, family drama with good performances and leaves you with a feel good mood after exiting the theater. Its appropriate for all audiences And sometimes thats all a movie needs.
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6/10
Likable Film, Although it Does Perpetuate Stereotypes
l_rawjalaurence21 September 2014
In terms of content, it's hard not to like MILLION DOLLAR ARM. There's a winning performance from Jon Hamm as the harassed agent trying his best to re-establish himself, while discovering the importance of looking after his charges; complemented by Lake Bell as the next- door neighbor, the intern who understands more about the young Indian boys' predicament of inhabiting a completely alien culture. As the two boys, Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal are particularly good at communicating - often through nonverbal means - their sheer bewilderment once they are transplanted from their rural Indian surroundings to metropolitan Los Angeles. Although they eventually make a success of their quest to become major league baseball pitchers, they nonetheless find it difficult to adapt to alien surroundings.

And yet there is a strong sense in which Craig Gillespie's film serves to perpetuate rather than negotiate stereotypes about the Indian nation and its people, and the Americans' responses to it. Hamm's JB is predictably confused by the disorganized ways in which the Indian people do business, especially in his interactions with Vivek (Darshan Jariwala). By implication, therefore, the American (i.e. efficient) ways, are naturally superior. Meanwhile aging coach Ray (Alan Arkin) rejects the Indian way of life altogether, as he complains about the prospect of contracting the so-called "Delhi belly" (an upset stomach), and returns to America on the first available flight.

Once the Indian boys are transplanted to the United States, they are frequently used as butts for cheap jokes; there is one scene in a hotel, where they experience problems with the elevator, which is particularly orientalist in tone. The film seems not to be aware of contemporary realities; in economic terms India is no longer a backward country but gradually becoming an economic superpower in its own right.

Nonetheless the film does make an effort to recognize the strengths of Indian cultures; the emphasis on family stability and the ability to converse contrasts starkly with JB's life, in which he is so busy that he has little time either to consider marriage or even to talk to anyone at length. The Indian characters also take time for daily prayers; the contemplative life is as significant as the active life in human beings. Perhaps the western world has become too secular to understand this.

MILLION DOLLAR ARM is an ambivalent piece, at once celebratory of yet still reluctant to recognize the strength of contemporary Indian cultures. Yet it's still worth a look.
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6/10
Million Dollar Arm. Making a pitch for a new audience.
rtp424219 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) is a sports agent, venturing out on his own to start his own sports management agency, with his partner Aash (Aasif Mandvi). He has represented stars like Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders, but they have long since retired. JB is looking to sign a lineman named Popo (Ray Maualuga) but Popo signs with another agent, so JB is left with no clients, and no prospects. While watching a cricket match and Britain's Got Talent, JB hatches an idea to sign an Indian baseball player, and turn it into a reality contest, called Million Dollar Arm.

After finding a crotchety, old, retired baseball scout named Ray, (Alan Arkin) JB heads to India to find his prospects. He and Ray find 20 prospects, and whittle it down to two, Rinku (Suraj Sharma) and Dinesh (Maddhur Mittal) and a translator named Amit (Pitobash) who dreams of being a baseball coach. Together, the four go back to Los Angeles, where pitching coach Tom House (Bill Paxton agrees to work with Rinku and Dinesh, and they have a year to get a tryout, or the deal with their financier, Chang (Tzi Ma) falls through. Do Rinku and Dinesh succeed? Is JB more interested in the deal or in Rinku or Dinesh as people?

Disney is marketing this movie as a cross between Slumdog Millionaire and Jerry Maguire. It is very much like Jerry Maguire, but it's more like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, because the Brits are openly contemptuous of India and Indians much like JB is, but gradually a transformation occurs and the Brits in Marigold Hotel learn to love the country and its customs. Does the same transformation happen here? Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. But let me say this Marigold Hotel is a much better movie, a much more deep and profound movie. Maybe Million Dollar Arm is neither deep nor profound, but it is entertaining. There are laughs to be had here, and it's a different kind of baseball movie. It's fun to see two people who've never thrown a baseball before pick up a vital aspect of the game in such a short time. If you don't like baseball, this movie won't hold much entertainment for you, and while it's not Field of Dreams or Bull Durham, it is fun.

There's a lot of culture clash/fish out of water humor, both with Hamm's character and the Indian boys. I don't particularly enjoy fish out of water humor, and it doesn't particularly work here, but the movie works because of the acting, and not so much the script. Is it an entertaining movie? Yes it is. Is it worth going to the movies to see? No it's not. But it is worth the price of a rental.

Jon Hamm is good, he doesn't stray too far from his Don Draper character, believe it or not. He plays JB as a superficial womanizer who only dates models. He plays a "Grade A Jerk" in the words of this movie, and if I was JB Bernstein, I wouldn't be too flattered by this portrayal. Lake Bell plays a woman who rents a room from Hamm's character and serves as some comedy relief and eventually a love interest, but the love story is clunky. Lake Bell reminds me of Amanda Peet, a pretty girl who's trying too hard to be funny. Alan Arkin plays a crusty old curmudgeon again. He seems to have found a niche. Asif Mandvi is less funny than I thought he'd be, and therefore disappointing.

The best actors in the film are the Indian actors, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal and Pitobash as the translator. Their natural performances add a lot of depth and emotional weight to the film. The boys are away from home, they miss their families, but they have a once in a lifetime chance. Their performances are complex in ways I didn't expect. And Pitobash shows sincerity in this performance, he really wants to learn about baseball. He has a dream too, and he's realizing it through his countrymen. Bill Paxton does an excellent job as pitching coach Tom House. He doesn't want this to be a publicity stunt, he wants this to work for everyone involved. Paxton plays House with a no-nonsense intensity, which is refreshing.

Finally here's a non-animated film that you can watch with your family, and it's worth seeing. Was Disney doing a little marketing themselves? Selling this movie to the growing Indian community in the US and a huge international audience in India? I didn't see many Indian people in the audience at my theater, but it made 10 million dollars in it's first week, not bad for a film going up against Godzilla.

For more hardball reviews, visit my blog, reviewswithatude.wordpress.com
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6/10
True Sports Story, Disney Style
stevendbeard16 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I saw "Million Dollar Arm", starring Jon Hamm-Mad Men_t.v., Sucker Punch; Lake Bell-No Strings Attached, Boston Legal_t.v.; Aasif Mandvi- Premium Rush, The Last Airbender and Bill Paxton-Haywire, True Lies.

This is a Disney movie that is based on a true story about a sports agent, Jon, that goes to India to try and find the next big major league baseball pitcher. Jon is having some money problems since he lost his last big football client and really needs to get some new clients. Almost all of the major foreign countries have been depleted of future sports talent by other scouts so he figures, why not try India? He discovers that the people in India love the game of cricket-which involves throwing a ball-and he thinks that it might not be a giant leap for them to pitching a baseball. Jon takes a trip to India and has a talent hunt, in the form of a reality type t.v. show called Million Dollar Arm, in which the winner will win a trip to America and the chance to play in the major leagues . Aasif plays Jon's business partner, Bill is a trainer and Lake plays, literally, the girl next door to Jon that becomes his love interest. There is a lot of humor using the fish out of water themes, what with the Americans in India-getting sick on the food-and the Indians in America-they are not familiar with a lot of our conveniences. During the end credits, they show both pictures and video of the real players from India that the movie is based on, and they also tell you what happened to them. It's rated "PG" for some mild language and has a running time of 2 hours & 4 minutes. It's a nice Disney family style movie and I would probably buy it on DVD.
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9/10
A Feel Good Movie That Will Have You Smiling When You Leave
patsworld22 May 2014
In a spate of recent sports themed movies, all of which were good, I have to say I consider this one the best. Toss together some baseball history, an excellent script, terrific casting, great acting, a bit of the squalor, beauty and toe-tapping music of India and Viola! You end up with a good film. To try and single out one single actor in this film I liked the most or was most impressed with is impossible. Every one was amazing. You don't need to be a baseball fan or even know that much about the game to appreciate this picture. I and my companion (who is about as far from a sports-minded person as you could find) for the viewing were both thrilled with this one. When the people coming out of the opposite door at the end of the picture smile and say, "Good movie, wasn't it?" You know you've seen a good movie. There are some I want to see again….this is one.
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This musical biography has million arms for embracing the sense of hearing.
kamalroja10 May 2014
Once again a great musician with Australian film-maker from India done an Indo-Hollywood script. Its simple and pleasing to the senses. Its the story of converting an Indian amateur thrower into a base ball player in U.S.

JON HAMM and some few others have decent screen presence. The changeover from India TO US seems beautiful. Very close to life not mostly the story of Hollywood.

There is no single match is played in the screen. But still we can feel the importance of any sport other than cricket which is hyped much in India. Mostly the movie is funny humorous and rarely has some bits of good writing which is emotional.

In response to a question 'which god will you pray'' the protagonists says that ''I don't pray. But I do work''. Yet another impressing scene is an Indian coach given a chance not just to laugh but to encourage the players whom selected for. Its inspiring.

Above all the 'thirakkatha kattukkulle(திறக்காத காட்டுக்குள்ளே)' a tamil song runs when the screen fall was amazing to feel.

Finally I would like to say just go if you like a movie with simple real stories. The music just take care of the rest.
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6/10
Baseball with an Indian flavour in a Disney fairytale
anagpal10 May 2014
Feel good, fun film, very predictable but still manages to hold attention thanks to its Indian flavor and the self-discovery some of the characters go through, particularly Jon Hamm.

Jon is a sports agent down to his last throw of dice when he convinces a Chinese entrepreneur (Tzi Ma) to fund a search for new baseball pitcher from India's vast pool of cricket bowlers, setting it up as a talent hunt, criss-crossing the country. After many a hiccup, they finally narrow it down to 2 candidates, Suraj and Madhur and whisk them, along with Pitobash (a wanna be baseball coach, translator) to the USA to get them to train, get ready for a tryout in a very tight deadline. Things don't go exactly as planned and Jon at one point complains about having signed up for a talent contest, not to become a primary care-giver.

His business partner, Aasif (remember him from Ghost Town ?) and tenant, Lake Bell, are the ones helping keep things on track, while Alan Arkin and Bill Paxton as the baseball scout and coach, try to help with their wise counsel, while Darshan Jariwala plays a cameo.

This is a film that doesn't really go deep but keeps things moving while skimming through what the characters are going through. The adjustment issues – Jon's to India and then later for the Indian trio in America are humorously and quickly told. The relationship between Jon and Lake – beginning with a broken down washing machine, then Skype and later at home is crucial to the plot. And most fascinating of all is watching Jon's character, the deal hungry, self-centered sports agent, try and figure out what life is about – of course, with a few helpful nudges from friends

Sport movies usually suffer from predictable endings and this one is no exception. It drags a bit in the second half too but the music score by A R Rahman helps gloss over that. It's a true story apparently but one, surprisingly not too many Indians are aware of, so in that sense, the chief objective of doing the talent hunt, to popularize baseball in India, doesn't really seem to have worked. Unfortunately, going by the low key promotion, release and the small crowds, even the film wont help do that here

More at ApurvBollywood at blogspot
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9/10
Two talented boys in one man's dream journey.
Reno-Rangan16 May 2014
The Hollywood's exploration of India based subjects is continuing. I have been enjoying those. Something quite refreshing which traveling on a new perspective to entertain the world audience. Especially, this movie was not a bigger one like 'Slumdog Millionaire' or 'Life of Pi', but cute emotional family drama like 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'.

It was a biopic-sport-drama about an American sports agent, J. B. Bernstein, who brought two young fastest arm Indians to the States to train as the professional baseball pitchers. Before that, he conducts a reality show called 'Million Dollar Arm' in various Indian locations to find the perfect one. In the end he gets two and takes back them to the country. What follows is the cultural collision where these two finds hard to fit in and perform. With many inspiring lines and tears in our eyes it comes to the conclusion.

It was a nice story and inspiring. This movie teaches many things like about family values, sharing culture, hard work for a better future, having faith, true love and all the above the most deserved second chance. It was a predictable story. The minor problem with the movie was it won't explain thoroughly some of the contents it portrays. It is due to cultural different some will have a hard time to figure it out the meaning of it. But for South Asians and Indo-American it will be a perfect movie.

The movie had more than sufficient humorous scenes and many of them were in an Indian accent. I had a great time laughing for those comedies. Those comedies are because of the difference pronunciation of the same word between the people of two countries. The character Amit is the center of the attract when it comes to the humour. In the other end, especially in the second half the story drags most of its parts towards the sentiments. I can't say it was unnecessary, but truly was impeccable and touching.

''They need to know that you care them''

I never knew this director. After checking out his filmography, yeah, I have watched many and liked a couple of his movies, especially 'Lars and the Real Girl'. He did a great job, especially shooting in Indian summer is not an easy task. He himself told in Q&A meet about his struggles. All the actors well cooped. John Hamm's one of the best performances. No doubt he was remarkable.

The boys from 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Life of Pi' are the two Indian characters. Suraj Sharma as Rinku and Madhur Mittal as Dinesh did justice to the respective roles, though they were not similar kind of face to the real ones like usually filmmakers choose for a biopic. They were really good, did key performances alongside John Hamm's JB character. Lake Bell was a surprised attraction of the movie. I found her kind of cute in some of the scenes than never before. And other major attractions were Alan Akin with his usual incredible show in the small span, and a few others, especially that Indian character called Amit.

Even before it was released many had criticised it by saying a TV movie and so 90s. But I had faith in it and watched and it never disappointed me. I have already said in my many reviews that I love tearjerker movies, so it was my perfect one. Some mighty one's are releasing on the same week this movie hitting the screen. I believe this is the only one pure family drama that one could ask for an alternate. In fact best by so far in this summer, according to the family friendly films. I highly recommend it, but all you need is to have a low expectation.
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7/10
A rollercoaster
bradybcfbrady29 December 2018
Sometime keeps you on the edge of your seat with emotions all over the place wanting the kids to succeed , however the lack of baseball rather than politics is too much of a difference to be higher than a seven.
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10/10
Predictable story but still a lovely movie!
melheartspink22 May 2014
OK, I admit that you could probably predict the course of the movie just from seeing the trailer. However, this movie makes you forget about its predictability. The acting was superb, you really feel for the characters and what they are going through. You want them to succeed and surpass the adversities. With that being said, this movie will make you laugh, cry, and smile. It's just one of those feel good movies. In fact, the entire theatre audibly laughed and cheered on the boys. This is the first time I've ever seen a theatre audience so engaged in a movie. I recommend this movie for everyone. If you're looking for a feel good, charming movie, this is it!
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6/10
When Alan Arkin leaves frame...
A_Different_Drummer18 September 2014
... the movie drops several IMDb rating points.

A strange little film that is not really Disney (seems to have been picked up post production) nor a true sports film nor even a feel-gooder.

Think that the critics are confused by the fact that until Alan Arkin (who just gets better with age) leaves frame at about the 20 min mark, the film is almost an "8" and then drops to a "6" as pacing and editing problems mount up.

Watch Lake Bell who steals all her scenes with finesse and grace. Cast in a Sandra Bullock role, she becomes the glue that keeps the film together as the editing fails, but she is too little too late.

They do bring Arkin back at the 1:41 mark, which once again elevates the film, but at the same time it underscores how uneven this production really is.

Could have been so much better.
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5/10
Not the right throw
Prismark102 May 2015
I guess Hollywood has run out of film ideas concerning the prejudice black people suffered in various sports so now they have turned to the inspiring true story of people from cricket loving India trying to break into professional baseball.

Jon Hamm plays the struggling sports agent who hits upon an idea of launching a talent contest to find baseball talent in India and then bringing them over to the USA and train them for the major league.

The film has location shooting in India as Hamm tagged along with a snoozing Alan Arkin looks for pitchers with the right throwing arm. We have scenes of Mumbai, Agra with the obligatory Taj Mahal.

When he finds two pitchers we have the cultural clash as they try to adapt to life in the States as well as impressing the big league scouts as Hamm and his partner stave off money troubles.

The film has a side plot of Hamm trying to sign a major league player which echoes Jerry Maguire right to the bit where the player signs with a bigger agency as Hamm is diverted to look after his other charges.

There is nothing original in the story. In fact it's downright predictable with only the idea of getting players from India being novel. It also felt too long which led me to believe the film was padded.

Jon Hamm and Aasif Mandvi give a lot of conviction as the struggling sports agents. Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal have the right balance of sweet eyed innocence, young people leaving a village life in search to hit the jackpot in the lottery of life.
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6/10
Candid Reviews: Movie Review: MILLION DOLLAR ARM
candidreviews-in9 May 2014
CANDID REVIEWS: Million Dollar Arm Could have been So much More! Still good!

Woof! Once again, Hollywood reaches out to India! This time it's Sports. Well, Disney's new movie- the Million Dollar Arm had so much potential just could not lift the on screen drama to reach out to a movie lover's heart.

First Things First- Movie is good for a one time watch!

Secondly, could have been much better than Jerry Mcguire and Seabuscuit there there been Tom Cruise or Mark Wahlberg as the lead actor and Danny Boyle as Director.

The Story is about a Sports Agent, who is on the edge of losing big time on career! The Million Dollar Arm- an Idea to find Pitchers of Baseball (Read- Strong Throwing Arm), from a Cricket lover country-India!

Idea struck where people turned out in big numbers for the competition of fastest throwing arm. Two guys were finally selected who could throw the ball consistently over 80 miles/hour. The two guys were Dinesh (Slumdog Millionaire's Jamaal)and Rinku (Life Of Pie Fame).

The movie is filled with good actors except the lead actor Jon Hamm, everyone has acted good. Another letdown was the background music. Sorry A R Rehman, not quite there this time! Just because the movie is shot in India doesn't mean only Sitaar and Tabla is to be used. And also the Direction seemed average.

Apart from a few spark of brilliance in the movie, movie is average. But the feeling of an Indian being tested on American Soild, will fill your heart with emotions.

The Movie is about togetherness and belief. Movie is about the feeling that, business is run best when you commit to it and put your true heart into it!

Overall a good watch!

Going with a 6.5 Stars(on the generous side)!

Not Yours Just a Candid Reviewer

www.candidreviews.in
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6/10
Nothing exceptional, but decent family film
cliftonofun26 December 2017
If you looked up "family movie" in the dictionary, this film would be listed there. Nothing exceptional, but enough fun, laughs and story to go around. Great casting and some great moments...even if the script could have been slightly less cliche.
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7/10
He's back.. Jon Hamm
vishnu-int929 May 2014
When you leave theater you may feel why Bennett Miller of Moneyball didn't sign this project, though Craig done a good job. He kept the pace cracking jokes but one may feel what he's trying to convince the audience. Is it about the boys struggle or about the life of J. B. Bernstein. If you're looking forward for a baseball game, Man.. stay on your couch grab a coke, turn on your TV.

Jon Hamm got the texture of one classic fine actor. He proved it through the series Mad Men. The film is a mix of hope, courage, determination and struggle that one face in a situation, through the eyes of these two fine players from India and one great hero. These will remain in your thoughts till the last pitch.
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10/10
Great Movie, Incredible Story
blufrog4922 May 2014
First, let me say I LOVE sports movies. Second, it is rare that I give any movie higher than a rating of 8. This movie has it all--and it's not really a "sports" movie.

To begin with, there is a great story. The characters are well developed and the scenes in India provide just the right background for what these young men must have gone through in their transformation. There was more that one heart-jerking moment without ever being maudlin. I was prepared to give this a lower score because I was sure the love-interest story was contrived just for the movie, but it turns out to be true.

Be sure to stay for the credits, which has many "real-life" photos as well as more scenes from India, and updates on most of the characters. I was disappointed to see there wasn't a follow-up on Aash who provided the initial inspiration for the concept, but I'm guessing he/that WAS created for movie.

While sports movies usually follow a tried-and-true formula, and this one hones pretty close to that formula, it is still refreshing nonetheless and quite enlightening. I was not at all familiar with this story, and am interested in finding out more.

And lastly, how refreshing it is to see a good movie (set in professional sports, no less) that has NO obscene language. Other filmmakers, take a look at how successful and enjoyable this movie is without a profanity laced (or drenched) script.
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Low key, but decent
sesht9 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Had never heard of American Baseball reaching Indian shores before, but it apparently had, according to the true story this movie's based on. A good friend of mine also mentioned following it at the time, and making the connection while watching this one (where the hell was I, and what the hell was I doing?). :-).

A slice-of-life / rags-to-riches tale for the main protagonists, this is also a tale of (in-your-face, simplistic) redemption for the main character, who's a cad, conforming to the common perception of most agents. Yes! they're as 'beloved' as lawyers are, never mind 'Jerry Maguire'!

This one can't shake off that particular comparison, or others (more on one more later) and doesn't try to avoid those much. What Gillespie (Fright night remake, Lars and the real girl) gets right is his complete focus on the overarching theme, and the fish-out-of-water aspect to the entire thing, though the effect is not dramatic enough to shake off the overall TV movie low-budget feel.

It helps that this has been penned by Thomas (Tom) McCarthy, of 'Station Agent' and 'Visitor' fame, though this doesn't quite reach the heights those works did.

The sequences where they're scouting around for the various pre-final tryouts are glossed over, but contain a few nice tidbits, with Alan Arkin front-and-center. They're lightweight funny bits that are there to beat any tedium one might feel. Gillespie also tries to avoid many of the racist clichés that abound, and succeeds to an extent.

Lake Bell, as always, is a delight, but doesn't have anything substantial to do, as such.

Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi) has come a-ways, and the intensity he shows in his performance, with the limited scope provided, is quite impressive. Madhur Mittal, on the other hand, also playing against type, is required to keep it toned-down, and succeeds. In fact, one of the key reasons I feel this movie succeeds is from the strength of its performers. Hamm is serviceable though, and that's not his fault, for he's just playing a stock character, and its a walk in the park for an actor of his caliber. Other than Alan Arkin, the scene-stealer is Pitobash (Shor in the city and Dibakar Bannerjee's Shanghai), who's supremely effective in each one of his scenes. All of the actors respect the material, and do not try to belittle it in any way, performing their roles to the extent required. Aasif Mandvi's also one who gets another stock character, and does what he can with this thankless, yet beefy role. Darshan Jariwala, Bill Paxton (not many meaty roles these days - he chomped the scenery in '2 guns') and Tzi Ma do just fine, and its nice to watch them interact as well.

In spite of all the good things, however, this one could've been much, much more, and I'd rate it worth one watch, no more. Home viewing will also do just fine. And oh, for those wondering about another comparison - I'll watching anything with Clint Eastwood in it, but this one's much better than 'Trouble with the curve'.
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7/10
A Feel good decent one time watch film!!
sauravjoshi8522 April 2022
Million Dollar Arm is a biographical sports drama film directed by Craig Gillespie. The film stars Jon Hamm, Late Bill Paxton, Aasif Mandvi, Lake Bell, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal, Pitobash Tripathy and Alan Arkin.

An American Sports agent travels to India in order to scout fresh talents for baseball.

The film is undoubtedly an inspiring film and is beautifully made but as an Indian I have my due objection for the film. It's high time now that the directors now should do a proper case study on any country they are filming in and stop showing the country from their perspective and stereotype any country, Let's say not everyone in Mexico is a drug peddler in the same way India is not that only about crowd and noise. It has a very rich cultural heritage which should be the focus anyways let's come to the review.

The execution of the film is very much predictable and nothing amazing has been shown. The music by the Indian music legend A. R. Rehman is just mesmerizing. Climax of the film is also predictable but gives you a feel good factor. Acting is also good and Jon Hamm shines in the film

Overall a decent film that and good one time watch.
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9/10
One of the better sports movies in recent memory
alienator34511 May 2014
I am a pretty big sports fan. Despite this, though, I can be fairly picky with my sports movies. A few general questions that I always ask. First, why was this movie made? There are a ton of great moments that happen in sports, but not all of them deserve movies to made of them. And along with that, sometimes an ordinary event is glorified in the movie, which causes you to raise an eyebrow when you learn the actual events. Next, how faithful is this to the actual events? Yes, I know this is Hollywood and they are going to change things. But if they change things too much, it can be a problem. For example, if the actual person portrayed in the movie doesn't like what Hollywood did with them, that is a problem. Finally, sports movies can be really cliché and predictable because there are only really two options for the ending -- the team/player succeeds in their goal or the team/player fails, but a lesson is learned. So what else do you bring to the table that will give your movie substance and avoid being just a cliché sports movie?

Going into Million Dollar Arm, I was actually really excited because Disney had been raving about this movie for quite some time. I'm happy to report that it passes this test with flying colors. First off, yes this is a movie that deserved to be made. And no, it's not just an ordinary event that was glorified. And while I'm at it, it seems pretty accurate to the actual events. This is a movie about a sports agent named JB Bernstein. He's in a pretty dire situation and needs to make a huge splash or else business-wise he is in a lot of trouble. Using Yao Ming's situation as inspiration, he decides to go on a quest to get the first Major League Baseball player from India. Just like all of China followed Yao Ming's journey in the NBA (he made the all-star team even when he didn't play most of the season because of fan voting in China), an MLB player from India would be equally as huge with how many people live there. With this idea in mind, Bernstein sets up the competition called the Million Dollar Arm, which is essentially a try-out where the top two throwers would get to come to America with the opportunity of trying out for an MLB team.

Is this a predictable sports movie? Of course. The events of this movie took place just a few years back and a quick wikipedia search can tell you all about these two players. But the point here isn't to throw a curveball at audiences. The main focus isn't even on telling the world about an extraordinary event that happened less than a decade ago. It's all about relationships. Bernstein is a single man that is all business at first. What he seems to have missed is that he's brought two human beings halfway across the world just to make a successful business move. These two Indian boys are still teenagers that have never been away from home, at least not so far away from home. They are scared, nervous, alone, and don't even know the language at first. This is an emotional roller-coaster for everyone involved and watching it unfold is touching and beautiful.

What makes this movie work is the performances from all the actors. It's a grand slam performance. Starting from the top, Jon Hamm plays JB Bernstein and if this movie came out in the fall, I'd say he'd be a good contender for Best Actor at the Oscars. It'd be a deserving nomination. Lake Bell plays the neighbor/love interest for JB. She does a fantastic job as the mediator between JB and the boys, helping JB come down to earth to treat the boys right. Finally, our two Indian players, Rinku and Dinesh are played by Indian actors Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal. These two are the stars of the show. From the very beginning, you become emotionally invested in them and their journey. You want them succeed. You cheer for them when they perform well. You are devastated when they slip up. You scream inside at Jon Hamm when he treats them poorly. You fall in love with Lake Bell when she takes them in. Sharma and Mittal are fairly new in the acted business; however, they are not unrecognizable. Sharma plays the lead role of Pi Patel in Life of Pi and Mittal shows up in Slumdog Millionaire. There's also other great performances in this movie from the likes of Aasif Mandvi, Alan Arkin, Bill Paxton and Tzi Ma, but this will suffice.

Overall, Million Dollar Arm is a movie that is a must see in my opinion. Yes, there are a ton of huge summer blockbusters in the next month or two that will all fight for your attention, but don't let this movie slip past you. If for some reason you find yourself tired of all the huge blockbusters, then this is definitely a movie that you should check out, because it will be a breath of fresh air. Even if you are not a sports fan, I think this is a movie that you will love, because like I said, it's all about the relationships in the movie as opposed to the historical sporting event that is portrayed. If this movie were to come out at the end of the year, I would think it would be the type of movie that contends for an Oscar nomination or two. It's that good. It will certainly join the ranks of all the great sports movies. My grade for Million Dollar Arm is a 9/10.

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7/10
Arming
kosmasp2 February 2015
Or "Arm(y) of one"? Which would be factually incorrect, but you catch the drift. I was surprised at the movies beginning but it did make sense, because this is as much a story about a manager than it is about baseball or the dream of making it there (especially for the characters/people who try it here). It's a little bit like Jerry McGuire if you look at the story.

It does have great actors to support the story and the characters of course. And it's not like we don't know where this is going (we do know)! I'm not big on baseball, but it is the human story that will entice you, if you let it.
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10/10
All I can say is that this film makes me proud to be an Indian!
awnish12322 May 2014
Regardless of how people say the film was a Disney Film, predictable, etc, unaware of this true story, all I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Being an Indian student in America, the film connected me to my culture in India. The background music, the sentiment, and the portrayal of Indian traditions made me feel nostalgic of how I miss my home back in India. All I can say is that watching this movie made me feel like I was in India enjoying this experience with Rinku and Dinesh! The music was excellent. AR Rahman killing it as usual! Suraj Sharma has a bright acting future and Amit looked very cute. Excellent film! Go India!
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7/10
They Never Threw to a Batter n the Movie
Hitchcoc10 August 2015
I thought this was a cute movie because of the young Indian men's precious responses to their new environment. I would be curious to see if beyond the baseball element, all the stuff took place. Did they stay with the guy? Did they get thrown out of the hotel? The actors are charming and lovable. Having been a baseball fan for 60 years, I can't believe that, as presented, these guys would be offered a contract. Unless it was to sell tickets or gain publicity. They can throw hard, but at no time do we see them with a batter in the batter's box or under game conditions. I would assume that if this is indeed a true story there would be more unseen than seen. I hate to be too critical, but I've always felt that a true sports movie must have credibility when it comes to the day to day requirements of the sport. There are also some really schmaltzy moments that are strictly to manipulate the audience.
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5/10
Adequate, against all odds, feel-good baseball flick for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
TheSquiss30 September 2014
After a hitherto very successful TV career, Million Dollar Arm was presumably supposed to do for John Hamm what Batman and Robin was supposed to achieve for a post-er George Clooney. It won't. It's certainly a far, far better film (though that in itself is neither hard nor a great selling point) but Hamm lacks the charm, charisma and versatility of Clooney (who overcame almost the biggest clunk of 1997) and Million Dollar Arm is neither good enough to be universally celebrated, nor bad enough to be derided. What Million Dollar Arm is, is a pleasant, feel good(ish), based-on-truth yarn in which Hamm plays an updated, slightly softer Don Draper.

In 2008, with a sports agency floundering against the tide of bigger competitors, JB Bernstein (John Hamm) is inspired by the emerging crop of TV reality shows and hits upon the idea of creating his own in order to save his business and make his mark; essentially becoming the Simon Cowell of baseball. He quickly realises the major flaw in his plan: baseball is pretty much covered in the USA and the big boys have snapped up anyone with any talent long ago.

What JB requires is an untapped market that doesn't know it needs baseball in its life. Enter India, the home of all things cricket. After an arduous search, JB selects two aspiring cricketers, Rinku Singh (Suraj Shama) and Dinesh Patel (Madhur Mittal), and whisks them back to America where he must work to transfer their skills to baseball, make their dreams come true and, in the process, find his own humanity.

There is nothing in Million Dollar Arm that we haven't seen countless times before, but because it carries before it a banner proclaiming 'This really happened' we forgive director Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) for its predictability. It isn't necessary to know or love baseball to enjoy Million Dollar Arm any more than you needed to be a quizmaster to enjoy Slumdog Millionaire, but it in this case it probably helps. That said, Gillespie has carefully crafted a film to appeal to the Sunday afternoon feet up masses. It requires little thought, only moderate emotional investment and you know from the outset, though you may try to fool yourself to heighten the excitement, that all will work out well. Why else would Disney stump up the cash? Disney doesn't do failure!

There is much to enjoy but little to inspire or satisfy. The performances are adequate but predictably overshadowed by Alan Arkin's familiar irascible old-timer cameo. The romance is plinky plonk and the against all odds, triumph in the face of adversity plot engages but doesn't tug at the heartstrings like, say, The Blind Side.

There is nothing here to dislike vehemently, but perhaps that would make Million Dollar Arm a more memorable film. There just isn't anything on display to be really passionate about, good or bad. Save it for a rainy Sunday when the belly is too full for a hike across the moors.

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