Review of Million Dollar Arm (2014) by Forrestgump1 — 30 Jul 2014

Disney is ideally one of the more respected studios producing films to this day. Nobody can look at their film and marketing tactics and call them dull. However, just because a movie has “Disney” on it, doesn’t necessarily make it indestructible.

Their latest, “Million Dollar Arm” a basic, run of the mill, inspirational film that follows the same basic principles all sports dramas follow. The story is heartfelt and genuine, and the film is fueled by an extremely likable performance from our leading man Jon Hamm. This only goes so far. Comparing the film to the likes of “Miracle” or “The Rookie” and even “Remember The Titans” is not a fair comparison. Because, even though those films also followed basic principles, those films still had credibility to their names and directors. “Million Dollar Arm” is slow going and takes it’s time progressing the plot. Just on the likability of the actors presence in the film, “Million Dollar Arm” is barely watchable for the most part. But, in all honestly, is nothing special.

Hamm plays J.B Bernstein, a typical sports agent, who in a last ditch effort to save his job, and the jobs of his cohorts; Ash Vasudevan (Bernstein’s business partner) and Theresa. Bernstein pitches the idea of “Million Dollar Arm” in which the crew travels to India, seeking Baseball players, through a reality show. On the journey they find two Indians, named Dinish Patel and Rinku Singh.

Who doesn't love a good, and compelling underdog story?. Typically, it’s fairy hard to scowl at the confines of a true story. However, when the story is not that, quote “compelling” well it’s a different breed of these sub-genre. This is hardly a true story most people are familiar with. Being honest, I was unfamiliar with this story until I screened the film. I’m glad I got the message in all. Speaking bluntly, this is a film where audience’s will walk out, say “it was good”, tell their friends, and one week later forget all about it. As a shame it maybe, the whole “salesman” approach to the plot, never clicks. The acting, on the other hand, is slick and witty. Jon Hamm is quick and fun to watch as the infamous, J.B Bernstein. Lake Bell is also great to watch, however the character is partially underused. As well as, Madhur Mittal and Suraj Sharma who turn in more than exceptional performances. Director Greg Gillespie has had some success, his remake of “Fright Night” starring Anton Yelchin and Colin Farrell was more than worthy in the sense. “Million Dollar Arm” was just not a great story for him to showcase his talents. I still have hope for his directing career.

In the end, I didn't hate “Million Dollar Arm” I just did not buy into the whole story as whole. Once you have seen every inspiration film in this league, well you have seen them all. The film has tons of heart and the characters are extremely likable. This is not the problem. The problem is the very basic and average attempt at telling the story. The film never breaks away from it’s own pattern and steers exactly the direction we expect it too. Granted, this is a true story so we know the outcome. Other than a few interesting tidbits, and outside of true Baseball fanatics nobody is going to know this story well enough. I also wish the story focused more on the actual people the story is based off. Hardly ever, does the audience get any back story behind our India natives becoming Major League Baseball players. Even a little more development into J.B Bernstein's life would have been more appreciated. There is very little accomplished in the two hour run-time. “Million Dollar Arm” is instantly forgettable, but in the end somewhat watchable. Thanks to that “Disney” brand.