The film portrays beautifully the Journey of two talented young players from a small town of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India who later become the baseball players of a top league in America.
‘Million Dollar Arm ‘directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Tom McCarthy is an inspirational film based on the real life story of Sports agent J B Bernstein who discovered baseball pitchers from a remote village in India.
The film opens with JB played by Jon Hamm and his Indian origin partner Ash played by Aasif Mandvi lamenting the loss of their big account Popo.
Apart from being partners JB and Ash share a deep friendship. JB is a no-nonsensical guy whose romantic life is non existent. He has rented part of his house to a medical student Brenda played by Lake Bell. Ash jokingly tells JB that he would not be interested in her because she is intelligent so obviously not his type.
Both JB n Ash try to salvage their work and somehow Ash convinces JB that cricket is a religion in India. JB then decides to tour India in search of two talented cricket playing boys who he can groom into baseball players. JB lands into India and while searching for that elusive talent also discovers Indian culture and deep rooted family values.
His interaction with Brenda also progresses who calls him off and on regarding house problems back in the US. His trip to India turns into a big adventure from his advertising associate, his assistant Amit who offers to work for free. His encounter with various people and finally the two young boys supposedly the cricket players that he zeroes in.
Mr JB along with Amit and two boys Rinku and Dinesh travel to US. The boys land into a misadventure and end up staying with JB. Love blossom between JB and Brenda courtesy Rinku, Dinesh and Amit.
Now starts the anti climax the two talented boys are actually not cricket players and fail to deliver. JB and Ash”s fortunes hit rock bottom and their financer Fang threatens to withdraw the funds. How JB turns their misfortune into the success story of the boys is the beauty of this sweet film.
There is drama, emotions running high, sort of family bonding between all main characters. JB”s adept handling of the amateur, morally defeated young players whom he grooms into professional baseball pitchers despite all odds and finally the patriotism that ends in victory actually brings a lump in the throat. It’s so much like watching an Indian film with the exception that the protagonist is a Hollywood star.
It’s a good juxtaposition of Indian story interwoven with emotions with American spirit thrown in.
A must watch light hearted family entertainer that celebrates the sportsman spirit of never say die.
3 Stars for this feel good movie.
– Reviewed by Preshita Sood
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Cast:
Jon Hamm as J. B. Bernstein
Aasif Mandvi as Ash Vasudevan (Bernstein’s business partner)
Alan Arkin as Ray Poitevint (Sports scout)
Bill Paxton as Tom House
Madhur Mittal as Dinesh Patel
Suraj Sharma as Rinku Singh
Lake Bell as Brenda Fenwick
Allyn Rachel as Theresa (Bernstein’s assistant)
Credits:
Studio – Walt Disney Pictures, Roth Films, Mayhem Pictures
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Produced by Joe Roth, Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray
Written by Tom McCarthy
Music by A.R. Rahman
Cinematography – Gyula Pados
Editing by Tatiana S. Riegel
