Million Dollar Arm

On a Scale of 1 to 10, With 10 Being the Best

8

Plot: A sport's agent named J.B. Bernstein finds he, and his small company, is running out of money and can't find a new athlete to represent. One day, J.B. is flipping through channels and on the TV there is a game of cricket going on. He thinks of having a contest to change these cricket players into baseball players and again make it on top. On another plot line, two poor boys from India see posters and flyers for this contest titled, "Million Dollar Arm" and sign up to get their families out of poverty. This is based on a true story. This story is wonderful and full of heart. What else can you expect from Disney?

Characters/Actors of Note:

Jon Hamm playing J.B.: J.B. is a person who is selfish and uncaring towards others. He doesn't understand that this contest is helping two boys out of poverty, or that they have culture shock, or that he can care for them. It takes him a long time to really learn that lesson. Jon Hamm does an excellent job of being selfish without being carried away. He also balances his own interest with others and you understand the slow growth that he undergoes. 

Madhur Mittal playing Dinesh: Dinesh was a hardworking boy who wanted to make life better for his father. When he wins the contest he just wants to donate the money to his family and buy them a new vehicle and such. He wants to practice hard and not disappoint anyone. I loved the depth of this character. It was easy to empathize with Mr. Mittal's portrayal. Nice job. 

Suraj Sharma playing Rinku: Rinku was more of the fun character in this movie. He was very relaxed and could go with the flow. Even when he thought he might be sent home, he always tried to see the positive side. Mr. Sharma also had a funny quirk (which was true) and it was so fun to see him on screen. It was a nice change from the overworking and over-analyzing Dinesh.

Lake Bell playing Brenda: This character was much needed and much adored. Brenda was sassy, in-charge, and loving. I would love to meet this lady and be her friend! She cared for the two boys like they were her own kids and got J.B. to realize how dumb and selfish he was. I loved Miss Bell's acting in this. A+

Music: The music in this film would bounce between American rap and Bollywood which was very in your face and loud. It gave the impression of being overwhelmed. There were multiple times that the characters were being overwhelmed, so perhaps the music was there so we could empathize better. I personally didn't like how loud it was but it was perfect for bringing about empathy. I wouldn't download the music to my own Ipod though.

Camera Work/Cinematography: I almost feel the cinematography was similar to 42. It had moments of yellow and a feeling of "dirty." Grant, they were in the impoverished part of India for half of the movie. I feel more crisp colors could have been used. Otherwise I thought it was fine.

RECAP:

The film had a yellow look to it, for most of the movie but it was so fun to watch. The acting was just A+. The plot was original, fun, and full of love. I liked how there was growth and movement in the film. I highly recommend it and hope that you guys will go see it. 

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