Life would be boring without taking a chance and making changes. The movie Million Dollar Arm is based on a true personal story about making changes, sacrifice, family and baseball. Three people’s lives change in a way they never imagined. JB Bernstein, a sports agent, finds himself in a situation where his business hits rock bottom. He comes up with an idea to find the next best baseball pitcher in an unconventional way. He travels to the last untapped Baseball country, India, to roll out the Indian TV contest “Million Dollar Arm”. He meets Rinku Singh and Dinesh who have never played baseball, hate cricket and are presented with the chance to pursue a dream and change their lives and their families lives forever.
I feel that Million Dollar Arm is a wonderful family film, for families with children who participate in sports or not. Every amateur athlete has the dream of being a pro-player. Not everyone makes it to that status but if you don’t take the chance then you’ll never know, even if you’ve never played baseball- Rinku played gavelin and Dinesh was a field hockey player. The two travel to Los Angeles after their impressive entries in the Million Dollar Arm contest. What a culture shock for the two! They not only had to leave behind their families but they left behind everything they knew like food and traditions and were thrown into a life of modern technology and pizza!
The two young men had less than a year to learn the ins-and-outs of the baseball. An almost unreachable feet. Were they good enough to be picked up by a Major League Baseball team? Some of you might be familiar with this story but I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for those of you who aren’t.
I enjoyed watching the story of Million Dollar Arm unfold and the focus on three people, three strangers who make a major impact on each other’s lives. I also think the soundtrack is amazing and the imagery of the Taj Mahal and the streets of India were mesmerizing. Moms, you might want to bring tissues are there are some real tear jerker scenes. I empathized with the parents of Rinku and Dinesh. Every parent wants the best for their children but it’s difficult to let go and let their children spread their wings. I can only imagine the worry the families felt for their sons but they must be so proud!
The film makers and actors beautifully captured the emotion and celebratory process. Million Dollar Arm plays the perfect game.
* I attended an all-expense paid press trip courtesy of Disney/ABCTV/Disney XD. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. All Photos Copyright @ That’s IT Mommy/Tee Burgess.
