BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Dorathen Better Late Then Never

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Clifton Johnson 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.

grantss Has its moments but mostly formulaic and dull.The (true) story of how a US sports agent goes to India to find baseball pitchers, stages a competition to unearth them, takes the two winners' back to the US and tries to get them contracts with MLB teams.From the start the movie feels trite and overly sugary. Yes, the setting is fairly original but it just feels like we've been down this road before. Maybe it because it is told in a made-for-TV/kids sort of way.The movie is not without its upsides though. There are some funny moments and the John Hamm-Lake Bell relationship was interesting.For all its portrayal of a reasonably important event in baseball history, the movie just feels very flat.

vincentlynch-moonoi I have mixed feelings about this film. I wanted to like it.First off, I didn't find Jon Hamm interesting at all as an actor. I have no desire to plunk down money at the box office or to buy a DVD to see him again.Second, most of the first 45 minutes of the film didn't make me have any desire to see India (and, I have lived in Southeast Asia, although not India). I contrast this to "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", which was far more enchanting in terms of showing off India (and not all for the better...but it had more warmth). The time spent filming in India was pretty much wasted.Third, Suraj Sharma was nothing short of brilliant in "The Life Of Pi". In comparison, this role is mickey mouse. What a waste of talent.Fourth, Aasif Mandvi was not at all appealing his his role.Lake Bell was mildly interesting. Bill Paxton and Alan Arkin were there, which isn't saying much.The story was mildly interesting...could have been far more interesting, particularly since it is only "based on" a real story.In short, when you add this to films such as "The Lone Ranger", it's clear that Disney has lost its magic.

eddie_baggins While this Disney produced baseball movie based on a true life story mere years ago is far from highly original and at one time or another plays to sporting movie staples set before it, there is little point in arguing with the fact that this film is also one of the most highly enjoyable sporting themed movies of recent times and with some energetic direction by director Craig Gillespie and fine scripting by writing guru Thomas McCarthy, Million Dollar Arm is a mighty fine film in its own right.Fans of Mad Men and in more particular respects Don Draper himself Jon Hamm are going to love Million Dollar Arm that little bit more but for fans of well-made movies and against all odds stories are going to lap up every minute of this feel good flick. A large portion of Million Dollar Arm's success comes down to a really nice energy created by director Gillespie. Gillespie who is perhaps most well-known for his Ryan Gosling oddity Lars and the Real Girl seems to reveal in the films set pieces, from the bustling streets of the ever chaotic India through to the green fields of American college sporting grounds, Gillespie gives the film a great tone. A.R Raham's Slumdog Millionaire like score and McCarthy's already mentioned script go hand in hand with this strong behind the camera work and with a winning cast, the film builds on its foundation strengths.As wannabe big wig sports agent JB, Hamm does a fine job at making a character who could easily be an annoying man in a suit, a likable presence and Hamm's interactions with Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal Indian exports Rinku and Dinesh create some of the films finest moments, whether genuinely touching or laugh out loud funny. You feel like your rooting for JB and these wannabe baseball players throughout the entire film and with great supports from Pitobash as over excited Amit and Alan Arkin as the never far from asleep baseball scout Ray, the film has a real winning feel from a cast perspective. The weak link of the movie and something that gets in the way of an at its core basic premise is Lake Bell as JB's potential love interest Brenda, this arc creates a few too many side acts to a story that doesn't benefit greatly from it.A unique true story allows Million Dollar Arm to create something that doesn't feel stale, despite playing out in a very familiar and well-trodden sporting fashion. Benefiting from a likable cast, a top quality family friendly script and some assured direction, this is a truly likable film that while failing to reach spectacular heights, reaches a level of entertainment that makes it highly recommendable.3 and a half javelin poses out of 5 For more movie reviews and opinions check into - www.jordanandeddie.wordpress.com