Customer Reviews

Chasing 3000

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a heartfelt and meaningful film. These film makers nail it--the passion Pittsburgh felt and continues to feel for Roberto Clemente. They get just about everything else too--a sense of the place, and even the accents and the cultural references (long live Isaly's).

But we get more than that. We get a great road film, better than any self-absorbed Beat Poet could provide, with twists and turns and a range of characters from cooks to farmers, a motorcycle gang and a sympathetic MD. We get an engaging tale of two brothers growing closer. Will they make it back to Pittsburgh in time? Of course, they will. Then again, maybe not. It's never quite clear and the story builds.

Everything about this film is authentic, from the kids' baseball games and the wise, old-world grandpa to the way these two teenage boys think, and the great 1970s soundtrack. A confession: I'm from there too, and like the film makers, my playmates and I lived for the Pirates (yes, there were good once), and imitated Clemente at bat and in the field. Making it all the more poignant was something no one knew at the time--that Clemente's 3000th base hit would also be his last. Hard to believe that just three months later, he would be dead.

Not to give anything away, but the scene with the state trooper brought back a startling memory for me--my father waking me up on New Year's Day 1973 to share the news of Clemente's death, which he had just heard on the radio. So upset was my father that he was actually stuttering as he spoke. To this day, it was the only time I can recall my father--a Marine Corps colonel no less--ever being too emotional to talk. Such was the reverence all of us felt for #21.

That's all a long-winded way of saying this film has soul. See it.

This is a great family story - with lots of baseball and action! It takes place in the early 70's - a story of two brothers who are big Roberto Clemente fans - and their journey across the country together to try and see their hero get his 3000th major league hit. A very enjoyable film to watch - with some excellent acting by Lauren Holly and Rory Culkin.

Although certainly a baseball movie, and it starts with a wonderful montage of some of Roberto Clemente's moments, it's also an affectionate story of Pittsburgh and its people. The brothers at its center make a great team, with the unexpected dimension of the older brother helping his younger brother with muscular dystrophy, through thick and thin. Apparently, it is based on a true story. I loved the beautiful photography of Pittsburgh's green hills, steep streets, and central rivers. And, I laughed out loud as they worked in some of the local slang, particularly "jagoff", which was a common put-down when I was growing up there (never heard elsewhere). Since we have two boys, too, of course we watched with some dismay at the ill-advised adventure the boys staged in order get from LA to Pittsburgh in time to see Clemente's (last) 3,000th hit in 1972 -- taking off in mom's car, with only a learner's permit, without the younger brother's medicine, a ride in a trunk, avoiding police, hoboing trains, catching a ride with a motorcycle gang, two emergency room visits, etc. Fortunately, it came across as so dicey that our boys both said spontaneously "we'd NEVER do that!" However, one thing after another falls into place -- including Clemente only getting 1 hit a game (and a base on an error) until they could get there -- and all turns out well for this family. Enjoyable movie in many ways, and a fine tribute to Clemente, #21, the Great One.

This is based on a true story of two brothers in a frantic cross country pilgrimage to see Roberto Clemento get his 3000th hit. It's a sweet and touching story that will have you in tears - from both laughing and crying. A great movie for watching at home with your family!

This was a terrific, inspirational movie and why it didn't go to the theaters is beyond me...Hollywood, I guess...heartwarming...I did have extra interest in it because it was in part about my favorite all-time baseball player growing up and then revisiting Western PA, watching the games with "my" grandpa and always amazed at the skills of Roberto Clemente...and always unnoticed, underrated professional because he was in a small market...until the rest of the world saw what we saw in the 1970 World Series and the humanitarian efforts of this one man..ultimately claiming his life. I can watch this movie over and over....thanks to all those involved in making the movie. Money well spent on this DVD.

Great movie for baseball fans. Especially Pirate fans who remember Roberto Clemente. If you were around when he played you will relate to the characters in the movie who loved him.

Although you may think this a movie about baseball and one of it's greatest players, Roberto Clemente, it is a heartwarming family movie. A story of family, growing up and siblings who have their ups and downs. It's a story of coming together.

Chasing 3000 is such a great story it is amazing it is inspired by true events. You feel like you are back in the 70's watching baseball history being made. An inspirational story that captures the heart of any baseball fan. Don't miss it!

Saw this movie in Cincinnati.Inspirational story about 2 brothers growing closer parallels Clemente's chase for the hitting record.
Great period movie, but more importantly , a very rare value based movie for the entire family. I am buying copies of it and sending it to my family members and friends. It is that inspirational.

This movie has everything....excitement, sentiment, humor, and of course a girl. I went to see this film in Pittsburgh, Pa. and was amazed at Holly's performance. She is the clear star of the film. If you want to watch an excellent movie about brotherhood, family, and risk this is a great flick