Customer Reviews

The Pistol: Special Edition

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend" (1990) is a very inspirational film. When I was a child, my parents purchased the film on VHS. I thought the film was moderately interesting yet nothing spectacular.

Now that I am an adult, I see the film differently. Certainly, there are many scenes were people simply talk with one another - the amount of basketball played might take up 20 minutes of the film. However, the theme of the film is about following your dreams (and yes, certainly there are many other films with this same theme). Yet, "The Pistol" is persuasive to me because Pete Maravich actually WAS able to fulfill his dream "of becoming the greatest college basketball player ever." It is not a fictional story created to make people feel good about themselves. Maravich is still the all-time leading NCAA Division I scorer with 3,667 points scored and an average of 44.2 points per game. (Note: Maravich accomplished this without the benefit of a three-point line and despite the fact that NCAA rules prohibited him from playing on the varsity team as a freshman.)

But enough with the statistics - the point is that many people did not believe that someone as small in stature as Pete Maravich was in junior high (as least as was portrayed in the film) could become a great basketball player. Yet, as the film shows in many scenes, Pete desired to fulfill his dream - it became his life. Pete's father (a college basketball coach) inspired and encouraged him, yet it was Pete who gave his countless hours to perfect his skills.

In short, "The Pistol" is the type of film I want to give to skeptics who believe that "ability" alone is what determines how successful a person can become in any area of life. I recommend the film.

This movie is essentially a recording of what's great about America and the American Dream. You will not find a more representative example of passion and commitment. I was stunned to learn the story of the beginning of the legend created by Pistol Pete. I left yearning to know more, and to see what happened in the years following those the movie covered. Don't purchase this movie if you seek simply entertainment. Buy this movie to learn about the art of the possible.

This is a story about a very ambitious and confident kid's drive to succeed--in an environment where failure is almost a guarantee. The kid, Pete Maravich, is in 8th grade, and he wants to start on the varsity team! The story is well done and quite entertaining, and I've enjoyed this film since I was a kid.

This movie would definitely fall into the "cheesy sports movie" class except for one thing--it's a true story! Of course, One must always take a true story from Hollywood with a grain of salt, but I think it can be mostly trusted. I, for one, like "cheesy" when it happens to be true. (Disney's "The Rookie" comes to mind.)

The biggest flaw with the movie is the acting. The movie at times appears to be a very low budget film. In fact, I'm sure it was a low budget film. But here's the thing, it's a sports story about one of the all-time basketball legends, and if you let the story grab you, you can overlook the acting. I know some people simple cannot stomach a movie that looks anything less than a blockbuster. If that's you, stay away from this. But if you can overlook flaws in favor of a great story (and you like good sports films) check this out!

I not only watched him in college, but followed his greatness into the pros and thought "What if" he were able to play with the rules of today ?

He was SO past his prime when he finally got to a good team that many did not get to know how unbelievable his talent was...

And a truly "Good Guy" that inspired a lot of people.

That in inself is enough for me to order this movie even though I've seen it 5 times already ! I want my kids and grandkids to appreciate this....

And wonder what ever happened to Boots Garland... ran track with him as coach in High School.... Fun loving GOOD teacher as well...

This Movie is a great movie for children and adults both. This movie could easily spark a love for the game of basketball in a child's heart. Classic Movie and a very good story.

This Pistol Pete Maravich video deserves 5 stars for what and how it was presented. But I gave it 4 stars BECAUSE OF WHAT IT LACKED. The video left we searching the web to find out how he progressed from age 8 to his death in January 1998. This movie could use a sequel telling what he meant by his "father dyeing at to early an age". How did he rise to stardom over coming his 5' 2" (?) height when he started high school and quickly go to first string? Did his dad coaching for LSU get him the scholarship his mother wanted for him? What if his dad was not famous, would he have ever gotten to play first string and develop the stills towards greatness? What about his transition to pro ball. The message seems to tell young viewer you can only make it "IF YOU HAVE A FAMOUS DAD or sponsor" and dedicate all of your energies to the detriment of all other things, and must have the undying motivation to win forsaking all NORMAL pressures, needs. and desires. That's likely true but what about those that cannot afford that dedication due to the lack of support and financial environment and a measure of friend, luck, and the contacts for get to play first string. Was his father an abusive pusher and at what cost? The photo at the end of the video showed an older man, very tall, talking to his son, was that Pistol Pete, if so it left we wondering? What was the injection of having a black friend and playing one game(?) with a all black High School have to do with the story? Sorry I missed it, was it only to show he was not a bigot in 1959 and add to his nice guy image? Did he marry his cheerleader girlfriend? I may have missed the answers since I did not purchase the inspirational version. I MUST ADD THAT THE SKILLS DEMONSTRATED BY THE YOUNG ACTOR WERE AMAZING, AND IF YOU COACH BASKETBALL CUT OUT THOSE SECIONS AND DRILL YOUR PLAYERS TO LEARN THOSE SKILLS.

I remember seeing this movie for the first time when I was about 9 or 10 years old. It's one of the main reasons I wanted to be a point guard (well that and the fact that I'm only 5'3" lol). I remembered really enjoying this movie and it just made me feel good about basketball. I'm 25 now and I still play basketball for recreation and to this day I still love this movie. Ranks among the top 10 of my favorite basketball movies!

The Pistol is a great movie about Pete Maravich and his childhood. I highly recommend this movie for the young ambitious ones in your life. It is a story of overcoming peer pressure and the threats of those who seem to be stronger.
Give your child the gift of a great learning experience...give them a copy of "The Pistol"!

All I need to say is that you can pass this movie from generation to generation and it will always be loved. A boy, his father, hard work paying off. What's best???? It's a true story. A must view for any family!

An awsesome DVD & the Amazing talent that the young actor Adam Guier who depicted Pete Maravich.
This is a inspirational story to any young person who wants to aspire to better things, it certainly does it for me as coming from a Basketball background myself, however when I was playing my Hero's in the game were Bill Russell, Jerry West, & Dr "J" & the likes from that era.
It has taken me years to find this flim after 1st seeing this many a year ago.
Once again a must watch & highly Reccommended