Bernie Mac is a rare comic-turned-actor who can genuinely envelop himself in a character while still being his own distinctively hilarious self. In Mr. 3000, he proves it in an amusingly acerbic but psychologically astute performance as a retired Milwaukee Brewers super-slugger whose huge ego begets a comeback nine years later--out-of-shape and in for a healthy helping of humble pie--because he's been stripped of three runs awarded in error, threatening the titular total he's turned into a brand name and his only hope for becoming a legend. While this comedy may have an obvious story arc (Mac discovers team spirit and a love of the game), director Charles Stone III has a creative talent for turning gimmicky screenplays into good movies (Drumline, Paid in Full), and Mac works his caustic charisma well here, while Angela Bassett is spectacular as a sharp, wry, sexy old-flame love interest (and ESPN reporter) who won't take any of his guff. Mr. 3000 may not be a Hall-of-Fame-worthy baseball flick, but it honors the heart of the game and provides enough comedy curve balls to stay above the fray of encroaching clichés. Recommended. [Note: Available in either a widescreen or full screen version, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Charles Stone III, a 15-minute “making-of” featurette, the 10-minute behind-the-scenes baseball player audition segment “Spring Training: The Extras' Journey,” the three-minute facetious featurette “Everybody Loves Stan” on Bernie Mac's character (featuring Ryne Sandberg, Rollie Fingeres, and Bo Jackson), three extended sequences--including tongue-in-cheek segments from Sportscenter and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (6 min. total), three deleted scenes (2 min.) with optional commentary by Stone, three minutes of outtakes, and trailers. Bottom line: an extra-innings-worthy extras package for a fun bit of fluff.] (R. Blackwelder)
Mr. 3000
Touchstone, 104 min., PG-13, VHS: $24.99, DVD: $29.99, Feb. 1 Volume 20, Issue 1
Mr. 3000
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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