It Ain't Over

This documentary about the Great and Late Yogi Berra is something that spoke to me and help me understand why my grandfather loved him so much. Back in 2009 my grandfather, dad, brother and I went to New York for a week to watch the Yankees. Coming from Ohio it was a long drive. While we were there we went to both the baseball hall of fame and the Yogi Berra museum. We were leaving his museum while a limo was pulling up and there he was Yogi Berra my grandfather acted like a kid and cried. This documentary helped me understand why he loved the man so much, he was a man that was a normal person but showed how much he loved the game of baseball even through war. Rest in peace Wayne Thallman and Yogi Berra.

A portrait of a beautiful human being and baseball legend that will surprise you, even if you think you know all about Yogi. As the film shows, Yogi's baseball talent, intelligence, and accomplishments have long been overshadowed by his endearing and iconic personality and his infamous Yogi-isms. This film finally gives Yogi the tribute he deserves. Viewers may be surprised to learn or be reminded of Yogi's many legendary baseball achievements that have been ignored or forgotten over the years. The interviews with his teammates, latter-day baseball legends, as well as his friends and family, weave a beautiful story about this amazing and unassuming hero. It will remind you of everything that is wonderful and special about baseball, and about life. Go see this movie!!

Everyone knows Yogi Berra. Well, they know the myth or legend of Yogi Berra. The nonsensical (albeit hilarious) sayings--the distinct caricature--the commercial pitchman--the resemblance to an animated bear we all remember from childhood. But sometimes those larger-than-life capacities obscure the greatness of Berra the baseball player, man, and father. That is an oversight "It Ain't Over" strives to correct.

Basically, this doc springs from the premise that Berra's granddaughter Lindsay wasn't exactly thrilled when Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays were voted the "Greatest Living Ballplayers" in 2015--with Yogi sitting beside her watching it on TV. So, Lindsay began championing for this doc to be made--and it ultimately turns into one of the best sports figure docs I've ever seen!

Though not at all affiliated with HBO, "It Ain't Over" has the feel of that prestige network's sports docs. The production value and graphics are extremely high and poignant/entertaining, while the amount of figures interviewed is truly staggering. From Berra's teammates to those he coached to family members and baseball luminaries such as Vin Scully, Billy Crystal, Joe Torre & Bob Costas, everyone gets a word in on Yogi's baseball legacy.

Director Sean Mullin does a remarkable job here of sorting out "fact from myth", so to speak. The doc tells a compelling story of how Yogi was a tremendous player (his batting average & power combined with lack of strikeouts is astounding), won championships almost everywhere he landed as a player, coach, or manager, and served his country (notably in the D-Day invasion). Not only that, but Yogi was a family man who is spoken of lovingly by all who knew him. It is a bit of shame, then, to see his legacy somewhat adapted to fit the malapropisms and odd phrases that would come to be attached to him (some legitimate, some not).

Overall, "It Ain't Over" is a remarkably achievement on making sure baseball fans remember Yogi's greatness besides the "silly stuff". This is a man who shook hands with Babe Ruth, played beside Joe DiMaggio & Mickey Mantle, coached Don Mattingly, and traded good-natured barbs with Derek Jeter. He was a good-natured winner both on and off the field--so affable that he didn't mind being a goofy pitchman for Yoo-Hoo or Aflac. I cannot recommend "It Ain't Over" highly enough to any sports/baseball fan who is even mildly intrigued. It had me belly laughing, weeping, and shaking my head in amazement in equal measure.

We often don't realize until much later that we were blessed to be alive while a true legend walked among us.

Yogi Berra fit that description, and then some!

This amazing documentary film chronicles the many accomplishments on and off the field of the pre-1990s Yogi Berra that some have overlooked in favor of the bigger than life elder statesman and beloved cartoony image he became later in life.

Director Sean Mullin did his homework and got lots of archival footage and interviews to build a solid case for Yogi's status as a true American hero and icon. Not a moment of footage seems out of place or strikes a false note.

From D-Day in 1944 to Yogi Berra Day in 1999, it's all included, including some of the more controversial, heartfelt and personal moments in the life of Yogi and his family, friends and teammates.

Baseball is the backdrop, but this film is really a call and challenge to all of us to live like Yogi did, up to the best of our abilities even in the face of doubters, to spread kindness and joy, and to leave the world a better place than we found it.

It's a movie full of laughter, tears, inspiration and love. A true valentine to a class act.

I highly recommend it!

It Ain't Over is a captivating inspirational documentary that highlights an important story, and really connected with me. I definitely felt moved and more knowledgeable afterwards.

This film tells the story of Yogi Berra (Lawrence Peter Berra), an Italian immigrant who had a talent for baseball from a young age. Although he had an outstanding ability to catch balls, he was extremely unappreciated in the sports industry when he first started out. Yogi didn't exactly fit the image of a stereotypical NBA star at the time, but he didn't let that stop him. After many rocky patches, Yogi eventually found a home with the New York Yankees, where he managed to work his way to a top position, and became one of the best players in baseball history.

I really appreciate the structure of the film; it's easy to follow and gives a lot of insight about Yogi as a person. Throughout the film are interviews with people from Yogi's life, including his close family and friends. These are people that knew him personally and their input helps create a strong foundation for the film. It helped me get a better understanding of who Yogi was, and the positive effect that he left on people. Additionally, the storytelling is strong. The film incorporates so many important details of Yogi's life in such an honest way. There are examples of people such as Jackie Robinson, who he really helped and respected. This documentary is going to make the world remember Yogi Berra in a positive and bright way, which defines who he was. The cinematography is outstanding. I really enjoyed the incorporation of archival footage from Yogi's life, along with present day videos that showcase the evolution of professional baseball.

The film's message is to always follow your dreams no matter what other people tell you.

I give It Ain't Over 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in in select theaters on May 12, 2023. By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST!