It Ain't Over

Yogi Berra, one of the world's best athletes but one of the least recognized, has his legacy spelled out most effectively in 98 minutes. The documentary highlights his exceptional character, baseball skill and wisdom in a fast-paced captivating way. All ages, sports fans and non-sports fans should see this movie which captures not just the essence of 20th century professional baseball, but the essence of a man who embodied all that was excellent and exciting about the game. You will learn about Yogi's unequaled stats, hear from other all-star players and sports analysts, his family and regular fans. It is riveting from start to finish.

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!

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.

I had wanted to see this since I saw a trailer in the theatre. If you are a baseball fan this is a must. I grew up as a NY Mets fan but liked the Yankees too. I am not from the generation these older players are from, so I didn't see them play. I only knew Yogi Berra as a manager and knew his one son was a baseball player also. I didn't realize that Yogi was one of the greatest players ever. This documentary was lovingly produced by his granddaughter and we see interviews with other players of his generation, players that he managed and mentored and also his loving family. You could tell how much the family meant to each other and how much he adored his wife Carmen. Yogi's granddaughter reads love letters from Yogi to Carmen which was very moving. Other events touched upon was Yogi's feud with George Steinbrenner and his return to Yankee Stadium. I can't recommend this documentary enough especially if you love baseball. Yogi was a humble, kind man and I had so much respect for him and tears in my eyes at the end.

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!!