It Ain't Over

One hundred minutes is a long time to repeatedly argue that Yogi Berra was far more than a quirky personality. But that’s what we get with It Ain’t Over, a hagiographic documentary on the Hall of Fame catcher who, according to director Sean Mullin, never sinned in his 90 years.

That’s not to say the wealth of thrilling game footage, insightful interviews, and famous talking heads aren’t engaging or are haphazardly assembled. Far from it: these clips make a convincing case that Berra was probably the greatest catcher of all time, as well as terrific husband, father, coach, and all-around person.

In addition, the film doesn’t shy away from his famous Yogi-isms, and even reveals the origin stories of a few, which both dispel and somehow add even more mystique to these goofy phrases. The goal of such exercises seems to be lessening the importance of these sayings and Berra’s more cartoonish ways in favor of his professional and personal accolades, and they generally succeed, painting them as more tertiary benefits of this great man.

But important as it is for Berra to get his due in feature-length bio-doc form, It Ain’t Over comes off as more desperate than Mullin and Lindsay Berra, her grandfather’s biggest cheerleader and the film’s de facto narrator, likely intended.

Grade: B-minus. Rated PG. Now playing at Grail Moviehouse

(Photo: Sony Pictures Classics)