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Up for Grabs (2004)
4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
A fun comment on humanity, 2 June 2005
Author: wjtrinkle from United States
First, being an avid S. F. Giants fan who had the wonderful fortune to be present when Barry Bonds hit his 73rd home run in 2001, this was a must see for me. To have so much focus on such a major sports event and its repercussions was nice just for the memories it brought back. Plenty worthwhile just for this reason alone.
Beyond that this film is just plain funny, with its exposure of the humanity - greed, stupidity, arrogance, confusion, etc. - of those involved in the dispute surrounding the ownership of the 73rd home run baseball. There is even a dreaded Dodger fan in all his intellectual wonder, commenting in his inimitable way upon the events and dispute.
I didn't reach any personal conclusions on the individuals disputing the ball ownership, as a result of the film. I was quite impressed with the comments from the Judge who handled the trial of the case and decided what would happen to the ball.
From a purely "documentary film" critical point of view, the documentary was fine, but not great. It was definitely the story here which has center stage in this one and how it was told did not interfere with the pleasure in it at all. I am sorry so few people will likely get the opportunity to see this one.
4 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
The lowest blow for baseball, 11 July 2005
Author: Agent10 from Tucson, AZ
For all of the future self-serving idiots that look to grab a stake of history, watch this movie. Granted, Up for Grabs is a pretty basic documentary in the straightest sense, but it's the human drama that is involved that makes it such a comedic experience.
Popov and Hayashi were both idiots, let's make that clear. But Popov's overwhelming sense of self worth seemed to provide just what he wanted. He was a loathing, idiot that was purely out to make money, just like Hayashi. But you couldn't turn away from Popov. His idiocy is what truly makes the story, and let's face it, his greed ultimately cost him a lot of money and debt.
What I also found so compelling about this movie is how times have changed. People only care about the money making aspect rather than the thrill of the game. People don't go to a game to see someone like Barry Bonds (or these days, Albert Pujols), they're just waiting for the day he sets some record so they could grab a potential meal ticket. It's a pretty startling assessment when Bonds is the sensible and well-meaning conscience that neither Hayashi or Popov seemed to have.
1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Funny, Thought Provoking Film, 30 July 2005
Author: MrBlueo from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Up For Grabs tells the hilariously ridiculous true story of the two worst fans in all of baseball. One is so determined to become this instant millionaire he was willing to bite a child to get a better grab for it, and another who (perhaps) faked his way into a courtroom at chance to get the cash himself. (It's a wonder he is not suing this picture.) This film does an excellent job of showcasing society's increasing dehumanization and greed through a compare and contrast between the main story of Barry Bonds ball and the ball hit by Roger Maris years before.
One thing I loved about Up For Grabs is there weren't any pompous narrators/self-proclaimed-savior-of-humanity (*cough *cough Michael Moore) driving its message into you, but let the actions of the people involved give a clear idea of what they are trying to get across as well as giving a chance to look at your own morals.
If you get a chance see UP FOR GRABS
1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Like a Christopher Guest film, but real, 28 April 2005
Author: KCDTA from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I saw "Up For Grabs" at the Phoenix Film Festival, where it took away the best doc prize. I just ran across this film again and it looks like it found a distributor, and is being released in theatres! Glad to see it. It reminded me of a Christopher Guest mock-umentary, but it's real - lots of laughs and dynamic characters! "Up For Grabs" follows two men who are fighting over possession of Barry Bonds' #73 homerun ball. These characters are really exposed for who they are, inside and out. The ending couldn't have been better! But, I don't want to introduce any spoilers, so go see for yourself! Was anyone else lucky enough to see this in its film festival run?
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