Mr. 3000

With Bernie Mac starring in the baseball movie "Mr. 3000", I expected to see a comedy that would make me laugh. I'm still waiting to laugh.

The story begins as Stan Ross (Mac) is seeking his 3000th hit as a professional baseball player. We quickly learn of his arrogance and disdain for the media. Additionally, Ross is not a team player. Rather, it's all about him. On the night that he reaches his goal, and just as his team -- the Milwaukee Brewers -- is hitting full stride into the playoff season, Ross announces his retirement. The way he sees it, having attained 3000 hits assures his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He again shows that he doesn't care about the team.

Fast forward nine years. Just as he's being considered for the Hall of Fame vote, it's discovered that Ross is actually 3 hits shy of 3000 and has no chance of being voted in. With the team struggling both in winning percentage and in fan attendance, the Brewers management agrees to allow Stan Ross to come back simply to get his three hits. His age and disdain for the guys he's playing with quickly work against him. Also entering the picture is Maureen (Angela Bassett), a previous love interest that once again rekindles a passion in Ross.

It's at this point that the movie really becomes just as much of a story about struggling love as it does about struggling at the plate. While the baseball aspect provides a few laughs, the love story carries a more serious tone and slows the movie down immensely. Mac's scenes with Bassett also make this a movie not suited for children.

Which baseball cliche goes best with "Mr. 3000"? Chalk this one up as a swing and a miss. I give it a C.

"Mr. 3000" is rated PG-13 (a questionable rating) with a running time of 104 minutes.