Sadly Over-hyped

Memorable, crazy movie

Beautiful, moving film.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

From thequickflickcritic.blogspot.com/With the baseball season in full swing now here's a throwback to one of the sport's stars of the past whose legacy after he left the game is far more lasting than anything he ever did on the diamond.You don't have to be a fan of baseball as I am to appreciate the captivating tale of redemption candidly and affectingly told in 2014's "No No: A Dockumentary". Before seeing the film, I had always regarded the fact that gifted yet troubled Major League All-Star pitcher Dock Ellis once hurled a no-hitter while tripping on acid to be cool. Almost cute in a way.Learning that Ellis was a severe drug addict and alcoholic, and that he claims to have never pitched a game during his 12-year big league career when he wasn't "high as a kite", just absolutely broke my heart. This guy was such a favorite of mine and my friends when we were growing up in the '70's.However, it is after watching "No No" that Ellis emerges as a genuine hero. We are privileged to witness the all-in investment of this man's total soul in supporting fellow addicts as they navigate through a new world, having emerged as he had done from the hell life becomes when substance abuse becomes your only purpose for existing.Ellis left us in 2008, his liver having failed, the organ finally succumbing to decades of self-inflicted torture. His passing, while certainly before his time, was nonetheless preceded by years of humility and humanity.It is this legacy, and not that which he accomplished "between the white lines", that Ellis will forever be remembered with undying gratitude by those he touched, and who were in desperate need of both his guidance and his grace.

Say "No No" to drugs, kids, but YES YES to this great documentary about pro baseball player Doc Ellis, who in the 1970s pitched a no-hitter game on LSD. Ellis played in Major League Baseball from 1968 through 1979 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets. The film goes through his career in pro- ball, his romantic entanglements, as well as his long bout with drugs, recovery, and later life counseling drug addicts in treatment centers and prisons.*Possible SPOILER* I found the most inspiring part of this film the interview with Ron Howard, who talked about working with Ellis on the set of his 1986 film, "Gung Ho" (Ellis was in the cast- you may recall him as one of the factory workers; was seen playing in the softball game as well). Howard talked about his conversation with Ellis about pitching that famous no-hitter game on LSD, and he found it interesting Ellis did not brag about the incident, but instead was embarrassed about it- saying he would've rather been clean & sober at the time than having pitched that no-hitter game.Well, anyway, I would recommend this great doc. for sports and non- sports fans (like myself) alike. Great interviews, a great '70s soundtrack and some good inspiration make this doc. a home run! (ouch!- I know that was bad... o.O )

This documentary is about the excellent baseball pitcher and character, Dock Ellis. Much of the film concerns Ellis' crazy lifestyle--especially his use and abuse of drugs and alcohol during this career. Oddly, much of the time the drugs seemed to either help him or not hinder him--and he reportedly pitched a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD! Eventually, however, the drugs and alcohol got out of control and led to his early death (though this is oddly never mentioned in the film).This is an enjoyable film to watch, though I must also admit that the message about drugs was oddly mixed. During much of the film, it sounded as if Ellis' drug abuse was rather funny and it almost seemed to imply that the drugs were good! Later, however, his violent side came out and he, fortunately, became sober and a living example to others. Well made but strange in its focus.By the way, if you enjoyed this, there also is a wonderful documentary about Danny Trejo ("Champion")--which is quite similar in many ways.

Greetings again from the darkness. Caught this one at the Dallas International Film Festival, and the most impressive part of director Jeff Radice's approach is just how much he attempts to tackle. Most baseball fans immediately associate the name Dock Ellis with his much publicized 1970 no-hitter thrown while under the influence of LSD. Radice doesn't focus on the baseball side of this story, but rather much more of the man and the times.One must be of a certain age to have watched Dock Ellis pitch (he retired in 1979), and the era must be considered when understanding his often outspoken and arrogant behavior. Jackie Robinson had long ago broken the color barrier in baseball, but it wasn't until the early 1970's when things really started to change. 1971 saw the first all black and brown lineup from the Pirates (with Dock Ellis on the mound). The blacks and Latins interviewed here recall the moment they noticed.In addition to his baseball and related antics, we get some history on his marriages, style, drug abuse and struggle to remain healthy near the end of his career. Radice scores with the numerous interviews of former teammates, as well as friends and family. Steve Blass and Bruce Kison provide a contrast to the words of Dave Cash, Mudcat Grant and Al Oliver, but the most insight comes from Ellis' friends and family. This is where we see the hope and disappointment that Dock produced.We also see the later years as Dock became a drug counselor and educated many on the mistakes he had made. Radice uses a 1981 movie called "Dugout" features former major league pitcher Bo Belinsky talking to little-leaguers about the importance of staying on the right track ... the parallels to the career of Dock Ellis are obvious.Some terrific game footage is used, but one of the most interesting moments occurs when Brad Corbet, Jr explains how his father (former owner of Texas Rangers) had interaction with Dock Ellis the player, and later with Dock Ellis the addiction counselor. There is also much made about "everyone" in baseball being on "greenies" (amphetemines) during the era ... an interesting contrast to the steroid era. The main thing we learn is that there was much more to Dock Ellis than LSD and curlers in his hair.