Search - The Pistol: Special Edition on DVD

Very Inspirational/Motivational Film

Andrew Raker | PA | 01/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend" (1990) is a very inspirational film. When I was a child, my parents purchased the film on VHS. I thought the film was moderately interesting yet nothing spectacular.

Now that I am an adult, I see the film differently. Certainly, there are many scenes were people simply talk with one another - the amount of basketball played might take up 20 minutes of the film. However, the theme of the film is about following your dreams (and yes, certainly there are many other films with this same theme). Yet, "The Pistol" is persuasive to me because Pete Maravich actually WAS able to fulfill his dream "of becoming the greatest college basketball player ever." It is not a fictional story created to make people feel good about themselves. Maravich is still the all-time leading NCAA Division I scorer with 3,667 points scored and an average of 44.2 points per game. (Note: Maravich accomplished this without the benefit of a three-point line and despite the fact that NCAA rules prohibited him from playing on the varsity team as a freshman.)

But enough with the statistics - the point is that many people did not believe that someone as small in stature as Pete Maravich was in junior high (as least as was portrayed in the film) could become a great basketball player. Yet, as the film shows in many scenes, Pete desired to fulfill his dream - it became his life. Pete's father (a college basketball coach) inspired and encouraged him, yet it was Pete who gave his countless hours to perfect his skills.

In short, "The Pistol" is the type of film I want to give to skeptics who believe that "ability" alone is what determines how successful a person can become in any area of life. I recommend the film."

A National Treasure...and Fading

S. G. Chance | Baltimore, MD USA | 12/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is essentially a recording of what's great about America and the American Dream. You will not find a more representative example of passion and commitment. I was stunned to learn the story of the beginning of the legend created by Pistol Pete. I left yearning to know more, and to see what happened in the years following those the movie covered. Don't purchase this movie if you seek simply entertainment. Buy this movie to learn about the art of the possible."

Cheesy... and irresistable!!

Jonathan M. Norberg | Grand Forks, ND | 07/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a story about a very ambitious and confident kid's drive to succeed--in an environment where failure is almost a guarantee. The kid, Pete Maravich, is in 8th grade, and he wants to start on the varsity team! The story is well done and quite entertaining, and I've enjoyed this film since I was a kid.

This movie would definitely fall into the "cheesy sports movie" class except for one thing--it's a true story! Of course, One must always take a true story from Hollywood with a grain of salt, but I think it can be mostly trusted. I, for one, like "cheesy" when it happens to be true. (Disney's "The Rookie" comes to mind.)

The biggest flaw with the movie is the acting. The movie at times appears to be a very low budget film. In fact, I'm sure it was a low budget film. But here's the thing, it's a sports story about one of the all-time basketball legends, and if you let the story grab you, you can overlook the acting. I know some people simple cannot stomach a movie that looks anything less than a blockbuster. If that's you, stay away from this. But if you can overlook flaws in favor of a great story (and you like good sports films) check this out!"

As Good as it gets !

JohnBoyToo | DFW, Tx | 04/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I not only watched him in college, but followed his greatness into the pros and thought "What if" he were able to play with the rules of today ?

He was SO past his prime when he finally got to a good team that many did not get to know how unbelievable his talent was...

And a truly "Good Guy" that inspired a lot of people.

That in inself is enough for me to order this movie even though I've seen it 5 times already ! I want my kids and grandkids to appreciate this....

And wonder what ever happened to Boots Garland... ran track with him as coach in High School.... Fun loving GOOD teacher as well..."