While fittingly echoing Yogi Berra’s famously sunny disposition, opening at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on June 16, “It Ain’t Over” persuasively makes the case for his incredible achievements on and off the baseball diamond.
Continuing is “R.M.N.”
Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra is one of baseball’s greatest. He amassed ten World Series rings, three MVP awards and 18 All-Star Game appearances. He caught the only perfect game in World Series history. Yet for many his deserved stature was overshadowed by his simply being himself and being recognized more for his unique personality, TV commercial appearances and unforgettable “Yogi-isms,” initially head-scratching philosophical nuggets that make a lot more sense the more you think about them.
In telling the whole story, “It Ain’t Over” gives Berra his due in following the life of a savvy, commanding, bad-ball hitting catcher with a squat frame but also a D-Day veteran, loving husband and father and, yes, product endorser and originator (mostly) of his own brand of proverbs now ingrained into everyday life. Granddaughter Lindsay Berra tells his story along with his sons, former Yankee teammates, players he managed, writers, broadcasters, and admirers (such as Billy Crystal), plus photos and footage on and off the diamond. Berra famously said, “I’d be pretty dumb if I started being something I’m not,” and “It Ain’t Over” lovingly makes clear he stayed who he was for the benefit of baseball and everyone else.
“It Ain’t Over” is showing through June 29.
“R.M.N.” follows Matthias as he returns to his multi-ethnic Transylvanian village a few days before Christmas, having quit his job in Germany. He wishes to involve himself more in the education of his son, Rudi, left for too long in the care of his mother, Ana, and to rid the boy of the unresolved fears that have taken hold of him. He’s preoccupied with his old father, Otto and also eager to see his ex-lover, Csilla. When a few new workers are hired at the small factory that Csilla manages, the peace of the community is disturbed, underlying fears grip the adults, and frustrations, conflicts and passions erupt through the thin veneer of apparent understanding and calm. Award-winning director Cristian Mungiu has created a gripping portrait of ethnic and economic resentments tearing at the fabric of a small mountain town.
“R.M.N.” is showing through June 22.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
