4192: The Crowning of the Hit King

This is a great documentary on Pete Rose's baseball career. This is a must see movie for any baseball fan. It covers the Pete Rose's young years up to the time he broke Ty Cobb's record with hit #4192 on 9/11/85. I saw this movie with my husband & 3 kids. My husband & I grew up with the "Big Red's Machine" so it was like reliving our childhood baseball memories. We were at the game where Pete hit #4192 - the film captured the feeling of that day -the anticipation, the crowd, the mood. Our kids loved it too. Critics have complained that it doesn't cover the gambling issues - but this movie isn't about that. It's about a lesson on how hard work & a lot of heart can take you places!

I just saw "4192 The Crowning of the Hit King". WOW!!! For every sports fan out there-this movie is for you. It is not just about Pete Rose but about a winner. It is about dedication, hard work, determination and a passion to win. It has everything a sports movie needs. It is about the very heart and soul of every competitor-especially those who hate to lose. It has the feel of "Field of Dreams" and "For the Love of the Game" mixed with the humor of "Bull Durham". I did not mean to use all Kevin Costner films but this will give you an idea of what you are in for. Barking Fish Entertainment, Director Terry Lukemire, Executive Producer Aymie Majerski, and the rest of the staff did one hell of a job bringing this movie to life. Sports fans, do not miss this movie. I am so glad I didn't.

This movie is a fabulous movie, if you are a baseball fan. There was no better ambassador of the game of baseball that Peter Edward Rose in the 1970's. He would give interviews to anyone who was there. He would give autographs to anyone that asked nicely. And then came the gambling probe...BUT...the best part of this movie, is it finally tells Pete's story without the off-the-field problems. It tells how Pete played the game, all out, every play. Not only did it go through Pete's life, but it also shows a lot of history for Cincinnati fans as well. It is a well-made, well-told story about the Hit King, the greatest hitter in baseball history....Pete Rose, the way it should be told and remembered!!! P.S. The picture of him running out of the dugout for his first game was worth the price of the DVD...he looked so young, and like he was having so much fun!!

This film is a wonderful re-introduction of the Pete Rose that we all remember - running to first base on a walk; diving head first into the base; mowing over unfortunate catchers who had the guts to block home plate from Pete. Over the course of Pete's life, sometimes some of these great triumphs have become diluted with some of the more negative aspects that we are all aware of. 4192 shines a brilliant light on the things that we all want to, and should, remember Pete for. It's a film that should be shared with families. In my case, it will be a great father/son experience when I have a chance to watch it with my two boys.

Pete tells his own story, along with some help from his friends like Tony Perez, Mike Schmidt and Marty Brennaman. We learn about Pete's relationship with his father, and how his influence was the bedrock of the almost super-human work ethic that Pete still has today. We also learn why Pete bombarded Ray Fosse at the plate in the 1970 All Star Game, instantly defining Ray's legacy in baseball history.

The film takes you through the years at Crosley Field and then on to Riverfront Stadium where the Big Red Machine became arguably the best team in major league history. At the end, 4192 culminates with a replay of Pete's first at on September 11, 1985. Hit number 4,192: The Crowning of The Hit King.

This review contains spoilers only if you don't know much about sports history, but I digress...

In 2009 James Toback directed the film Tyson. A documentary about "Iron Mike" Tyson that took you through his rocky childhood, his relationship with Cus D'Amato, his meteoric rise, and devastating fall. The aim of that particular doc was clear: It attempted to humanize the former heavyweight champion.

I see the same ambitions with 4192: The Crowining of the Hit King. Not in the sense that it tries to humanize Charlie Hustle. Many baseball fans (including myself) already sympathize with Pete Rose, knowing full well his lifetime ban was caused by his own pride and hubris.

What this documentary does attempt to do (and I believe succeeds at doing) is to acknowledge Pete Rose as an extraordinary baseball player to whom few can hold a candle. Like Toback 4192's director, Terry Lukemire, delves into Rose's childhood, his influences as ascended in the ranks (father Harry Rose and Tony Perez), however it ends when Rose breaks Cobb's record. placing the ending there specifically states the film's purpose: To make a case, based purely on merit, for Rose's entrance into Cooperstown.

The way Lukemire makes his case, however, is absolutely brilliant. It's really amazing how good a documentary you can make when you have choice stock footage and good editing. Also like Toback, Lukemire really knows how to draw fantastic responses from his interviews. I have never seen Pete Rose more animated and expressive (keep in mind I was born after the Big Red Machine) and hearing his recollections was the strongest part of the picture.

4192: The Crowning of the Hit King does have a specific end result that it's aiming for. With that in mind it does it incredibly well and I highly recommend this documentary.