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‘Clemente’ Review: A Grounded and Emotional Documentary Tribute to a Legendary Athlete

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‘Clemente’ Review: A Grounded and Emotional Documentary Tribute to a Legendary Athlete

It’s possible to define the greatness of Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente with numbers.

Precisely 3,000 hits. Twelve Gold Gloves. Two World Series titles with a franchise that hadn’t won one in the 30 years before Clemente’s arrival. One World Series MVP and one National League MVP. The first Latino player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Clemente

The Bottom Line

Smartly concentrates on the man beyond the numbers.

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Venue: SXSW Film Festival (Documentary Spotlight)
Director: David Altrogge

1 hour 45 minutes

The numbers for Roberto Clemente are fairly phenomenal.

But they’re inadequate.

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Roberto Clemente is in a pantheon of sports figures because of the trail he blazed for Latino and specifically Caribbean players. He’s revered because his commitment to humanitarian causes was so all-encompassing that his death, at the age of 38, came while transporting supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He’s iconic because the things he did on the field that couldn’t always be measured statistically — his throwing arm, his on-field intensity — bordered on Bunyanesque.

David Altrogge’s documentary Clemente, which features Richard Linklater and LeBron James among its A-list executive producers, gives Clemente a long-overdue solo spotlight and finds a solid middle ground between straight-up hagiography and a slightly less reverential adulation that will make younger viewers understand why such affection could be warranted.

After quickly starting with Clemente’s 3,000th and final career hit, Altrogge sticks to a basic chronology in taking Clemente from his lower-middle-class upbringing in Puerto Rico through his signing with the Dodgers and then acquisition by the Pirates under the watch of Branch Rickey (yes, that Branch Rickey). From there, it’s on to Clemente’s arrival as a star in the 1960 season and World Series and then his explosion as a superstar for the next decade, fighting layers of societal and institutional prejudice along the way.

Even with Clemente’s brother Matino offering some texture, there’s an inevitable dryness to those early personal details that generally have to be related by biographers and historians, though Rita Moreno is present to add insight on her own transition from Puerto Rico to mainland stardom. The film is generally a good complement to Mariem Pérez Riera’s very fine Moreno documentary Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It.

With actual footage of young Clemente at a premium, Altrogge turns to watercolor-style animation from Tandem Media to fill in the blanks with bursts of whimsy. The animation still pops up later for more personal recollections, but once the story gets into Clemente’s prime, there’s game film aplenty. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s impossible to ever tire of watching Roberto Clemente’s laser-guided throws or his deceptively ungainly running style. Or, as celebrity Pirates fan Michael Keaton puts it, “Did he know he looked that cool?”

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Altrogge knows that some of those statistics for Clemente need to be discussed, but nobody’s heart is really in it. Probably the flimsiest piece of the entire 105-minute documentary is a brief discussion of Clemente’s apparent frustration at not winning the National League MVP in 1960. A few talking heads mention an out-of-context stat or two and make inferences as if it’s now obvious, through a modern lens, that Clemente finishing eighth could only be explained by voter prejudice. Through the modern lens of WAR (wins above replacement), Clemente might have actually finished too high. But numbers are inadequate! That’s the point. Don’t wallow.

What makes Clemente such a treasure for baseball fans, then, are the extensive interviews with his teammates, especially the players on the 1971 championship squad. It’s a wonderful group including Manny Sanguillen, Richie Hebner, Steve Blass, Al Oliver and more, each player sharing their respect and love for Clemente and offering this tangible proof that his “value” wasn’t related to homers or outfield assists. Several contemporary stars — Francisco Lindor, a couple of Molina brothers — add to the value-beyond-numbers debate, illustrating the trail that Clemente blazed for Latino athletes, though Altrogge could have steered even harder into his sociopolitical impact and influence.

Even better than these visitations from the Ghosts of Complete Topps Baseball Card Sets Past are the people who contextualize Clemente beyond the world of sports. Interviews with two of Clemente’s sons as well as his late wife Vera capture a man who was loving, dedicated and just a bit eccentric — a fight almost breaks out between two talking heads over whether or not Clemente was a hypochondriac — in a purely human way. And then there are several stories from ordinary Pirates fans (and the aforementioned Linklater), whose tales of seemingly casual interactions with this previously larger-than-life figure actually made me emotional.

Few documentary subgenres have been more burgeoning in the past couple of years than the sports doc, with Yogi Berra and Willie Mays getting very solid standalone films. If you’re a devotee, you can add Clemente to the ranks of the good ones.

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Full credits

Venue: SXSW Film Festival (Documentary Spotlight)
Director: David Altrogge
Executive Producers: Richard Linklater, Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Roberto Clemente, Enrique Roberto Clemente, Laura Heberton, Duane Rieder, Jim Evans, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron
Producers: Mike Blizzard, Mary Sabol, Sarah Altrogge, Jocelyn Hartnett, Stephen Turselli, Keith Ayers, Andrew Calvetti, Steve Burman, John Bennett Scanlon
Screenwriters: Elise Andert & David Altrogge
Cinematographer: Michael J. Hartnett
Editors: Chent Steinbrink, Lucas J. Harger, & Jon Lefkovitz
Music: Marcus Thorne Bagalà, Mark Baechle

1 hour 45 minutes

Movie Reviews

Ron Brown’s movie reviews: ‘Project Hail Mary’ and more

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Ron Brown’s movie reviews: ‘Project Hail Mary’ and more

Lisa Dent

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A native of Rockford, Lisa Dent, heard 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays, began her radio career in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin in 1981. She has worked at stations in Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle, and Houston. Dent returned to Chicago in 2002. (Click for more.)

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Movie Reviews 2026: Ukrainian and World Premieres

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Movie Reviews 2026: Ukrainian and World Premieres

The world of cinema and TV series offers hundreds of premieres every year, but not all of them are worth the time spent. Viewers are increasingly looking not just for entertainment, but for meaning — stories that leave an aftertaste, make them think, or help them experience strong emotions. That is why reviews are becoming an important guide: they help separate truly high-quality content from loud but empty hype. UNN has reviewed the most anticipated premieres and selected films worth watching.

“Kakhovka Object” (war drama)

The film shows war not only as combat operations but also as a test of human dignity, character, and choice. Through the fate of the main character, the viewer sees how difficult it is to make decisions in extreme circumstances when every step can affect the lives of others. The director masterfully combines psychological tension with realistic details, creating an atmosphere of complete immersion. The film is not only about war but also about human responsibility, strength of spirit, and the ability to remain human in the chaos of events.

“Mavka. The True Myth” (romantic fantasy)

The premiere will take place on March 1, 2026. This is a continuation of the Ukrainian fantasy tradition, where national myths and legends come to life on screen. The film reveals Mavka’s inner world, her desire for love and freedom, as well as the conflict between the human and the magical. The animation promises to be bright and detailed, and the story is universal: it touches on the themes of choice, self-discovery, and responsibility for one’s feelings. This film will be a good example of modern Ukrainian animation, capable of captivating both children and adults.

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“When Will You Divorce?” (corporate comedy)

A comedy about personal life and work relationships that raises questions about the balance between career and personal feelings. The film humorously shows how easy it is to get confused in one’s own emotions, trying to satisfy the expectations of others. The authors successfully combined light life situations and ironic dialogues, which makes the viewing entertaining but not superficial. This film is for those who appreciate modern humor and recognize themselves or colleagues in the characters. 

“Odyssey” (epic adventure drama)

A large-scale adaptation of Odysseus’s travels after the Trojan War. The film shows not only the hero’s physical trials but also his inner transformation: courage, ingenuity, patience, and moral choice in critical moments. The artistic design and the use of modern technologies to create epic landscapes and battle scenes are impressive. The director managed to combine a classic story with a modern cinematic rhythm, which makes “Odyssey” not only spectacular but also emotionally deep. 

“Lord of the Universe” (sci-fi, action)

The film transports the viewer into a vibrant magical world where heroes fight for justice, and the line between good and evil constantly shifts. This is a story about courage, self-sacrifice, and responsibility for one’s own destiny and the destiny of others. The combination of special effects, a fantasy world, and an adventure plot makes the film attractive to a wide audience. But the main thing is not the effects, but the internal struggle of the characters, which gives the film depth and meaning.

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“Scream 7” (2026)

The return to the famous slasher franchise proved unsuccessful. Despite the direction of series veteran Kevin Williamson and the comeback of Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, the film received mostly negative reviews from critics. 

Thus, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for Ukrainian and world cinema. Even with fewer premieres, there is a tendency towards a deep elaboration of characters, psychological conflicts, and moral issues, which makes modern films and series not only entertainment but also a way of understanding human life and the modern world.

“You Are Space” breaks records: Ukrainian sci-fi attracts over 326,000 viewers10.02.26, 21:04 • 6852 views

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Movie reviews reveal A Poet and All That’s Left of You dominate March with perfect 100% scores – Art Threat

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Two masterpieces just shattered critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. Both A Poet and All That’s Left of You have garnered rare perfect 100% scores from critics, dominating March 2026’s excellence rankings. These dual releases represent a historic moment for international cinema.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • A Poet: 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics celebrating Simón Mesa Soto‘s Colombian drama
  • All That’s Left of You: 100% Certified Fresh multi-generational Palestinian epic by Cherien Dabis
  • Release Timeline: Both films expanding dramatically in theaters March 2026 after festival triumphs
  • Critical Moment: Rare simultaneous perfect scores elevate international storytelling into mainstream spotlight

A Poet Achieves Unanimous Critical Acclaim

Simón Mesa Soto‘s A Poet stands as one of 2026’s finest achievements. Starring Ubeimar Rios as Oscar Restrepo, a once-promising writer turned tragic failure, the film examines fatherhood’s weight with devastating wit and elegance. The Colombian-Swedish-German co-production premiered at Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section last year and has conquered every distribution market since.

The ensemble cast includes Rebeca Andrade, Guillermo Cardona, and Humberto Restrepo, delivering layered performances that anchor the film’s four-chapter structure. Critics hailed the film as a triumph of tone, mixing tragicomic observation with genuine emotional devastation. The New York Times called it “The Romance of Misery”, recognizing its ability to find beauty in human failure. The film’s philosophical depth and formal precision explain its unprecedented critical consensus.

Title A Poet (Un Poeta)
Director Simón Mesa Soto
Lead Actor Ubeimar Rios as Oscar Restrepo
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Certified Fresh
Theatrical Status Expanding in March 2026

All That’s Left of You Shatters Records as Palestinian Saga

Cherien Dabis wrote, directed, and starred in All That’s Left of You, a sweeping three-generational epic set in the Occupied West Bank spanning decades of family trauma and resilience. Featuring Saleh Bakri, Mohammad Bakri, Adam Bakri, and Maria Zreik, the film follows a teenage boy swept into a pivotal protest with consequences that ripple through his family’s future.

Produced by Watermelon Pictures, the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025, where it immediately earned Certified Fresh status and near-universal praise. Filming relocated to Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan after production complications, yet the result feels seamlessly authentic. Critics point to Dabis’s multi-media mastery (she directs, performs, and produces) as essential to the film’s emotional authority. The film’s scope rivals the greatest epics while maintaining intimate character work that defines recent international cinema.

All That’s Left of You arrived in selected theaters on January 9, 2026 and steadily expanded throughout early March. The film’s 100% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects not just critical respect but genuine reverence for Dabis’s artistic vision. This achievement represents Palestinian cinema reaching its greatest artistic and commercial moment.

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Why These Two Films Dominate March 2026’s Conversation

Rarity defines these simultaneous perfect scores. A Poet and All That’s Left of You occupy the rare 100% Tomatometer tier reserved for films of historic excellence. The 2026 FilmFare recognized both as front-runners for major awards, acknowledging how they’ve elevated the expectations for drama itself. Industry observers note that achieving perfect critical consensus in today’s fractious landscape represents not consensus but unanimous recognition of artistic achievement.

Both films reflect cinema’s global moment. Simón Mesa Soto‘s Colombian vision and Cherien DabisPalestinian perspective prove that international storytelling now commands the cultural conversation. Rotten TomatoesOfficial Rankings place both films in its exclusive Certified Fresh top tier. March 2026 becomes the month cinema decided: universal critical acclaim belongs to filmmakers willing to transcend borders.

“All That’s Left of You is a sweeping multigenerational epic that captures the thematic breadth of great cinema while exploring what it means to endure generational trauma.”

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus, Officials

The Future of International Cinema Starts Now

Both films expand to more theaters through March 2026 and beyond. A Poet hits streaming services and digital platforms simultaneously, making it accessible to audiences beyond Select Release cities. All That’s Left of You continues rolling out across regional markets, having already secured international distribution. Industry observers expect both to capture major festival awards at upcoming spring cinema celebrations.

These perfect scores matter beyond accolades. They signal to studios, streamers, and investors that audiences hunger for international voices and authentic storytelling. March 2026 becomes a watershed moment where Colombian drama and Palestinian cinema proved they belong in the conversation with any major market release. The critical paths of A Poet and All That’s Left of You forecast how cinema itself will evolve toward greater global representation.

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Where Can Film Lovers Watch These Perfect-Score Masterpieces?

Both films remain available in theatrical releases across the United States and expanding internationally. A Poet plays select theaters with plans to widen release through spring 2026, while All That’s Left of You continues broader theatrical circulation. Check major ticketing platforms for showtimes and streaming availability. International audiences should consult local cinema schedules for release dates and language availability. These 100% Rotten Tomatoes achievements deserve the big screen experience both directors envisioned.

Sources

  • Rotten Tomatoes – Official Tomatometer scores and Critics Consensus for both films
  • The New York Times – Critical analysis and reviews of A Poet’s artistic achievement
  • Watermelon Pictures – Official distribution and production information for All That’s Left of You

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