“Mr. 3000,” starring Bernie Mac, is a comedy aboutlife lessons in teamwork and love. A star hitter for the MilwaukeeBrewers, Mac’s character, Stan Wells constantly bashes themedia and his own ball club.

After his 3,000th base hit, which also happens to be theunofficial golden ticket to the baseball hall of fame, Wells quitshis team mid-season and sets off to pursue his own selfish businessgoals. Capitalizing on his new nickname “Mr. 3000”,Stan opens a ridiculous strip mall with stores like 3000 Haircuts,3000 Sports Bar, 3000 Paws and even 3000 Woks.

Nine years go by with no induction to the Hall of Fame, and whenchances are looking good for Wells, an official realizes that Mr.3000 only has 2997 hits. Herein lies the story, one of an arrogantman humbled when he tries to return to his sport to re-claim hisnickname.

“Mr. 3000” is a homerun for Mac who can also be seenon the Fox sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show.” The comedy inthis film is witty and smart. Rarely does it rely on slapstick bitsfor laughs. Imagine Bernie Mac on a palates ball or a trash talkinghotdog.”Mr. 3000″ explores human relationships betweenyoung and old, scorn lovers, and lifelong friends all whileremaining funny and interesting.

The team Wells rejoins doesn’t welcome his egotism or histrash talk about them to the media. Particularly unwelcoming is thenew star hitter, “T-Rex.” A carbon copy of Mr. 3000himself, T-Rex and Well’s relationship unfolds a bitawkwardly when Wells begins to give advice to the condescendingyoung man.The bond makes sense in the plot, Wells’ sees theerror in his ways and wants to make things right by correcting itin this young man, however the relationship feels a bit forced.

Well’s love-hate relationship with the media however, ishilarious and seemingly true to life for any major league sportsplayer. The film is filled with famous faces and guest appearances.Christopher North of “Sex and the City” shows up as theBrewer’s business manager. An assortment of comedians playroles from team members to umpires, the hosts of Fox SportsNetwork’s “The Best Damn Sports Show Ever”, andESPN’s “Sports Center” add a element of reality,and even Angela Basset appears as a torn ex-lover.

“Mr. 3000” is a feel good comedy for adults. Themessage is delivered smoothly and doesn’t feel forced,partially due to the witty comedy that’s true to Mac’sstyle.Mac was a brilliant casting choice for “Mr.3000.” He has the perfect blend of raw humor and edge withinhis personality fitting of Stan Wells. Any other comedian/actorwouldn’t have succeeded in making the film enjoyable andpushing the boundaries of the PG-13.