Home Run

"Nothing great happens when you hold back." Cory Brand (Elrod) is the best baseball player in the country. He has a huge following and is the heart and soul of his team. He also has a very quick and violent temper. After throwing a tantrum during a game he is suspended and sent back to his hometown for rehab. While there in order to keep his image clean he is also to coach the local little league team. Little by little the rehab, coaching and a higher power start to change his life. I am a huge fan of sports movies so this is one I sat down expecting to like. I did not realize going in that it was also a religious themed film. I do not automatically discount a movie because of that aspect because I have seen some that are very good, but this one like so many others like it are just too unbelievable. I have no problem with putting prayer in a movie or showing religious beliefs but when simply saying I now believe in God instantly makes life better and fixes everything it really takes away from the rest of the movie and makes it feel like a commercial for religion. It may be because I was raised Catholic and therefore cynical but to make a religious movie believable would mean that prayer helps but isn't an automatic fix all. Sorry for that tirade. Overall, a good movie that is worth watching but the religious aspect took me out of the movie. I give it a B-.

What people don't like is the use of God and Faith as something that provides strength. Why anyone would find this objectionable mystifies me. If you have a serious problem that affects your life and the life of your family and friends and you can stop your bad behavior by taking strength from the Lord why is that bad? It isn't. What it is is the free thinkers thinking for you. See the movie unless God makes you barf.

The movie was well acted with good production. The kids are cute, the girls are cute and even the old jalopy cars have nice wheels. What I found objectionable was using the police as the bad guy. Why not use another alcoholic dad. The show was a little long and the star was just to handsome but the girls like that.

Those down-rating this movie based upon its religious text is just juvenile. Whether or not you are religious, this is a good movie that is well-acted and directed. It has a point, purpose, and resolution that is readily identifiable with- not some convoluted, life is depressing or futile trope that hollyweird and indie films are pumping out. It is also entertaining, which I can't say about a lot of films these days with their CGI-filled, over-produced and over-hyped crud.

I have no special interest in Christian-themed movies but found this a realistic and moving story, simply told yet with considerable dimension to the central characters and their conflicts. The Christian story element is neither obtrusive nor preachy. That he is an addict and must come to terms with it is what drives the story, and his denial, arrogance and resistance make it universal. If he finds solace, support and meaning in the Church, as opposed to some other form of recovery, why not? Many do. And it comes across here as natural given the circumstances. The lead actor was quite good, really able to represent the physicality and confidence of a professional athlete and at the same time his vulnerability and pain. He's both effectively callous and sympathetic in turn. Excellent supporting work as well; the two lead women were convincing. Thanks to Amazon Prime -- never would have discovered this movie otherwise.

Sorry but I am an Addictions Counselor that attends Celebrate Recovery and yes it was worth watching and yes I intend to show my group at work. I know the Christian theme but it was a warm and encouraging movie and it does follow the 12 step spirituality of needing to admit being powerless over my addiction and need a power greater than myself that can restore me to sanity. I absolutely loved it. Addiction many times is passed down from the parents to the children. Addiction destroys self and when we are powerless over our addiction we cannot stop it is only when we give that control to a power greater than ourselves can we stop