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-.

The performance by the lead actor "Scott Elrod" makes this movie worth watching. I'm in a mixed marriage, and my wife the Christian, lost interest in the movie despite to the strong religious overtones. As a Jew, I was fascinated by the use of religious values to help cure addictions; it's a strong and powerful message.

Vivica Fox also puts in a very strong performance as the lead character's agent (spokes person), so was believable in her role. As a public relations spokesperson, she plays her character exceptionally well, being able to profit from those she represents, yet knowing if they don't get help they will be worthless to herself & others.

I'm looking forward to seeing Scott Elrod in future leading roles, Hollywood can use another strong lead actor who's message isn't hypocritical.

I'm not sure why people didn't believe this was a baseball movie, with the constant flashbacks to the daemons of his fathers voice "haunting" him throughout the movie. The baseball cards in a closed box, representative of his inner child and letting them go at the end of the movie. Almost every scene was filmed at a baseball field or with a ball / ball; so how exactly is this not a baseball movie on the surface. It might have not been all filmed at the major leagues, but all players have to get their start somewhere. Whether at home growing up or in a little league type program.

This is overall a good movie which kept my interest throughout (yes, it slightly dragged at the 3/4 mark), with a positive message and some great lead acting.

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.

Home Run is a very good and very simple story; more main-stream than Facing the Giants, Fireproof, or even Courageous. It chronicles the career of a major-league baseball player whose excesses get the best of him. We watch and enjoy the repair of his life and the lives of those around him. Due to it's simplicity and perhaps audience apathy towards this genre, Home Run will likely prove to be one of the most underrated films in a long time. It is of a recent slate of Christian message movies, and carries a certain pro-Celebrate Recovery message... but to summarize it as only that would do this movie and potential viewers a tremendous disservice. Get out and see it, or at least get the DVD! It is well directed, very well produced, and has the best acting of any movie in this group. On par anything out of Hollywood.