Where Hope Grows

he last Christian-themed or faith-based movie I actually enjoyed was "Fireproof" and that was more than seven years ago, I was a single man and that movie even spoke to me, whether or not you're married, whether or not you're a believer, you can learn a lot from "Fireproof," and I think that's what makes WHERE HOPE GROWS effective, is that you may be at the point in your life where you're still looking for what it is that you'd like to believe in, but you can still get something out of watching this good-hearted film that changes you for the better.

I'm with you there when I say that I don't like movies that are too preachy or all up in your face, shoving sermons down your throat, which is why I had avoided pretty much every faith-based movie since "Fireproof" because the level of preachiness just went through the roof, most of them were not even about story and characters anymore. If I wanted to watch sermons, I'd simply just straight up watch it off youtube, there's tons of evangelical seminars on the web, but if I come to watch a film, a film is what I want to end up watching.

From writer/director Chris Dowling, WHERE HOPE GROWS, in a nutshell is about Kristoffer Polaha's character, Calvin Campbell, a former pro baseball player whose career was cut short due to panic attacks at the plate. Nowadays, he turns to alcohol for solace and struggles raising his teen daughter (McKaley Miller). Calvin strikes an unlikely friendship with a young man with down syndrome, Produce (David DeSanctis) who works at a local grocery store. This friendship gives Calvin a new look on life as he finds redemption, but this friendship will also be put to the test.

I think it's wise move on the filmmakers' part that they cast an actual man with down syndrome to play Produce, instead of having actors like Cuba Gooding Jr. ("Radio") or Dustin Hoffman ("Rain Man") for example. There is a benefit to actors convincingly pretending to be what they're not, but there is an even more benefit to just giving the role to someone who literally knows what it's like to be that person. And David does a fantastic job of balancing vulnerability, humor, and ingenuity. You take a few seconds look at David and the way he carries himself, and it suddenly makes you want to be a better person. I must admit, as far as filmmaking goes, it's extremely simple, nothing much about it that would blow your mind, this is a case of working within the budget that you're given. The plot is also very thin, very generic, this is the type of road from self pity to redemption that you've seen a thousand times before, but I still enjoy the themes quite much, and I think WHERE HOPE GROWS is an important film that young generation today need to watch so that they can learn to be more sensitive and tolerant and more accepting of those whose are different from us.

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Let me just start out by saying that I think this movie is pretty good, I was expecting more since, really, there aren't too many movies that revolve around people with down syndrome, but this was quite nice. I like the story, its nice and harmless. I do wish that they'd put more emphasis on Produce (the young man with down syndrome) and how he lives on a regular basis, during most of the movie he is at work, but its not really about produce as much as it is about the ex-pro baseball player. There are some scenes that feel a little rushed emotionally but the intention is there. But, lets not forget that this is a Christian movie, but how does it fare Christian-wise? Well, it just touches on the subject and it doesn't really get all that preachy so I think that's a plus. All in all its a pretty good film with a nice message and a good ending, (you'll see what I mean). I think its worth a check out for anybody who is interested, its only a 15$ movie and well worth it. 7/10.

This move was incredibly heartwarming. It was a fantastic film, not just because it highlighted the reality of down syndrome, but because it truly captured the reality of everyday life. It should be commended for its bold efforts in changing the stereotypes of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, the movie is so much more than a cause- it is a generally fantastic film. From the actors, to the filmography, to the story, this movie excels. It is touching, moving, and enjoyable. This movie goes where no other move has gone- it truly highlights life. I recommend this movie wholly on the fact that it is well made, not just as an activist for equality for people with disabilities, but as a person who laughed and cried during this fantastic piece.

Produce is a heartwarming movie about an unlikely friendship. It walks a fine line, because it would be easy for the film to go overboard, but it strikes just the right balance. There are religious themes, but it's never preachy, it's heartwarming, but not too cheesy, and the central friendship never feels forced. There were so many times that I was expecting the movie to go over the line, but in every instance, it pulled back a little and struck just the right balance. It's a well-written story, the acting is always believable, and it all works together so well. It's a movie that feels so real, because when you watch it there are times when you're uncomfortable, times you're scared, times you want to cry, times of great joy, and you really feel for the characters, and you want to see where the story goes.

This epitomizes what I think Heartland Film Festival is about. Challenging us to see and act differently. To open our hearts to the possibilities of change from deep community. To see our incredible need for connection and meaning. Calvin needed Produce as much as Produce needed Calvin. They filled a hole for each other. They were iron sharpening iron, each challenging the other to make them stronger.

It would have been easy to fall into cheesy campy film making with this plot...washed up sports hero meets downs syndrome boy at grocery store. But somehow it felt, as a viewer, that you were actually a fly on the wall watching a friendship form in an authentic, organic fashion. The timing of their meeting felt pre-ordained, like something bigger or higher was putting them together at the right time. I loved the religious undertones. Real without shoving it in your face. But faith portrayed as something that provides hope and encouragement, is real and worth having.

As a viewer, I wanted Calvin to find meaning for his life and daughter. And I wanted Produce to have a family and attain work success despite his simplicity. But as the tale was told, it wasn't tied up with a pretty grosgrain ribbon. It allowed pain and suffering and self hatred and pity to resonate in a way that was identifiable. The viewer knows people like Calvin and his daughter. People you can't help but love and pull for, even when you are ticked at their selfish pity party, and bratty teenage ways. We could all use more Produce in our lives.