User reviews

"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 movie is real and not afraid to touch on some very disturbing themes like family abuse, alcoholism and second chances.

Although at moments it becomes predictable, it is not sugar coated, characters are full of shortcomings, but likable. By the end, you want them to succeed and get a new chance in life.

Production and cast is more like TV movie, but you will get your hour and a half of ups and downs and some happy endings.

Perfect portrait of life in small American mid West town and why some strive to get away as fast as possible and some find they true happiness in a place they were born and raised.

Not really a family movie.

I made the mistake of not looking at a review before going to see this film. Had seen the trailer in the cinema a few weeks ago and thought my son would like it as it seemed just a simple feel good film. First clue should have been when we were the only people in the cinema. If you are a devout Christian you could like this but otherwise it will probably make you feel a mixture of awkward embarrassment and as if you have been misled. A very crude attempt to peddle the idea that all you need to do is embrace religion to get you over all your problems. The film makers by not mentioning the whole tone of the film in trailers or tag line effectively lied and I feel the only reason they did this was an attempt by the marketing people to get a bigger audience. Obviously this is a flawed approach as most people do more research that I did this time hence the empty cinema and appallingly poor box office. It is a shame because the acting was not bad and had it not been for the clumsy attempt to force a religious message down the Audience's throat it could have been enjoyable.

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.

This is an excellent movie portraying the difficulties men and women face as adults. Often our past or just our own desires leads us to an addictive lifestyle. Celebrate Recovery is a very successful 12 step program, that identifies the only higher power is Jesus Christ. The original founder of Alcoholic's Anonymous (AA) was a drunk that found Jesus (his higher power) and desired to help others quit drinking and destroying their lives.

There are many addictive behaviors that have ruined families and lives. Today, crystal meth is a very common drug of choice. The world says once a drunk, always a drunk. But the Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." I found Jesus at age 45. On that day I became something other than a drunk; I became a child of God.

This movie is NOT about baseball. This movie is NOT about addiction. This movie is NOT about relationships. This movie IS about how believing in God and religion can fix all problems. This movie is made by hallmark and I have to say the whole thing does come off as somewhat of an apology card. They should have made a card apologizing for wasting two hours of my life. Predictable writing of a predictable plot with one dimensional characters. I too, like most of the actors in the 12 step meetings could feel myself changing and not in a good way. Perhaps a nice tumbler of vodka over ice would have made this movie more enjoyable but I doubt it. Stay away unless you have lots of alcohol on hand and absolutely nothing better to do. What is good in this movie has been done before and it's been done better. What is bad is just plain bad. Lead role should go back to training camp, err acting camp that is.

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

Sadly I can't give it 0. Thought it would be a baseball movie... Not so much. Preachy Preachy Preachy. The acting was adequate. Story was ridiculous. Um... where was the baseball?? Love Vivica Fox. Hopefully Scott Elrod can find better acting jobs as he was decent. The previews have 0 mention of the 'message'. There are so many better baseball movies out there "42" THAT is an inspiring baseball movie. "61" is another example of awesome baseball movie. I have no issue with movies with a message - but blatantly leaving out the message in the previews is downright trickery. 1.99 that I can't get back. Awesome. I have lodged a formal complaint with my satellite provider. Hopefully they will feel my pain.

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.

I grew up with a moter that was addicted to alcohol. She was abusive and neglectful. I gave my life to Christ when I was in my 20s and it helped a lot to take away the pain. I was not an alcoholic, but did other things to take away pain. This is a must watch movie!

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.

It is rare that you see a film where everything works. Great acting and script. The photography was very good--too many films are playing around with lighting that is distracting. Usually because they have a bad script. This script sets just the right tone and it was a story that made sense-- and didn't disappoint. Made for a really enjoyable time. Highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. Scott Elrod's performance is perfect. Not only does he look like a ball player, he is a fine actor. There is a naturalness about his performance that is enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between him and Dorian Brown and Charles Wyson is very pleasant to watch. This film is a real HOME RUN! Go and see it--you will enjoy it.

The only problem would be the length of the movie - was a bit drawn out. With that said, I must say that the acting was very good and drew me into the story. I hope to see more two main actors (Scott Elrod, Dorian Brown)in other movies in the future. Scott Elrod really made the character believable in his struggle (the good, the bad and the ugly). Dorian Brown reminded me of a young Sandra Bullock and was very charming in her performance. The music was fitting to the scenes and really set the mood. The movie presented a believable story which was easy to follow and had you hoping that a happy ending was possible. All in all the movie was very good and professional. Great to see a movie with a positive message which shows Christianity in a positive light. Such a movie is is rare today - recommended.

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.

In this movie the main character, Cory Brand, played by Scott Elrod, who is an all-star baseball hero, is suspended from his major league position when he has an accident involving alcohol. He is forced to undergo a 12 step program and convinced into coaching his hometown baseball team by his agent played by Vivica A. Fox. The interplay of their robust and tension-filled relationship offers many opportunities for humor.

In this unheard of town out in the middle of the western plains, where he grew up, Cory revisits his youth and the past he left behind on the rise to stardom. This humbling experience brings out new facets to his character as he struggles with the reality of the consequences of the decisions of his past that he cannot escape.

The heart of grace-filled Christianity is revealed as he works through the steps and principles of the program called "Celebrate Recovery". We discover, in this program, a wide gamut of character studies that uncover many of the frailties of the human condition. Unexpectedly, in the midst of the pain and turmoil of his new life, a former love interest offers the possibility of rekindling his passion for romance.

There are unanticipated plot twists that keep things interesting. The relationships are real life, heartwarming, and unpredictably humorous. The villains are people that we can recognize in our own life… and want to see them fail. There are strongly developed characters to root for and the plot reveals truths about the human condition and the falsehoods we often settle for. It gives hope to anyone to whom the painful circumstances in their own childhood have kept them in fear, unable to live their life to the fullest.

Baseball fans can relate to the mechanics of building team morale and spirit in little league baseball and, perhaps, be caught up in the suspense as the game play takes on ingenuous and humorous turns. We can see young lives being renewed through love and kindness. WARNING: "Home Run" is a sentimental movie and it can very difficult not to laugh or cry when watching this film. For an uplifting experience I highly recommend this story. It is rated PG 13 for some mature themes involved in the story.