Where Hope Grows

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.

I loved this movie start to finish. It makes you take a step back and think about all the things in life that can be taken for granted, and I loved Produce, he made me smile throughout the movie :)

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.

If you read the description of this movie, you've basically seen the movie. There isn't anything too deep in this movie and that's okay. It's a feel good movie that teaches a simple lesson of how kindness is the true happiness.

At first I was dismayed thinking it was going to push Christianity. I bet the director/writer are religious. However, I was happy that it was only a small part of the film and not in your face.

This is a "B" feel-good movie. It's worth a watch if in need of a reminder of where happiness comes from. Can tell it is not big budget, but it doesn't need to be.

Down Syndrome is an intriguing genetic disposition. The movie portrays the quality of said disposition well. Some parts of the movie the audio is "off" as in, the character is not in frame/other characters are and the audio isn't as far as away as it should be when the offscreen character speaks. Other than that, there really aren't many other "theatrical" issues.

Once again, it's worth a watch, overall. It shouldn't win any awards in my opinion, but it's great that it was made. There is nothing too thought provoking about this movie, overall, just a basic story with basic characters that never really goes much deeper than the surface.

My wife and I were treated to a special screening of this film in the middle of April. We just absolutely loved the whole movie! It was sweet, enlightening, encouraging, and just great fun. It was also a great vehicle to show just what a special needs person (in the character of Produce, played magnificently by David DeSanctis) has to offer others, and how their take on life can often be untainted by the cares of this world.

Chris Dowling and McKaley Miller were in attendance, taking questions after the movie. Both of them were so very sweet and gracious as they also gave little 'behind-the-scenes' stories, especially with working with David.

I highly encourage everyone to go and see this movie. Bring your friends. Bring tissue.