Home Run (2013)

Not a very preachy movie. Good discussion on addiction. It is a Christian focused movie. The sad thing is that nowadays it seems if someone discovers "Christianity" in a movie it almost like what the "explicit" or "for mature audiences" only labels were supposed to do - keep people away. I enjoy watching eastern philosophy, Hindu, whatever that has a good message. It shows we all struggle and search for ways to overcome. How the influence of others can change us for the better. Sure this movie shows how Christianity can influence us for the better but also shows how understanding that others need us to become better pushes us to become that better person. Addiction can be very difficult and lonely as you spiral out of control. The character in the movie has certain capital he can expend being a famous baseball player allows him to "pay his way" out of several situations but it does show how others with addiction can have their complete lives destroyed.

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.

The movie has very little to do with baseball. It is about major league ball player addicted to alcohol, and hits rock bottom. His father was also a drunk and abusive. He is forced into a 12 step Christian based program at a church in his hometown. He returns to his home town and helps coach a little league team. He co-coaches with his ex girlfriend and mother of his illegitimate son, who is also on the team. The boy doesn't know the man is his father. There is a lot of religious reflection and depiction of people who are addicted to sex, drugs, and-or have been abused in someway. The plot is nothing new and a bit weak, even for a Christian movie.The acting is top notch. Particularly Scott Elrod as Cory. The man playing the head of the Christian 12 step program, looks realistic and seems like he may have had some serious problems. (Little creepy) Most of the other addicts were just as odd and good at acting. They didn't look like actors.The photography is good, the scenery is realistic, and depicts a depressed small town with an amazing number of people with various addictive issues.If this movie were tightened up to an hour it would be much better.There are a few 'feel' slightly good moments but very few. The main problem is the attempt for atmosphere which is taking over so many movies to stretch them into a full length movie. Lots and lots of music and camera angles always indicates the plot is thin.As a Christian based movie, this is one of the better ones and holds back on the judgmental issues, well done but slow and dragging.

All right, while I'm aware the purpose of this movie is the promotion of a recovery program that promotes the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the way this tale of a major league baseball player whose alcoholic ways get him in hot water which then has him teaching a Little League team that happens to have his biological son in it with his mother-and the player's former lover-also involved was such a touching and inspirational drama that any potentially preachy moments didn't kick in until nearly the end and by then, one can believe the transformation of the leading character. Really, there's nothing much else to say except I do indeed recommend Home Run if you go for this sort of thing.