Synopsis: Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father (DENNIS QUAID) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps and become a preacher. As a young man, Rickey (COLIN FORD) becomes a baseball phenomenon. His desire to participate in a try-out for a legendary major league scout divides the family and threatens Rickey’s dream of playing professional baseball.
It used to take a village to raise a child. We used to know all of our neighbors. We’d help and rally behind one another when things got tough. It wasn’t just small towns or church groups, it was neighborhoods all over the nation, perhaps even worldwide. Those days may have faded away over time but it’s never too late to shed the fear and be kind to one another again. Moreover, when you look at it from a macro perspective, it takes a village to raise a village. In order for us all to feel welcome, to feel safe, to feel some community pride, we have to care for one another outside of likes and shares. Someone has to take the first step, why not you?
“Never say never.”
Overprotection is better than no protection but listening to your kids is just as important. Directed by Jeff Celentano, The Hill is merely a base hit at best. Based on a true story, this at-bat aims for the fences and rests at the intersection of faith, baseball, the old South, and community. This story is one of a father’s will versus a son’s dreams. Taking place in small-town Texas, this sports biopic won’t be for everyone as it is incredibly heavy-handed with its religious narrative and a little light on baseball.
America’s pastime is referenced many times throughout, however, nailbiting and titillating gameplay sits on the bench for most of the 2-hour and 6-minute runtime. Instead, this film delves into family dynamics and how fear, stubbornness, and lack of faith can even affect those chosen to be a man of the cloth like Rickey Hill’s father, Pastor James Hill. In fact, it may cloud their judgment more as they look towards the Bible to guide much of their life. It then highlights the righteous rebellion of Rickey as he and those around him believe that he was given a gift for God that should be used. Nevertheless, this belief-infused somewhat cheesy, and definitely predictable pop-fly piece of nonfiction most certainly has a demographic that will gleefully catch it. It has charm, it has heart, and it unquestionably has an overall message that will resonate will anyone.
“God has a plan for you.”
The film may have its issues with story and direction, but it also has a few technical issues as well. I found them mainly to be a few ADR hiccups and some sound fx were distracting. On a positive note, at times, the film does have the feel and ambiance of the classic sports films that it wants to be. Jumping from elementary school to senior year of high school, if more of the story focused on Rickey’s rise to becoming the phenomenal player with multiple games being played, or at the very least a montage or two, we’d probably be having a slightly different story. But only slightly. Its themes of fatherhood, humility, community, and passion are wonderful There’s even a cute love story. While it has its positives and excels in a few areas, The Hill ultimately strikes out. If told in a different manner, this could be an excellent film. Its rewatchability is low.
Pacing & Pop
The film’s pacing feels like it covers an abundance of ground and many years of life with its slightly bloated runtime. However, it actually only focuses on about two years as pours itself into Rickey’s initial push interest in baseball and his father’s unwillingness to let him play and then on Rickey’s senior year of high school. The pacing is rather sluggish as it tends to focus more on personalities than storytelling. What popped for me was the last 20 minutes when it finally focused on baseball and we got to see how good young Hill really is against high-level competition.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Bonnie Bedelia, Scott Glenn
I may not be able to say that every performance was strong, there are some that elevated to the top and made the movie bearable. While Dennis Quaid has his moments, this wasn’t his best outing as the father, Pastor James Hill. Since we don’t, see Colin Ford until the second hour, it takes a beat to get comfortable with young adult Rickey. Ford’s best moments are when he is doubting himself and attempting to overcome his physical limitations. Joelle Carter shines as Rickey’s mother, Helen. She feels the most natural in her role as a devoted wife and mother she fights for her son despite being at odds with her husband. Randy Houser as Ray is perhaps the most likable character in the film. He may be a bit stiff at times but his cool demeanor stands out. Another standout is Bonnie Bedelia as the grandmother. Like most southern grandmothers, she’s the only one who will say what needs to be said and she means it. And introducing Jesse Berry in his debut, he does a sufficient job as young Rickey Hill.
The Hill releases in theaters on August 25, 2023. Remain safe and follow your dreams.
Rated: PG
Runtime: 2h 6m
Director: Jeff Celentano
Writers: Angelo Pizzo, Scott Marshall Smith, Aric Hornig, Stephen Hintz
Producers: Warren Ostergard, Jeff Celentano
Executive Producers: Michael A. Blubaugh, Ron Cundy, Russell Geyser, Rickey Hill, Michael E. Hollingsworth, Tyler W. Konney, Carl Mazzocone, Darren Moorman, Clay Pecorin
Director of Photography: Kristopher Kimlin
Music: Geoff Zanelli
Editor: Douglas Crise
The Hill is merely a base hit at best. Based on a true story, this at-bat aims for the fences and rests at the intersection of faith, baseball, the old South, and community.
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GVN Rating 5
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User Ratings (1 Votes)
10