WATCH THE TRAILER COMING SOON
First, the Recap:
Do we ever truly wish to face the music–or our own stubborn willfulness–when the odds seem nothing but against us? It is worlds easier to just let that which has struck us down upend all the goals we’ve aimed for, retreating into self pity, anger, and resentment towards those who are only trying to help us to actually do ONE thing–GET UP, dust yourself off, and PUSH forward. Then, we have the most weighty question upon us from this point–WILL we? Little League pitching hopeful and diehard baseball fan Jordy (Carson Minniear) has such an objective that, when it completely and unexpectedly gets overturned, emerges as the biggest challenge he now must face to see whether he possesses the strength to carry on and still see that intent fulfilled with the support of the relationships closest to him–old, new, and renewed–urging him on.
Next, my Mind:
The innocence, challenges, trepidations, and ultimate resiliency of youth melds seamlessly together through engaging dramatic power plus wonderfully delivered humor, all contained within an always welcome (and NEEDED) inspiring realm that is the classic underdog story thanks to the newest indie feature film project from writer/director/producer/editor Lee Cipolla, writer/producer Jodi Michelle Cutler, writer/producer/executive producer Stephen J. Cutler, producers Orien Richman, Gary Sales, Amy Williams, William Garcia, and Curtis Pride, producer/executive producers Katherine Borda and Eileen Jones, co-producers Rob Haworth and Dan Duran, with additional executive producers Terry Lacore, Jennifer Lacore, Michael Abul, Bob Cutler, Hayes Judman, David Kenaith, Steven Klein, Aaron Magnani, Sharon Frankel, Jay Weiner, Harriet Weiner, Maryanne Harmsen, and Capers Jones, rounded out by co-executive producers Camille Jumelle, Chad Gross, and Scott Robison. You’ve heard it said “It takes a village…” and in this case, it DID, with the final product we are witness to proof positive teamwork DOES make the dream work cinematically and in life itself.
With an underlying format in narrative approach, content, and execution that has become recognizably commonplace for this style of story–WHO CARES??? Folks, this critic has to say, frankly, that we should NEVER tire of POSITIVE and REALISTIC storytelling, as to even BE genuinely granted a film that makes you FEEL GOOD is paramount in today’s wayward and polarized world. That stated, the tale we’re given here that sees the initial travails of a young Little League pitching hopeful whose actuality gets severely shaken and must then navigate the ever-tricky and emotionally volatile arenas of self-worth, retained abilities, needing to rely on others, and bouncing back from adversity is carried off with excellent pacing paired with a wholly believable, definitively stirring, utterly entertaining, whole-hearted sincerity of purpose and messages, MEANT to hit you squarely in the soul while simply allowing you to sit back, smile, cry, and root for our stalwart hero to emerge victorious. It truly IS that uncomplicated, but NOT at the expense I felt of quality writing, dialogue, and age-appropriate manner that credibly echoes from start to finish.
What else I admire about the film is the way in which it so clearly illustrates not only the necessity of being able to encounter, then accept, then overcome the obstacles thrown our way in this existence, but that we’re also, at least sometimes, only as successful as the people we surround ourselves with, even when we’re resistant at first TO their offers of aid in our plights. It is a truth we’re shaped by others as such, and with this as a foundational core, the film delves into the expected richness of full relatable, absolutely relevant thematic explorations including social media’s harsh influence, trolling/bullying, experiencing breakdowns, shutting ourselves away/isolation/retreating, memories of summer camps, the joys of making new friends, holding onto fears and regrets, brotherhood, the requisite yearning for role models, their guidance, and encouragement, rivalry and competition, trauma, anxiety, and loss, and the cathartic victories that come from releasing it all and re-discovering our purpose and talents among plenty more concepts all get screen time here, leading to (whether you say expected or not) a finale that is just evocatively moving.
It assuredly brings to mind similar efforts like “Angels In The Outfield”, “Field of Dreams” (to which an ode slips in here! Loved it!), “Rookie of the Year”, “A League of Their Own” (another tribute paid here directly during a game scene! Loved it!), and any myriad of others, which is perfectly FINE! Plus, this IS based on a real story and its accompanying novel of the same title by the aforementioned Jodi Michelle and Stephen J. Cutler, so as I’ve often stated, nothing tends to influence more than real life. Minniear is simply pure elation and fantastic to watch here in his lead role as Jordy, a young boy having a dream to pitch Little League and possibly beyond whose tryout at an event goes terribly (though accidentally) wrong. Totally despondent and giving up any hope of further advancement, much less interest, in baseball, it takes a group of people around him to push him in spite of all hesitations into the direction he needs to follow so as to rekindle a passion, see everything turn around, and unite once more with his family in a long overdue way. What I KEEP getting blown away by is the sheer acting capabilities of these child actors, as Minniear so deftly grabs your attention, retains it throughout, and provides a plausible, affecting, winning performance that belies his age and brings true dramatic and even comedic weight to the story.
Primary supporting roles being with venerable acting veteran Judd Hirsch as Herb, Jordy’s baseball-loving Grandfather who must become an even bigger presence in his grandson’s life in order to see him excel once more. As has always been the case, Hirsch is so adept at giving his unique style and delivery to a film, and here is no exception, with both comedy and drama in full effect through his performance. Another film veteran, Amy Smart, plays Nora, Jordy’s mother whose instinct to want to see her beloved child come out of this doldrums and back to the excitement of his pursuits all while attempting to regain the connection to Jordy’s estranged older brother is a palpable force here through Smart’s performance, a portrait of the protective, doting, but harried motherly demeanor which is so authentic and emotive thanks to Smart’s acting chops. Ben Morang plays Rob, Jordy’s aforementioned older brother who has been an absentee from the family’s life after holding their mother in contempt over an incident that impacted him negatively. In this time of need, though, will Rob be able to step back in to aid Jordy and, in doing so, perhaps reconcile with his mother as well? I loved the attitude Morang brings to the character, as it’s never melodramatic, but rather believably grounded, fervent, and filled with raw emotional punch.
James Lowe is Jerry, the head counselor at the Summer camp Jordy is taken to with Rob, and who has previous connections with the latter, becoming a voice of support and challenge to them both as the camp activities begin, trying his level best to empathize and understand Jordy’s vacillations in whether he wants to stay or not. Lowe brings a wonderfully jovial but also deeply serious tone to the character that perfectly befits his part to play here. Joseph P. Mazzilli plays Frankie, the son of one of the camp’s baseball teams who wastes no time in constantly attempting to make Jordy’s time there miserable, and Mazzilli’s performance as this bully us likewise very credible yet admittedly entertaining as such, because you’re just waiting for him to end up eating some kind of humble pie before or by the end. Colten Pride is Lucas, the first cabin-mate who chooses to befriend Jordy and who soon becomes his best friend, with all the fun and trials that can come from that degree of relationship, though the beauty of relating to adversities they both face is what makes it awesome to see the pair bond. Pride is a total stitch comedically but is heartwarmingly dramatic as well.
Other primary supporting roles arrive from Christopher D’Amato, Yael Ocasio, Zihan Zhao, Jacob M. Lukas, Noelle Pride, Camille De La Cruz, and Calee Nowak as Skip, “Scoops”, Ted “Say A Prayer”, Richard, Niki, “Mouth”, and Lisa, Jordy’s eventual teammates and friends who all play a part in supporting his comeback efforts through thick and thin and are each equal parts fun and energizing to watch. Casey Nelson is Coach Casey, Frankie’s father and coach who is more than just a tad driven to be the best, even if to certain intentional extremes. Cathy Ladman is Ruth, the owner of the camp who most definitely ensures everything happening under her watch remains copacetic! Additional supporting turns are made here by Nicky Cutler, Rob Haworth, Mason J. Mercado, Curtis Pride (as himself, the only deaf pro baseball player since 1945!), Max Victory, Tim Kurkjian, Brandon Tierney, Michael Abul, Steven Klein, Cohen Legend Lacore, Joseph Bido, Chandler Lively Lacore, Chole Lovc Lacore, Joshua Muino, Jackson St. Bernard, Jonathan Ridore, and Orien Richman. Ensemble casts are the best, and this crew meshed together to a “T”!
So, in total, “Rally Caps” in the precise fashion of family-friendly indie films we just require more of, pleasant in its tone, pragmatic in its messages, compelling in its narrative, and conveying the wonder and enjoyment of LIFE that can be appreciated by BOTH youth and adults alike. And if anything else, it showcases how imperative it is to not only conquer our troubles, but to RELAX, have FUN, do your BEST, be CONFIDENT, and embrace who YOU are, because there isn’t anyone else like YOU.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
