WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Along with co-producing, writer and second-time major film director Chris Dowling serves up a solidly done, positively charged, indie film effort. Calvin Campbell (Kristoffer Polaha) has had his glory days in baseball, from high school stardom all the way up to pitching for the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, ongoing personal issues prevented his pro career from attaining the level of greatness he was originally destined for. Now living in Louisville, KY and struggling to keep himself in a sober state of mind or body, Calvin also strives to maintain a relationship with his combative and frustrated seventeen year-old daughter Katie (McKaley Miller) whose own teenage trials are in full swing. One day, a completely chance encounter at the local grocery store with one of the staff, a young man with Down’s Syndrome simply named Produce (David DeSanctis) for the area of the store he works in, radically impacts Calvin’s whole way of thinking about life. Unexpectedly forming a powerful bond, Calvin cannot help but be both inspired and perplexed by his newfound friend’s smile-driven outlook, straight-forward honesty, and smart thinking. Soon, Calvin’s whole existence begins to turn around on multiple fronts, thanks to Produce and his influence, via reconnection with the local church, an AA group, and a potential job offer. But, with the good tidings comes the specter of bad choices as well, and Calvin finds himself not only facing his own demons, but the shadows of prejudice and the tests of his newly discovered faith.
Thematically potent and alive in the power of common elements such as faith, hope, acceptance, forgiveness, being willing to ask for help, and finding one’s path to redemption, the film also makes us realize just as strongly that to reach that mountain top, it can, and most likely will, require sacrifice, fighting through doubts and lack of belief, looking past our own wayward thinking, and taking steps forward that are challenging. And this reviewer most certainly applauds the film for being willing to look at the whole picture, rather than just focusing on “everything coming up roses”, as life does involve dealing with the losses alongside the wins. Polaha brings a suitably strong performance as Calvin, a man endeavoring to stand up to these exact trials and end up on top. But huge kudos are awarded to DeSanctis, who quite simply steals the movie from everyone else with his amazingly emotional yet commanding portrayal of Produce, who moreso refuses to back down even in the embrace of decidedly harsh circumstances. His winning smile, humor, and steadfastness elevate the entire story to present a level of engagement that transcends other films of this general nature. Excellent supporting turns by Miller, Danica McKellar, William Zabka, Brooke Burns, Kerr Smith, and Michael Grant round out the proceedings. In total, we are given a wonderful, faith-based, persuasive, yet sobering glimpse into being human, the power of understanding, the ability to face the odds, open up to new possibilities, and ultimately find the better way.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
