The Hill

Echoes of Norman Rockwell bounce off The Hill, a sincere, inspiring baseball movie grounded in a complicated father-son relationship.

When it's not wrestling (however nicely) with spiritual matters, "The Hill" is a well-meaning but dutiful trudge toward an ordained destination.

While the movie has its cliches and missteps... that central generational struggle is as old as the Bible (and “The Jazz Singer”) and still dramatically compelling.

While director/screenwriter Jeff Celentano's heart and soul is firmly in the right place, his faith-based drama suffers from being too long and repetitive and sidelines the subject's transition later in life.

Corny but uplifting.

It is a cinematic case of confirmation bias, designed to fulfill preexisting values and beliefs.

Alongside Quaid's persuasive lead, veterans Bonnie Bedelia and Scott Glenn help bring flashes of conviction to an otherwise cornball affair.

It’s sweet, earnest and honest.

The movie’s story is cliché and rather preachy, but it isn’t bad. Rickey’s story is important and engaging… whenever viewers aren’t being weighed down by the pastor’s repetitive prejudice against his family and community.

As the stadium lights fade on a reconciled father and son like “Field of Dreams,” you can’t help but smile. Yes, it’s a “perfect” Hollywood ending, but call me a sucker for inspirational sports flicks. Turn off your brain and tap into your heart.