With an onslaught of action films hitting theaters lately, sometimes it’s nice to take a moment to slow down and enjoy a good inspirational story. Coming to theaters nationwide this weekend, The Hill is just that kind of movie. The movie is a biopic drama about the life and challenges that former professional baseball player Rickey Hill went through to get to where he is in the industry today.
Set in the 60s and throughout his younger years the movie covers Rickey’s younger years and medical issues including a degenerative spinal disease. Despite his health issues, and his father’s determination to keep him within the church community instead of on the baseball field. Rickey’s passion for the sport, and powerful swing, is what the movie focuses on. While religion is a big focus for Rickey’s family and life, there seems to be nothing that will stop him from achieving his dream of playing ball.
Much like the game of baseball, the movie does have a slower pace. But, the movie is also set in a time when technology and things weren’t moving as fast as they are now. It focuses a lot on Rickey’s passion for the game, and his family’s struggles, and everything he overcame. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t focus on much of his career and after he retired which could have been a bit more dynamic. However, at the base of it all, is the inspirational story and why people are actually going to see the movie.
For the right audience, The Hill will not only be an inspirational movie but one that can help reaffirm their faith. But if the viewer is not religious it may seem like that part of the story is a bit heavy-handed. However, since the movie is based on a real person, and the impact that their own faith had in their life, it doesn’t come across as preachy or something that is trying to convert viewers. Instead, the movie actually does a good job showing how faith can inspire both Rickey and his father, but how it also got in the way of their relationship and almost his career.
But with all of that state, The Hill is still an inspirational movie showing that it’s possible to overcome all of the odds against you if you are determined enough. The movie is going to be a favorite for fans of Rickey Hill and added to the collection of sports fans. The Hill will only be in theaters starting this week, tickets are on sale now.
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About The Hill:
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.
