Where Hope Grows - REVIEWED

About the Movie (from the website)

.Calvin Campbell is a former professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent for the big leagues, he struggles with the curveballs life has thrown him. Today, he mindlessly sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is in a slow downward spiral when it is suddenly awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person – Produce, a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.

Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to experience the world through Produce’s eyes. Faith, work, purpose and most importantly family, blossom into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined giving Calvin’s life new meaning and purpose, but unfortunately leads to tragedy due to single decision echoed from Calvin’s past.

Where Hope Grows is a story of finding redemption through faith, hope and love.

My Thoughts:

Where Hope Grows is a sweet reminder that you never really know what others around you are walking through.  The character of Calvin Campbell (played by Kristoffer Polaha) is a barely functioning alcoholic whose life is changed by the unconditional love of a young man who serves as a grocer in the produce section of the local grocery store. (David DeSanctis)  It sounds rather unlikely to read it in a synopsis, but the truth that lies within the story is all too real, and the world would indeed be transformed if we all took a note from David DeSanctis’ character and loved others as Christ loved us.

This is a great family movie, because in addition to the realistic and much-needed faith message, there isn’t an attempt to make everything smooth and easy for the characters.  Broken lives, shattered homes, addiction – these are laid bare within the context of the movie, and the consequences become rather brutal.  The film has a strong redemptive message, as well as one that emphasizes the need for community and friendship.

I am eager to recommend this film to you and I am proud to have it in my movie collection!