Jason D'Mello
This is a film that will take you on an unexpected internal journey as you can't help but hope the best for the two actors born for their respective roles (Kristoffer Polaha and David DeSanctis). There is something truly authentic about WHERE HOPE GROWS that is difficult to describe, but is much deeper than the casting of this film (featuring an actor with Down Syndrome to play Produce). Perhaps the film can't help but be honest with us because it is a movie that doesn't often get a chance to screen in the theater. On this rare occasion a group of independent filmmakers and actors boldly embarked on a journey of their own, laying the infrastructure for a new road of cinema in Hollywood that appreciates inclusion, breaks down barriers, strips away stereotypes and most importantly realizes the power that motion pictures have for growing global communities that can actually bring hope to one another after the hour and thirty five minute experience. One of my favorite experiences of seeing WHERE HOPE GROWS in the theater occurred after the film concluded when I could see the pride and joy on the faces of all the families after I heard their helpless reactions to the charming performance of David DeSanctis (Produce). Chris Dowling captures subtle nuances of Louisville, Kentucky that include beautiful autumn landscapes fused with quirky mid-south cultural observations, such as the notorious high school pride banter. The cinematography and screenplay may be the closest thing to taking a sabbatical to this great region of the country. Meanwhile, such local references only personalize this universal message about life: that is that certain people can bring out the best in us, but only if we give them the time to become a part of our lives. I also appreciated there was nothing preachy about this film, despite it being labeled as a Christian movie. The friendship between Calvin and Produce is one of the realist film experiences I've had this year, and admittedly there were moments during the movie when I was embarrassed to have brought a date with me to the theater because it was far too soon in the relationship for tears. However, I regretted no tears while watching WHERE HOPE GROWS and I hope you won't miss the opportunity to see this film where it should be seen - a theater packed full of your community's best hearts and souls.Jason D'Mello
CleveMan66
The history of physically and/or mentally challenged actors isn't a long one, but it is expanding, and it added a significant chapter with the release of "Where Hope Grows" (PG-13, 1:35). That movie co-stars David DeSanctis as a young man with Down syndrome, one of the first major English-language film roles for an actor living with that condition. With this role, DeSanctis has achieved an on-screen prominence that is not unique, but only a few others who live with such serious conditions have reached that level of success in their careers. Chris Burke became a pioneer playing Corky, a boy with Down syndrome, in the TV series "Life Goes On" (1989-1993) and he also appeared in the film "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003). After a horse riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed, Christopher Reeve, known primarily for his "Superman" films, continued to work in movies and television until his death in 2004. RJ Mitte, who lives with cerebral palsy, played Walter White, Jr. on TV in "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013) and is set to appear in three films to be released over the next two years.But it's actors with Down syndrome who have made the most significant inroads on behalf of differently-abled actors. Lauren Potter co-starred in the film "Mr. Blue Sky" (2007) and on the TV series "Glee" (2009-2015), while Evan Sneider had the largest film role for someone with his condition in "Girlfriend" (2010)… that is, until "Where Hope Grows". As awareness of certain limiting conditions has grown in recent years, the common refrain from those who are mentally and/or physically challenged (and their families, friends and advocates) is that they most want to be treated like everyone else. In that spirit, I'm prepared to review DeSanctis' film with the objectivity that I try to bring to all of my reviews (even though he IS great in it).DeSanctis plays a grocery store employee who is called "Produce", after the tag he wears on his green apron, indicating the department where he works. Produce always seems to be in a good mood and always treats his store's customers with respect and affection, dispensing encouraging words and hugs as freely as tomatoes. Produce's positivity has the biggest impact on Calvin Campbell (Kristoffer Polaha), a down-on-his luck former baseball player who lives in the neighborhood. But to be fair, luck (or lack thereof) doesn't have much to do with Calvin's problems. He has allowed his unfulfilled potential in the bigs to keep him down for 15 years. He doesn't work and he's an alcoholic who also happens to be a single parent to 17-year-old Katie (McKaley Miller). She loves her father, but can only wish that she could respect him. He constantly disappoints her, caring more about spending time with his drinking buddies, Milton (William Zabka) and Mitch (Kerr Smith) than with her.Calvin's drinking is at the core of most of the conflicts within this movie. His neglect of his daughter leaves her free to be in an unhealthy relationship with the somewhat older and practically amoral Colt (Michael Grant) and dad has no moral high ground to stand on when he objects to his daughter hanging out with Colt. Calvin also drinks and drives with regularity, endangering other drivers, himself and those who are unlucky or unwise enough to be riding with him. His self-destructive tendencies also jeopardize his possible future personal and professional relationships, like when he gets an opportunity to interview to be the next manager of a local minor league baseball team, or when he meets a kind and good-looking woman (Brooke Burns) in the grocery store. Produce is anxious to be Calvin's friend and help Calvin see his personal problems differently, but even the sweet and growing friendship between Produce and Calvin seems unlikely to… bear fruit, if Calvin can't manage to put down the bottle.In spite of all his issues, Calvin's friendship with Produce seems like his best shot at redemption. Obviously needing some of Produce's upbeat, can-do attitude, Calvin asks Produce what his secret is. "It's not a secret, Mr. Campbell," Produce says. Appearances of Produce's Bible in a few scenes make it no surprise when Produce asks Calvin to come to church with him. Yes, this is a movie with a definite Christian message, but it never gets preachy. Produce sometimes quotes the Bible, without saying that he's quoting the Bible. It's just how he talks. It's part of who he is. Eventually, we do see a church service, hear the Bible read aloud, hear a discussion about prayer and see a funeral service, but in each case, these are short scenes that are more focused on moving the plot forward than trying to evangelize. The Bible does say that actions matter more than words. Rather than hearing a lot of talk about right and wrong and there being a single answer to everyone's problems, we are SHOWN examples of good and bad choices… and what it takes to turn negatives into positives."Where Hope Grows" is a Christian movie, but I think it's better described as an inspirational film. It's a family-friendly look at the results of the choices people make and the attitudes that drive those choices. The story contains sweetness, drama, tragedy and hope. The film is well-written, well-directed, well-acted and, especially well-edited, with an ending that I'll remember for a long time to come. A few of the plot points did feel a bit contrived, even melodramatic, but most of the story feels like real life – a reality where hope can grow if its seed is properly nurtured. This movie, like all movies worth watching, has a point of view, but whether you agree with its underlying message or not, it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this film. Kudos to one very special young man and his fellow actors for giving us such an experience. In my opinion, your efforts are good enough to Produce an "A-".
matthew siegan
"Where Hope Grows" is an inspiring and uplifting film filled with positivity and, well, hope! The film centers around the friendship between a down and out ex- ballplayer and the produce stocker at the grocery store, who happens to have Down Syndrome. The best part of this film is that nothing is served up with a hit you over the head message. Instead, there is just a quality story that is enjoyable to watch unfold as the characters learn to accept themselves and one another, and, through doing so become the best versions of themselves. No punches are pulled in the handling of the material, which is a welcome change to films usually of this nature. And with a killer cast anchored by the incredibly affable Kristoffer Polaha as the ballplayer and David DeSanctis as Produce in a performance that deserves to nab both notoriety and nominations, this is simply the movie that people need to see this summer. This film makes me want to be the best version of myself. I learned a lot from Produce and encourage you all to take this journey and do the same. You will be rewarded with a great supporting cast that is immediately recognizable (Danica McKellar, William Zabka, Kerr Smith, Brooke Burns) while not stealing the film away from the central story. And that story is real, thoughtful, moving, funny, and filled with a sweet, hopefulness throughout. Simply put, this is what film should be and a prime example of why indie film needs to be supported. You can do just that by catching this one in the theaters today!
