Where Hope Grows (2014) User Reviews

It changes you for the better

[Ramascreen · 8/10 · 10 May 2015]

he last Christian-themed or faith-based movie I actually enjoyed was "Fireproof" and that was more than seven years ago, I was a single man and that movie even spoke to me, whether or not you're married, whether or not you're a believer, you can learn a lot from "Fireproof," and I think that's what makes WHERE HOPE GROWS effective, is that you may be at the point in your life where you're still looking for what it is that you'd like to believe in, but you can still get something out of watching this good-hearted film that changes you for the better.

I'm with you there when I say that I don't like movies that are too preachy or all up in your face, shoving sermons down your throat, which is why I had avoided pretty much every faith-based movie since "Fireproof" because the level of preachiness just went through the roof, most of them were not even about story and characters anymore. If I wanted to watch sermons, I'd simply just straight up watch it off youtube, there's tons of evangelical seminars on the web, but if I come to watch a film, a film is what I want to end up watching.

From writer/director Chris Dowling, WHERE HOPE GROWS, in a nutshell is about Kristoffer Polaha's character, Calvin Campbell, a former pro baseball player whose career was cut short due to panic attacks at the plate. Nowadays, he turns to alcohol for solace and struggles raising his teen daughter (McKaley Miller). Calvin strikes an unlikely friendship with a young man with down syndrome, Produce (David DeSanctis) who works at a local grocery store. This friendship gives Calvin a new look on life as he finds redemption, but this friendship will also be put to the test.

I think it's wise move on the filmmakers' part that they cast an actual man with down syndrome to play Produce, instead of having actors like Cuba Gooding Jr. ("Radio") or Dustin Hoffman ("Rain Man") for example. There is a benefit to actors convincingly pretending to be what they're not, but there is an even more benefit to just giving the role to someone who literally knows what it's like to be that person. And David does a fantastic job of balancing vulnerability, humor, and ingenuity. You take a few seconds look at David and the way he carries himself, and it suddenly makes you want to be a better person. I must admit, as far as filmmaking goes, it's extremely simple, nothing much about it that would blow your mind, this is a case of working within the budget that you're given. The plot is also very thin, very generic, this is the type of road from self pity to redemption that you've seen a thousand times before, but I still enjoy the themes quite much, and I think WHERE HOPE GROWS is an important film that young generation today need to watch so that they can learn to be more sensitive and tolerant and more accepting of those whose are different from us.

Read more at Ramascreen.Com

"Where Hope Grows" is a film that shows rather than tells and inspires rather than preaches.

[CleveMan66 · 8/10 · 17 May 2015]

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-".

One of my favorites

[mooveefan-87188 · 8/10 · 23 December 2019]

I so enjoyed this movie. I think the reason that I liked it so much is that isn't wasnt over the top. This was a simple, honest movie of how most people come to Christ. We have a man who feels like a failure because his baseball career didn't pan out. He is a heavy drinker, who doesn't realize he's an alcoholic, which is something many people believer about their drinking. He is not only struggling as a man, but as the single parent to a 17 year old daughter. Then he meets Produce, a man who works at the produce section at the grocery store who has down syndrome. I'm glad they didn't make this movie about the disorder. That's not what message. Here's a man with down syndrome, a disorder that a lot people still see as "mad", and he's teaching another man how to live a better life simply by just being. I was waiting for the turn in the film where Calvin instantly and dramatically converts to being a Christian and was so pleased to see that it didn't happen. We got to see what we believe will be the start of Calvin and his daughter's walk with Christ and that's good enough for me.

An washed up ex baseball player meets a young man with down syndrome and fines meaning to his life.

[thesergioargueta · 7/10 · 14 September 2015]

Let me just start out by saying that I think this movie is pretty good, I was expecting more since, really, there aren't too many movies that revolve around people with down syndrome, but this was quite nice. I like the story, its nice and harmless. I do wish that they'd put more emphasis on Produce (the young man with down syndrome) and how he lives on a regular basis, during most of the movie he is at work, but its not really about produce as much as it is about the ex-pro baseball player. There are some scenes that feel a little rushed emotionally but the intention is there. But, lets not forget that this is a Christian movie, but how does it fare Christian-wise? Well, it just touches on the subject and it doesn't really get all that preachy so I think that's a plus. All in all its a pretty good film with a nice message and a good ending, (you'll see what I mean). I think its worth a check out for anybody who is interested, its only a 15$ movie and well worth it. 7/10.

'Hope' grows, but never quite blooms

[Fluke_Skywalker · 6/10 · 7 November 2015]

Well meaning, but not completely satisfying "faith" film about the unlikely friendship between a struggling former major league baseball player and a young man with Down Syndrome. Faith message is actually rather subtle and tastefully done compared to many other films of the genre, and with a PG-13 rating it doesn't shy away from some heavy subjects (alcoholism, prejudice, teen sex and rape). It also features a pair of fine performances from the two leads, Kristoffer Polaha and newcomer David DeSanctis, who have great chemistry together.

Where Hope Grows is probably not going to win many converts, but even non Christians will likely enjoy it on the level of an after school special.

A life changing movie- opening eyes and hearts

[abbygregory60 · 10/10 · 6 August 2014]

This move was incredibly heartwarming. It was a fantastic film, not just because it highlighted the reality of down syndrome, but because it truly captured the reality of everyday life. It should be commended for its bold efforts in changing the stereotypes of people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, the movie is so much more than a cause- it is a generally fantastic film. From the actors, to the filmography, to the story, this movie excels. It is touching, moving, and enjoyable. This movie goes where no other move has gone- it truly highlights life. I recommend this movie wholly on the fact that it is well made, not just as an activist for equality for people with disabilities, but as a person who laughed and cried during this fantastic piece.

An inspiring theme, but too much of cinematic than realistic.

[Reno-Rangan · 6/10 · 14 March 2016]

I came across after an unexpected glance at its inspiring title, and a good looking poster. But it is just a hit and miss. First, I wanted to clear the view whether it was a religious related subject or simply an inspiring movie. The answer is merely yes to the second one. Because it was a brilliant platform that failed desperately with all the usual clichés.

For the normal people, it might be an uplifting flick. But for the movie fanatics, it is one of those attempts from their watch that terribly fallen short. No doubt, it is a good theme, a little boring as well to see the same old formula with the new cast. In the end it did not work for me. The way it handled to solve the personal and social issues that depicted in the film characters is not persuasive.

The twist at the end was the dumbest one. I can't understand why a movie like this need one. Those are for the smartest scripts and this one should have focused more on the friendship and father-daughter relationship rather trying to imitate the commercial films. Though the actor did well, and the production design was way better than many mainstream films from the recent time. Definitely a go for it, but what do you expect from it will decide how much you're going to like it.

6/10

Hope For Us All

[jacob-olinger-89109 · 10/10 · 29 June 2018]

I watch tons of movies, shows, and documentary's. This is one of the best films I've watched. This film is done in a tasteful fashion. This film is nothing but inspiring! Heart touching! And mind opening! This is a MUST WATCH FILM!!! After watching over 2,200 movies there has only been a few that have spoken with such inspirational volune like this film. Please watch it! We get so caught up in big block busters when it's actually these types of films that speak to us on a personal level and actually produce something that can inspire us.

Great basic movie.

[dahuchsi-83291 · 6/10 · 17 March 2024]

If you read the description of this movie, you've basically seen the movie. There isn't anything too deep in this movie and that's okay. It's a feel good movie that teaches a simple lesson of how kindness is the true happiness.

At first I was dismayed thinking it was going to push Christianity. I bet the director/writer are religious. However, I was happy that it was only a small part of the film and not in your face.

This is a "B" feel-good movie. It's worth a watch if in need of a reminder of where happiness comes from. Can tell it is not big budget, but it doesn't need to be.

Down Syndrome is an intriguing genetic disposition. The movie portrays the quality of said disposition well. Some parts of the movie the audio is "off" as in, the character is not in frame/other characters are and the audio isn't as far as away as it should be when the offscreen character speaks. Other than that, there really aren't many other "theatrical" issues.

Once again, it's worth a watch, overall. It shouldn't win any awards in my opinion, but it's great that it was made. There is nothing too thought provoking about this movie, overall, just a basic story with basic characters that never really goes much deeper than the surface.

Really bad movie

[jcdm-94754 · 3/10 · 7 November 2015]

If you are thinking of watching it, find something else to see.

Plot is extremely predictable and characters are overloaded with stereotypical behaviors. Although some times they brake the monotony by introducing some completely illogical line from some secondary character.

I think they tried to make it emotional or something, but it was extremely boring to watch, and not emotional at all. Since that wasn't the case, I was expecting to see something that can provoke a spontaneous smile or laugh, but you will not find that either.

I gave it a 3 and not a 1 because I have seen a lot of really terrible movies, but if have anything else to do, don't waste your time watching the movie.

Excellent from start to finish!

[isaiah-36644 · 10/10 · 30 April 2015]

My wife and I were treated to a special screening of this film in the middle of April. We just absolutely loved the whole movie! It was sweet, enlightening, encouraging, and just great fun. It was also a great vehicle to show just what a special needs person (in the character of Produce, played magnificently by David DeSanctis) has to offer others, and how their take on life can often be untainted by the cares of this world.

Chris Dowling and McKaley Miller were in attendance, taking questions after the movie. Both of them were so very sweet and gracious as they also gave little 'behind-the-scenes' stories, especially with working with David.

I highly encourage everyone to go and see this movie. Bring your friends. Bring tissue.

Touching movie!

[nicolecolee · 7/10 · 10 January 2021]

This is a VERY good movie worth watching regularly, not just once. It's a charming, good-feeling movie with excellent acting all around. The ending absolutely captured my heart!!!

I wouldn't call this a Christian movie...

[Ralphnerin-1 · 7/10 · 5 May 2017]

when Jesus is not even mentioned during the movie. Granted, many prefer to watch a movie that's a feel good movie that isn't "preachy" (you can get a ton of those anywhere), but the gospel could have (and should have) been presented at least during the funeral scene. Live your dash? What does that mean? What about life beyond the grave (provided by a loving God through the death of His son on the cross)? Sorry if that's too preachy for many of you, but that is what life is really about. I do like the scene when Calvin and his daughter discuss prayer, but wish it had gone a little further.

Inspiring

[lindamaherbrown · 6/10 · 11 September 2023]

I found this movie inspiring however, unrealistic when Amy turned up at AA and church. Would have been better if she had only been at church. The reason why is because when someone goes into AA as a newbie it's not healthy to have romantic feelings and start a new relationship. So that part of the movie was just a bit unrealistic. Other than that, good job. Great actors. We need more movies like this for families. I'm tired of garbage movies with sex and bad language and so much violence. I'm surprised this movie didn't bring in more money. Hopefully it's getting a lot of exposure now. I guess him going to AA would be a spoiler. Lol.

Great movie!

[noah1066 · 10/10 · 22 October 2014]

Produce is a heartwarming movie about an unlikely friendship. It walks a fine line, because it would be easy for the film to go overboard, but it strikes just the right balance. There are religious themes, but it's never preachy, it's heartwarming, but not too cheesy, and the central friendship never feels forced. There were so many times that I was expecting the movie to go over the line, but in every instance, it pulled back a little and struck just the right balance. It's a well-written story, the acting is always believable, and it all works together so well. It's a movie that feels so real, because when you watch it there are times when you're uncomfortable, times you're scared, times you want to cry, times of great joy, and you really feel for the characters, and you want to see where the story goes.

See this film.

[shafferapril1 · 9/10 · 26 October 2014]

This epitomizes what I think Heartland Film Festival is about. Challenging us to see and act differently. To open our hearts to the possibilities of change from deep community. To see our incredible need for connection and meaning. Calvin needed Produce as much as Produce needed Calvin. They filled a hole for each other. They were iron sharpening iron, each challenging the other to make them stronger.

It would have been easy to fall into cheesy campy film making with this plot...washed up sports hero meets downs syndrome boy at grocery store. But somehow it felt, as a viewer, that you were actually a fly on the wall watching a friendship form in an authentic, organic fashion. The timing of their meeting felt pre-ordained, like something bigger or higher was putting them together at the right time. I loved the religious undertones. Real without shoving it in your face. But faith portrayed as something that provides hope and encouragement, is real and worth having.

As a viewer, I wanted Calvin to find meaning for his life and daughter. And I wanted Produce to have a family and attain work success despite his simplicity. But as the tale was told, it wasn't tied up with a pretty grosgrain ribbon. It allowed pain and suffering and self hatred and pity to resonate in a way that was identifiable. The viewer knows people like Calvin and his daughter. People you can't help but love and pull for, even when you are ticked at their selfish pity party, and bratty teenage ways. We could all use more Produce in our lives.

Inspiring

[saraizuniga · 10/10 · 6 February 2021]

I loved this movie start to finish. It makes you take a step back and think about all the things in life that can be taken for granted, and I loved Produce, he made me smile throughout the movie :)

So inspiring we started a non profit organization in honor of our son!

[ccarothe · 10/10 · 30 September 2018]

This movie is so inspiring to watch and learn from! We hosted a fundraiser in honor of our son and rented out a movie theater the weekend this movie came out. We wanted to purchase an adaptive bike for our son who has Down syndrome. When the opening scene was Produce riding his bike we knew this was what our mission would be for others who have disabilities. We started a non profit called Kyle's Korner Inc and purchase adaptive bikes for individuals who have disabilities. This movie is so inspiring to me that now a few years I have gone back to school to finish my degree in Special Education and am using it for one of my class papers we are doing on a movie review. I hope others are just as inspired from this movie and Produce as I am. A must see with your children to teach them about kindness.

This is the movie that needs to be seen this summer

[matt_siegan · 10/10 · 15 May 2015]

"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!

Hands down the best Christian movie

[annie-skopek · 10/10 · 1 December 2017]

I have watched many Christian movies, and none of them have even come close to this. This is the first one I have watched that I have raved about and watched more than once. The character of Produce is pure wonderful, never have I smiled so watching a character. The way he helps the family is so beautiful, the whole movie is a roller-coaster - I laughed, screamed, cried and smiled. Definitely would recommend.

Seen with my Wife

[leftymorgan · 10/10 · 18 May 2015]

We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. We have gone to other films similar to this one and have found them to be really good. There were some points early in the film that we felt they spent too much time with. We think they could spent more time elsewhere and not so much on the drinking aspect. Although the drink was a part of the character, there could have been other areas covered. We aren't writers, but we do know what entertains us and we also know what kind of message these sort of films are trying to send. Instead of the drinking, maybe they could have said something about what happened to the mother. Also they could have given us more information about Produces mom. For us the film was really good and once it comes out in DVD most likely will be purchasing it.

Incredible film with a fabulously talented cast

[mom-29-22843 · 10/10 · 30 August 2015]

I really wish there were a love button for this film. I just watched the incredible film Where Hope Grows. In summary it's this: Where Hope Grows is a story of finding redemption through faith, hope and love Kris Polaha plays "produce" a young grocery worker with Down's syndrome who befriends an alcoholic, struggling, single father. Kris plays this role incredibly well. He is truly what makes this film wonderful. He's very easy to love with a quiet strength that has an undertone through the whole film. Never underestimate him. He is truly a talented actor. The film as a whole made my heart swim with emotion, from laughter to tears, to anger at the situations posed both to the father as well as to "Produce" I highly recommend this film. It's just a wonderful movie to sit down with your family to

So accurate.

[abigaillarocque · 10/10 · 10 April 2020]

Don't know how someone can act so well. Seems so real. They did a great job with this movie. It's very honest

Great Movie

[crikeda · 10/10 · 29 March 2021]

Not your typical movie where everybody is perfect. Tackles some hard life lessons, but shows the difficulties of each person's life in light of weaknesses and victories. Sweet and tender in places and yet shows the hard stuff as well. Like I said great movie!

Such an inspiring movie

[litlbit2001 · 10/10 · 30 July 2016]

I got a chance to watch this and I have to say that it really touched me so much. If you get a chance to watch the movie. Watch it, but you better have some Kleenex handy cause you might need it. Everyone did an excellent job, even the not so nice character in the movie. Still I believe people with Down Syndrome are angels in disguise. They will cheer you up, when you are down. They will get you to believe in yourself when you don't believe in yourself. They are truly love you for yourself and not someone you pretend to be. You will fall in love with this movie, so if you haven't had a chance to watch it. Please rent it and watch it with your family. It will teach them the value of that being different is okay.