The Hill

My wife chose this movie and said she knew I would like it because it is about baseball, is based upon real details, and is not “R” rated. She knows me well!

THE HILL tells the stor y of a real person named Rickey Hill, a childhood “leg braces wearer,” who overcame many challenges that might have proved insurmountable for many of us. Ricky worked so very hard and persevered to try to become what I always thought as a child that I would like to be—a major league baseball player! And, he was from neighboring Ft. Worth, Texas.

The film’s running time is just over two hours, but if you are just a little late, the previews and advertisements at the beginning of the announced film always take ten or twenty minutes. So, buy your popcorn and drink and hurry in! The movie is worth it!

The rating is PG, but I believe just about any child old enough to want to watch will not be harmed by the content.

Colin Ford is Rickey Hill (boy with braces); Dennis Quaid is James Hill (preacher, Dad); Joelle Carter is Helen Hill (Rickey’s Mom); Bonnie Bedelia is Gram; Randy Houser is Ray Clemens (man who early encourages Rickey); Mark Rowe is Chuck Calhoun; Scott Glenn is Red Murff (major league scout); John Smoltz (color commentator).

A way-too-brief summary is the following. A small-town boy with braces on his legs due to a degenerative spine disease, LOVES baseball and plays it well, despite the braces. His Dad, a preacher, does not want him to “chase his dream” of being a baseball player, because he does not want him hurt and feels God has other plans. Unbelievably, years pass, and Rickey progresses very well; this divides the family! There is a “grandma” involved, and a girlfriend, and others with feelings pro and con. I will say no more about the summary but that you should make up your own minds! Stay for the credits!

Critical responses have been “all over” the place, but it seems the “average movie-goers” really liked the movie, found it inspirational, and highly recommended it to folks from all walks of life!

Wife, Vivian, a woman who loves and cares about ALL PEOPLE, gives this movie a definite A-plus and says everyone should watch it and “take it to heart.”

Vivian’s husband, Don, whom Viv terms sometimes too realistic and analytic, loved it, too, and was almost cheering out loud as the action progressed!