By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Before diving into my review of
"You Gotta Believe," the inspiring new film about an underdog Westside Little League team in Fort Worth, Texas that defied the odds, it seems only fitting to acknowledge and congratulate the
Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champions. On Aug. 25 the team clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei, (Taiwan) with a walk-off bunt by Hunter Alexander in the bottom of the eighth inning after the game was tied 1-1.
The win was especially significant as it ended Florida's eight-year streak of coming close but falling short in the title game, the longest such streak for an American team. The remarkable achievement of these kids perfectly embodies the spirit of perseverance and faith that "You Gotta Believe" vividly portrays.
Directed by
Ty Roberts ("12 Mighty Orphans") and penned by
Lane Garrison ("12 Mighty Orphans" and TV's "Mayor of Kingstown"), "You Gotta Believe" delves into the struggles and triumphs of a scrappy group of young players who, despite facing numerous obstacles and doubters, rallied together to achieve what many thought impossible.
Luke Wilson ("Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1") stars as Bobby Ratliff, a Little League coach who is so passionate about baseball. He and his assistant coach/attorney Jon Kelly (Greg Kinnear, "The Present" and "Sight") have assembled a rag tag team which includes Bobby’s son Robert (Michael Cash, TV's "Black Rabbit"). The goal is to not only teach the kids the fundamentals of the game, but make sure they have fun while playing. That's easier said than done for Robert who isn’t the most coordinated of the bunch. He's slow and can't hit. Then again, the rest of team is pretty much in the same boat.
Still, you gotta believe.
Fate shines down on these youngsters when they get an opportunity from baseball organizer Kliff Young (Patrick Renna, "The Sandlot" and "Monster Summer") to play as the All-star team. Jon has been busy with work and really feels after the losing season the team had, everyone could use a break. But, when Bobby is diagnosed with brain cancer, it's a whole new ballgame. Jon can't say no his childhood friend or leave the kid's hanging. So, he agrees to continue to coach.
The kid's rally around Bobby, slowly begin to gel, become more confident and play their hearts out with hopes of getting to Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The performances by the kids and from Sarah Gadon (TV's "Wayward") and Molly Parker ("Peter Pan & Wendy") who play Jon and Bobby's wives, are both poignant and inspiring. But it's the film's gut-wrenching view into the lives of these young athletes that really will touch even the coldest hearts especially when they discover that although they fell short, true victory is about more than just winning games. The journey taught them about believing in themselves and each other.
"You Gotta Believe" is a celebration of the power of teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of youth sports. It's also a testament to the idea that with enough heart and dedication, even the most unlikely heroes can rise to greatness.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply love a good underdog story--which I do--this stirring movie will likely touch even the coldest hearts and leave you cheering and tearing up a bit too.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer Trailer For
"YOU GOTTA BELIEVE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
