imdb.com
The Hill (2023): Inspiring Baseball Drama
Curated by
cdteliot
5 min read
1,802
"The Hill" is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Jeff Celentano, chronicling the inspiring true story of Rickey Hill, a young baseball player who overcomes a degenerative spinal condition to pursue his dream of playing in the major leagues. Starring Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford, the film captures Hill's journey of resilience and determination against the backdrop of his challenging upbringing and physical limitations.
The Hill: Plot Synopsis and Overview
thecollision.org
"The Hill" is an inspirational sports drama based on the true story of Rickey Hill, a young boy from small-town Texas who, despite being burdened by leg braces due to a degenerative spinal disease, shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball. His stern pastor father, played by Dennis Quaid, discourages him from playing baseball to protect him from injury and to have him follow in his footsteps as a preacher. The film follows Rickey's journey as he becomes a baseball phenomenon and his struggle to participate in a try-out for a legendary major league scout, which divides his family and threatens his dream of playing professional baseball
1
2
3
4
.5 sources
Meet the Cast and Crew Behind the Inspirational Film 'The Hill'
fortworthreport.org
"The Hill" features a talented cast and crew who bring the inspiring story of Rickey Hill to life. Here is a detailed list of the main cast and crew involved in the film:
-
Main Cast:
- Dennis Quaid as James Hill
- Colin Ford as Rickey Hill
- Joelle Carter as Helen Hill
- Scott Glenn as Red Murff
- Bonnie Bedelia as Gram
- Randy Houser as Ray Clemons
- Ryan Dinning as Robert Hill
- Mila Harris
-
Director:
- Jeff Celentano
-
Screenwriters:
- Angelo Pizzo
- Scott Marshall Smith
-
Producers:
- Jeff Celentano
- Warren Ostergard
- Michael A. Blubaugh (Executive Producer)
- Ron Cundy (Executive Producer)
- Matthew Dwyer (Executive Producer)
- Russell Geyser (Executive Producer)
-
Additional Crew:
- Kristopher Kimlin (Cinematographer)
- Douglas Crise (Film Editing)
- Geoff Zanelli (Original Music)
- Geoffrey Kirkland (Production Design)
- Bill Waxler (Set Decoration)
- Lahly Poore (Costume Design)
- Rick Montgomery (Casting)
- Thomas Sullivan (Casting)
1
2
3
4
5
.5 sources
Critics Give 'The Hill' a Mixed Reception
movieweb.com
"The Hill" received mixed reviews from critics. It was praised for its heartwarming and inspirational story, strong performances, particularly by Dennis Quaid, and its appeal to a family audience
1
2
3
. However, some critics noted that the film could be slow-paced and occasionally preachy, with some corny dialogue and underdeveloped supporting characters3
4
. Despite these criticisms, the film's focus on personal triumph and its sensitive direction were highlighted as strengths, making it a compelling, if flawed, feel-good drama2
5
.5 sources
Modest Box Office Performance
"The Hill" had a modest box office performance, grossing $7,665,865 in the US and Canada, with an opening weekend gross of $2,301,931, placing it at number nine at the box office during its debut week. The film was released nationwide on August 25, 2023, and later made available on digital and Blu-ray on September 12, 2023
The film's financial performance reflects its niche appeal and strong initial interest, particularly within the faith-based and sports drama genres.
1
2
3
4
5
. Below is a summary of its financial performance:
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Domestic Gross | $7,665,865 |
International Gross | $31,163 |
Worldwide Gross | $7,697,028 |
Opening Weekend Gross | $2,301,931 |
Domestic Share | 99.6% |
International Share | 0.4% |
Number of Theaters (Opening) | 1,570 |
Number of Theaters (Max) | 1,703 |
Average Run per Theater | 3.5 weeks |
5 sources
A Balanced Review: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Movie
"The Hill" has been analyzed for its strengths and weaknesses by various critics. Below is a summary of the critical analysis:
The film's strengths lie in its compelling true story, emotional father-son dynamics, and standout performances, particularly by Dennis Quaid. However, it faces criticism for its sentimentality, need for tighter editing, and occasionally weak dialogue and supporting characters.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|
Inspirational narrative based on a true story 2 5 | Overly sentimental at times 4 |
Emotional depth of the father-son relationship 1 4 | Could benefit from tighter editing 2 4 |
Strong performances by lead actors, especially Dennis Quaid 1 2 3 | Corny dialogue in some parts 1 4 |
Effective cinematography and direction capturing characters' psychological states 1 | Underdeveloped supporting characters 1 4 |
5 sources
Behind the Scenes: Filming Locations
Principal photography for "The Hill" took place in Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding Columbia County region from November to December 2021. The production utilized several notable locations, including the Lake Olmstead Stadium and the Central Savannah River Area, to authentically depict the story's setting. Additionally, the historic Wrightsboro Church in McDuffie County was transformed to represent a 1960s-era church in rural Texas, adding to the film's period authenticity
2
3
. The choice of these locations not only provided a visually compelling backdrop but also contributed to the film's nostalgic and heartfelt atmosphere.5 sources
The Role of Faith in Rickey Hill's Journey
hollywoodreporter.co...
Faith played a pivotal role in Rickey Hill's journey, deeply influencing his perseverance and outlook on life. Despite facing immense physical challenges and discouragement from his father, a pastor who feared for his son's safety, Hill's unwavering belief in God's plan for him fueled his determination to pursue baseball. This faith is vividly depicted in the film "The Hill," where Hill's spiritual moments, such as drawing a cross in the sand before a crucial tryout, underscore his reliance on divine support. Director Jeff Celentano emphasized that the movie's core message is about the power of faith and the belief that God is always there to guide and support us, a sentiment that resonated with audiences and inspired meaningful family discussions about perseverance and divine purpose
1
2
4
.5 sources
Related
how does Rickey Hill's faith influence his perseverance on the baseball field
what are some key moments in the film that highlight Rickey Hill's faith
how does Rickey Hill's father's faith evolve throughout the story
Keep Reading
The Fall Guy (2024)
The Fall Guy, a 2024 action comedy film directed by David Leitch, is a thrilling and entertaining ride that pays homage to the stunt community while delivering a perfect blend of action, romance, and humor.
7,851
The Bikeriders (2024)
The Bikeriders is a 2024 American drama film that tells a fictional story inspired by the 1967 photo-book of the same name, which depicts the lives of the Outlaws MC, a motorcycle club founded in McCook, Illinois. Set in the 1960s, the film follows the rise of the Vandals MC, a Chicago outlaw motorcycle club, as seen through the lives of its members and their families.
12,609
Jim Caviezel: The Actor Who Brought Jesus Christ to Life
Jim Caviezel is an American actor renowned for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ." Born on September 26, 1968, in Mount Vernon, Washington, Caviezel's career spans notable roles in films like "The Thin Red Line" and the CBS series "Person of Interest," while his devout Catholic faith and controversial public stances have significantly influenced his professional and personal life.
2,067
Saltburn (2023)
"Saltburn," a 2023 psychological thriller directed by Emerald Fennell, has captivated audiences with its provocative exploration of desire, obsession, and class dynamics. As reported by Deadline Hollywood, the film's viral marketing and word-of-mouth propelled it to become one of Amazon Prime's top 10 worldwide film debuts, sparking intense discussions about its complex themes and shocking twists.
1,436