Pitcher and the Pin-Up (2003)

hyped garbage

How sad is this?

Best movie ever!

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Despite the few (mostly one) postings from people who clearly cannot get past their own inability to connect to a heartwarming film, for the official record I would like to add a few quotes regarding THE ROAD HOME from some well known and well respected film critics:"The Road Home is a bold and stylish drama from newcomer, Drew Johnson. A filmmaker with a creative eye that bristles with intelligence, charm and imagination!" ...Jeffrey K. Howard, The Movie Guys"The Road Home is a captivating film worthy of your attention, a well-written little film with a big heart. In this year filled with endless sequels and big-budget explosions, watching The Road Home is like finding a hidden treasure. Simply put - this is a wonderful and thought-provoking movie. Don't miss the opportunity to see it!" ...Tony Toscano, Film Critic, Emmy-Winning host Talking Pictures"An enjoyable movie that brings together America's two favorite past times, baseball and being in love" ...Greg Russell, Film Critic WDWB Detroit"A superbly crafted film...One of this year's best romances." ...David Giammarco, Film Critic Toronto Star, Elle Magazine"An impressive Independent feature...It has the look and feel of a studio picture." ...Playboy Magazine"I just got back from the CineVegas film festival and I saw a great film, The Road Home!" ...Casey Smith, Anchor, KLAS, CBS affiliate, Las Vegas"I Love this movie! It's not your typical movie about people from 'Vegas, in fact it's not your typical "feel good" movie either. It's a great film!" ...Heidi Harris, Host KXNT, 840AM Talk Radio, Las VegasIt would appear that they "Yeeech" comment from one lone person is the odd voice out regarding the quality and enjoyability of this film. What a shame that currently it is the lead comment on a film with otherwise stellar reviews from what appears to be various festival goers over the two years. Too bad so much weight has been given to that one review when others, including seasoned and film-weary professional critics, obviously feel this is an independent film of note.Takes all kinds I guess....

I found this movie intense in a way I can't seem to find anymore. Too often, I find myself dosing off in the middle of the latest block buster only to wake up grateful that I missed it after hearing the disappointment experienced by those who stayed awake. This movie had characters that pulled me in and made me want to watch. I felt I knew them and had to know what happened to them. I laughed, cried and celebrated life's victories and cursed the curves as the plot took us through good times and bad. I smiled at the end when I realized that in the movie, as in life, we all end up exactly where we are meant to be, no matter how rough it can be getting there. The music also did an amazing job of being original and matching the mood/moment.

This film is not for the jaded or the cranky film geeks that shriek whenever they see a mainstream independent movie about love and difficult emotions, and then go on to dismiss it as unoriginal or cliche. It is the filmmakers responsibility to please an audience with honest emotions, good or bad. If you don't like the way the characters act then take a look in the mirror and when do we ever like every character in a movie? In this movie most of the characters are redeeming, that's what matters. Some people can't deal with love and that's exactly what this movie is about. The characters in this film represent who we are, we get upset, we do cry out, we do make stupid decisions! There is no drama without those elements. It's our final decision that counts. This movie is about hope and reconciliation. It's tied together so well, it just made sense, I've been one of those characters and maybe that's why I connected so well with it. I mean I love this movie. It's crafted in a beautiful and moving way, so what if it's totally unoriginal so what if it's schmaltzy, it's good "American Corn." Audiences will love this movie. The use of baseball in the film is manifested in a brilliant way as it fuels the story within the characters intersecting lives. It's a completely original way of using baseball as a metaphor for who we are. It's not your typical feel good movie, it pays great attention to detail and the acting is very good. It's the first truly independent film I've seen with heart. To use a cliche proudly, The Road Home.

The best part about his movie for me is the story. I love how these characters are so real, how they change, it's really touching. I love the photography, the soundtrack and the simple true story that was told. Negative commentary about it for me is hard to do, because the choices the characters made in this film aren't always good ones, but it's what the character would do in real life. There's subtle moments and connections in this film that you might miss if you're mind drifts, but it all ties up so lovely and it gives us hope for our own lives. Many of the comments that I got from others was, they lived that, they can relate. I can say no more except that I was deeply touched by the sincerity of this film. Drew Johnson's heart is up on the screen and it's something we need right now in American Cinema.