Where Hope Grows (2014)

Just perfect...

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

When you have a child with Down Syndome in your life, you sometimes wish everyone could experience the joy they bring. This movie goes a long way towards accomplishing that. Thank you to everyone involved in this film.The guidelines say I have to write 10 sentences, so... I found the writing impressive, because it avoided the stereotypes of Down Syndrome. Produce is a nuanced and fully realized character - he is not a prop for the plot or other characters. All of the characters are created with equal skill. The acting was really, really good in the sense that it didn't come across as acting. The young man who plays the role of Produce is a gifted actor. I hope he will find other roles in movie and television.I became emotionally invested in these characters and engrossed in the story. I hope the film develops a widespread audience.

This movie was great! Everyone needs to see it. I wish it were playing at more theaters. Bring tissues, as it will bring on the tears. The actors do a wonderful job of being human, and showing what can happen in life. We need more movies like this. I cannot believe that every theater is not playing this one. It just has not had enough publicity, or it would be selling lots of tickets. Just because it does not have sex, and violence in it, is no reason not to carry it in theaters. I urge everyone of you to see it, before it's gone. The story of a washed up baseball player, and his friendship with "Produce" is amazing. It just shows you what a good young man with Down Syndrome is capable of.

The film is heartwarming, without being sappy. It is also thought provoking, and could definitely prompt thoughtful conversations on a wide range of topics. In this day and age of Big Box Stores, Big Blockbuster Films, Huge Meal Deals, it's refreshing to see a real film, with real people, reminding us of the simple things in life. But it is by no means simple. I am still thinking about it, and the life scenarios it brings to focus. How often does that happen anymore? I submit, not often enough.This film follows the personal journey of a former high school superstar, struggling later in life, and his own high-school aged daughter, and a gem of a human being named Produce, who will make you smile. The film wholeheartedly supports the movement to end negativity and eliminate the use of the "R" word- not for trite, political correctness, but because of the humanity that connects us all.

It's not often a movie without million dollar special effects, larger than life heroes, marauding space invaders, high speed chases and machine gun shoot-outs has the ability to make an impact on the typical jaded movie-goer. While slightly predictable character evolutions and plot twists are present in this film, those factors are easily overshadowed by the movie's positive message of acceptance, tolerance and basic human decency. The writers found the right recipe for making a faith based movie which speaks to the principles of morality and values, and the basic human struggles to live these principles, without coming across as "preachy" or condescending. Above all else, this film allows people to see that individuals whom society consider to be flawed or defective are much more alike than they are different from everyone else. It's a joy to see special needs individuals being portrayed as the useful, contributing, valuable, and simply HUMAN members of society they are. Bravo!