Released in 2012, Home Run Showdown is one of those sports films where a ragtag group of kids end up on the same sports team, learn to work together, and show that despite initially being castoffs as individuals they can win as a team. It's The Mighty Ducks, it's Little Giants, it's Bad News Bears... it's that kind of story.
This film centers around two constantly feuding brothers Joey (played by Matthew Lillard) and Rico (played by Dean Cain). Rico is the successful, ex- big league player who recruits all the top kids in his town to play for his little league team. Joey is a bit of a loser who got kicked out of minor league baseball and gets stuck coaching the players none of the other coaches want. These are, of course, the usual sports movie castoffs like a fat kid and a girl. The main kid, and source of the movies title, is a boy named Lori who takes the game very seriously. Lori needs his team to be good enough to qualify to participate in the nationally televised 'Home Run Showdown' so that his dad, who is in prison, can see him on TV. Additionally, Joey and Rico's father is going to retire soon and whichever son's team does better at the Showdown, that son will inherit his sports bar.
Overall, while not a fantastic movie, it's watchable. It's predictable, the acting isn't the best and the main kid often comes off more bratty than determined which makes him a pretty unlikeable character. If, like me, you have an elementary school-age kid who like s sports then this makes for a decent 'family movie night' viewing.
2 out of 5
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