movie review for the hill

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors.

Now streaming on:

The inspirational sports drama "The Hill," about the poor and disabled son of a preacher who becomes a professional baseball player, feels longer than it is because the characterizations and story don't rise to meet the acting and filmmaking and because almost everyone in the movie (save for a bully and his cronies, briefly glimpsed in two scenes) is so earnest and well-meaning. It's the equivalent of a church service by a pastor who's good at his job but lacks the spark that makes people say amen without prompting.

Directed by Jeff Celentano from a script by the late Scott Marshall Smith ("Men of Honor") and Angelo Pizzo (who wrote the classics " Rudy " and " Hoosiers "), "The Hill" retells the true story of Fort Worth, Texas native Rickey Marshall. Like Pizzo's signature screenplays, this tale is in the spirit of the original " Rocky ," where the hero's achievements are far more modest than the Hollywood usual but stirring (arguably more so) because the stakes are small and the obstacles relatable. Hill, a Baptist preacher's son, grew up fantasizing about playing Major League baseball despite a degenerative spinal disease that forced him into leg braces. He also grew up so poor that his family couldn't afford proper equipment: he taught himself to hit using sticks and stones, with his older brother pitching and coaching. Despite all this, Hill developed into a power hitter, played three months for the Montreal Expos at 19, and made it through four seasons in the minor leagues.

The problem isn't that this is a faith-based film aimed at a specific market niche (some of the greatest films ever made focus on spirituality). It's the project's bland vision. Even legitimate, painful conflicts between characters with equally valid but irreconcilable agendas (such as the hero, who is torn between what he believes to be two destinies, playing ball and following in his preacher dad's footsteps) feel programmed even though they're drawn from life. It doesn't help that the hero and a few other major characters (including his love interest) have two-and-a-half dimensions at best and are so altogether pleasant, even when distressed or angry, that it's hard to see how anyone could have rational (or even irrational) objections to anything they do, say, or want.

Jesse Berry (of "9-1-1: Lone Star") plays Rickey as a boy, and Colin Ford ("Under the Dome") steps in to play the teenage version. The film's minimal edge comes from Rickey's relationship with his dad, James ( Dennis Quaid ). James believes his son's destiny is to succeed him behind the pulpit, opposes his baseball dreams, and even likens his secret baseball card collection to a gallery of false idols. This is reminiscent of both versions of " The Jazz Singer ," the story of a young man who would rather be a secular musical performer than a cantor, except that in this case, the hero loves preaching the word and is great at it. ("I thought I was going to be the best Baptist preacher," Hill told Risen magazine . "I was going to be the next Billy Graham.")

Whenever "The Hill" lets Rickey and James verbally spar about faith and sports, the movie transcends cliche. The screenplay lets opposing forces gently push against each other without resolution. You get a clear sense of how people's conditioning and pathologies impede them from making the right choice. Young Rickey eloquently explains to his father that he can be God's representative on the field as effectively as he can in a church and that the two callings are not in opposition, then gives him a drawing of a baseball diamond in which opposing bases have been connected with straight lines to create a cross shape. You'd think such a display of creative imagination and sincerity would persuade the boy's father to change his mind and support him, but no. He lets Rickey play ball, but six years later, when Rickey is a high school star, he tells visitors to the family's home that he has yet to attend a game. (No bets will be taken on whether Dad eventually shows up in the stands.)

When it's not wrestling (however nicely) with spiritual matters, "The Hill" is a well-meaning but dutiful trudge toward an ordained destination. Nearly every scene extends the expected beats and moments for no apparent reason (this isn't Slow Cinema ; it's just slow). Despite building nearly every scene around him, it never gives us any sense of Rickey's emotional interior. He's just a polite, talented kid who wants to do a thing but is restrained from doing it by people who mean well. The central relationship's potential is blunted, too. Except in the verbal duets between father and son, James is an emotionally constipated scold who is established as having a good heart beneath it all. The movie allows him to be stubborn and unreasonable, but it doesn't have the nerve to let him cross over into monstrousness or even sustained dislikability. There's a scene where James takes Rickey's older brother Robert (Mason Gillett) behind the house to whip him with a belt as punishment for supporting Rickey's baseball dreams, but during the windup, he chokes back tears and sends him inside unscathed. Brutal physical punishment still happens in American homes, including ones where families attend church together and contemplate the life and teachings of Jesus. But this is not the kind of movie that will show the contradiction and complexity of that life by having a movie star beat a child.

Most of the characters are a notch or two above "types." Ricky's girlfriend Grace (played by Siena Bjornerud as a teen and Mila Harris as a child) is confident and mature throughout, tossing out snappy patter that suggests that somebody ran the Annie Savoy character from " Bull Durham " through a "Gilmore Girls" filter. Scott Glenn shows up late in the movie as the baseball scout who lets Rickey strut his stuff (a 40-years-later "Right Stuff" reunion for him and Quaid) and manages to convince us that the character had a full and fascinating life before he stepped into the frame. But that's the sort of alchemy that has more to do with the depth of an actor's skills and experience than the story he's helping tell.

Joelle Carter , so fiery on "Justified," gets one sustained, powerful scene as James' wife Helen, who would like to oppose him but can't summon the strength, but she's otherwise sidelined and sometimes reduced to watching the other characters as if they're on TV. Bonnie Bedelia , who would be a name-above-the-title movie star in a just world, fares slightly better as the hero's salt-of-the-earth grandmother, rocking a silver Ma-Joad-goes-to-the-Oscars hairstyle. (Another issue worth getting into somewhere besides this piece: age-wise, the casting in "The Hill" is retro in a bad way. Carter is almost 20 years younger than Quaid, and Bedelia is only eight years older.)

According to Rickey Hill's website and pre-release interviews, he now follows in his father's footsteps by spreading the Good Word while also selling hemp-based wellness kits . Some people believe that a brief taste of success can be more debilitating for a person than never tasting it at all. Hill doesn't feel that way. He also doesn't act as if he was robbed of anything greater than what he got, either by his physical limitations or his upbringing, even though many people who've had that sort of experience might feel that way. A documentary about his whole life journey would likely be more compelling than this recreation of his early years. It would have a better shot at depicting Hill and every other important player in his story as a three-dimensional human being. And it might speak to the realities of most people's lives, which rarely have the perfect dramatic shape (complete with a happy ending) that Hollywood prefers.

Now playing in theaters.

Matt Zoller Seitz

Matt Zoller Seitz is the Editor at Large of RogerEbert.com, TV critic for New York Magazine and Vulture.com, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism.

Now playing

Glenn Kenny

Force of Nature: The Dry 2

Sheila o'malley.

Boy Kills World

Simon abrams.

Monica Castillo

STAX: Soulsville, USA

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Tomris laffly, film credits.

The Hill (2023)

Rated PG for thematic content, language, and smoking throughout.

Dennis Quaid as James Hill

Scott Glenn as Red Murff

Bonnie Bedelia as Gram

Joelle Carter as Helen Hill

Colin Ford as Rickey Hill

Adrian Eppley as Mariah

Mila Harris as Young Gracie

Wilbur Fitzgerald as Josh Meyers

Jesse Berry as Young Rickey Hill

Jeff Celentano
Angelo Pizzo
Scott Marshall Smith
Stephen Hintz
Aric Hornig

Cinematographer

Kristopher Kimlin
Douglas Crise
Geoff Zanelli

Latest blog posts

When ‘Bad Boys’ Began, Martin Lawrence Was the Top Dog

Expecto Patronus: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at 20

Female Filmmakers in Focus: Bridgett M. Davis

Chi Film Fest's 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

What's the Tomatometer®?
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening this week
Top box office
Coming soon to theaters
Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

Fandango at Home
Netflix streaming
Prime Video
Most popular streaming movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Link to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Young Woman and the Sea Link to Young Woman and the Sea
Jim Henson Idea Man Link to Jim Henson Idea Man

New TV Tonight

Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1
Ren Faire: Season 1
Clipped: Season 1
Queenie: Season 1
Sweet Tooth: Season 3
Mayor of Kingstown: Season 3
Criminal Minds: Season 17
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld: Season 1
Power Book II: Ghost: Season 4
Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color: Season 1

The Hill Reviews

The movie’s story is cliché and rather preachy, but it isn’t bad. Rickey’s story is important and engaging… whenever viewers aren’t being weighed down by the pastor’s repetitive prejudice against his family and community.

Full Review | Jan 22, 2024

As the stadium lights fade on a reconciled father and son like “Field of Dreams,” you can’t help but smile. Yes, it’s a “perfect” Hollywood ending, but call me a sucker for inspirational sports flicks. Turn off your brain and tap into your heart.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 22, 2023

A true hero story. The fact that it's a little too long clearly hasn't bothered audiences. Didn't bother me either. Good family watch.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 13, 2023

A homerun of a faith-based baseball movie.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 13, 2023

Sadly the script isn't interested in such a complicated legacy but is content with cliched scenes of the preacher father who doesn't understand his talented son despite everyone else believing in him.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Sep 11, 2023

“The Hill,” ultimately hits with power, but without finesse.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 10, 2023

An incredibly inspirational and touching movie that of course pulls at the heartstrings but it sets out what it was meant to do: honor the subject of a unique story and to give hope and inspire. Dennis Quaid gives his best performance in years.

Full Review | Original Score: 8.5/10 | Sep 8, 2023

The story is filled with cliches, clunky dialogue and speechifying lifted from Bible verses.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Sep 1, 2023

Toggling back and forth between a sports drama and a faith-based film, Jeff Celentano aims to please by never getting too gritty. Sappy at times, but the feel-good film leaves you inspired just as the filmmakers intended.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 30, 2023

A true story of faith, hope and love entertainingly delivered.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 27, 2023

The Hill celebrates a time-tested formula for dad-and-son baseball dramas.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 26, 2023

Overflowing with underdog cliches and aggressive sentimentality, the film's wholesome charms are neutralized by heavy-handed platitudes and sermonizing, right down to the obligatory big-game finale.

Full Review | Aug 26, 2023

Echoes of Norman Rockwell bounce off The Hill, a sincere, inspiring baseball movie grounded in a complicated father-son relationship.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 26, 2023

The Hill is a poorly constructed faith-based biopic about disabled baseball player Rickey Hill. This long-winded and preachy drama leaves big questions unanswered about his life. The movie is also plagued with hokey dialogue and corny acting performances.

Full Review | Aug 25, 2023

Starring Dennis Quaid as Rickey's preacher Dad, James, and directed by Jeff Celentano, this faith-based sports film uses the titular metaphor to express what Rickey had to overcome to pursue his heart's desire.

In reading about Hill and his struggles, it’s obvious his story needed no embellishment. His deeds were inspiration enough, something “The Hill” doesn’t trust.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 25, 2023

The Hill leaves no cliché unturned when driving home the “inspired” part of the description “inspired by a true story.”

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | Aug 25, 2023

There’s plenty of good material to work with. But the wildly uneven handling of it leaves the movie oscillating between sincerely touching and overly sentimental.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 25, 2023

... the movie’s antiquated structure and insistence on relying on clumsy exposition when it should show us how Hill overcame the odds prove to be its undoing.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Aug 25, 2023

When it's not wrestling (however nicely) with spiritual matters, "The Hill" is a well-meaning but dutiful trudge toward an ordained destination.

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

For Parents
For Educators
Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

Get the app
Movie Reviews
Best Movie Lists
Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best TV Lists
Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for TV
Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book Reviews
Best Book Lists
Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Game Reviews
Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Podcast Reviews
Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

App Reviews
Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

YouTube Channel Reviews
YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

Family Tech Planners
Digital Skills
All Articles
Latino Culture
Black Voices
Asian Stories
Native Narratives
LGBTQ+ Pride
Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

Common sense media reviewers.

Fact-based sports drama highlights the power of faith.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Even when the odds are against you, to achieve you

Rickey Hill demonstrates perseverance, integrity,

Main character Rickey (played by non-disabled acto

Fist fight. A person with a disability is hit hard

Romantic subplot with a kiss. An 18-year-old brief

Language includes "crap" and "doing our damnedest.

Coca-Cola is seen throughout, including in celebra

Smoking throughout. Chewing and spitting tobacco,

Positive Messages

Even when the odds are against you, to achieve your dream, you've got to keep swinging. Also several scripture-based messages, including "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Positive Role Models

Rickey Hill demonstrates perseverance, integrity, and humility, as well as strong faith in God and in himself. He overcomes significant physical, financial, and family adversity to pursue his dream of playing baseball. He and his brother and sister are loving, learned, responsible, and are willing to speak truth to power, no matter the consequences. Faith-based audiences may be impressed by the fact that 10-year-old Rickey has an extensive amount of Biblical Scripture memorized and can quote it at will, with understanding of its meaning. Pastor Hill is a loving father and community leader; he becomes too rigid in his own beliefs, but he's able to recognize his own faults/flaws in time.

Diverse Representations

Main character Rickey (played by non-disabled actor Colin Ford) has an unspecified physical disability that requires him to use leg braces to walk. Some people assume that means he's incapable, and he's constantly over performing to prove differently. He's later diagnosed with another condition. According to the movie he is, at least temporarily, cured by miracles. Rickey's family is lives in poverty in rural Texas, and the challenges that come with economic disparity are reflected through the story. Most characters (including all main characters) are White. The exceptions are a kind Black boy who befriends Rickey on the baseball field (and later connects with him as an adult athlete) and a baseball scout. Female depictions fall in line with a 1963 patriarchal point of view: Gram advocates for her nutritionally deficient daughter and grandchildren, and Pastor Hill labels her as a complainer, comparing her to his wife Helen who "never complains" and is therefore a "good wife." Another woman explains that her bruised eye was the result of her sharing her opinion with her surly husband.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Fist fight. A person with a disability is hit hard with a baseball. Corporal punishment is threatened with a belt, but the action isn't completed. Spousal abuse indicated via a woman's black eye. Bullying behavior includes taunting and name-calling; the person who does this is scolded on more than one occasion.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Romantic subplot with a kiss. An 18-year-old briefly dates her boss.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language includes "crap" and "doing our damnedest." A tween says, "oh shiiii---" then changes to "shoot" when he realizes he's in earshot of an adult. "Cripple" is used by Rickey, his father, and others to describe Rickey's difficulty in mobility. Ableist insults directed at Rickey, who wears leg braces to walk, include "gimp," "jelly legs," and "robot boy."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Coca-Cola is seen throughout, including in celebrations and positive moments, indicating likely product placement. RC Cola is also mentioned once.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Smoking throughout. Chewing and spitting tobacco, which is depicted as gross. A drunk character gets into a fight when he's stopped from driving.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Hill is a Christian sports drama based on the true story of Rickey Hill ( Colin Ford ), who defied the odds to play baseball professionally. Faith is central to the story: Rickey's father, Pastor Hill ( Dennis Quaid ), is a Southern Baptist pastor in small-town Texas in the 1960s, and the Bible is frequently quoted, interpreted, and discussed. Characters frequently smoke and spit tobacco, and someone who's drunk gets into a fist fight when he's stopped from driving. Infrequent language includes words like "crap" and "damnedest," as well as ableist insults ("gimp"). Ricky is the target of bullying and gets hit hard with a baseball. Corporal punishment is threatened, and spousal abuse is indicated via a woman's black eye. The main characters' portrayals offer food for thought/discussion: Rickey demonstrates that while you may "only need faith the size of a mustard seed" to do the impossible, achievement requires perseverance. And Pastor Hill may be a good man and loving father, but his arc also shows that parents need to be open to listening to their kids about the ways they'd like to be supported. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

The Hill Movie: In the 1950s, Dennis Quaid stands, frustrated, in front of a truck overflowing with belongings on a desolate road with his three children and wife standing behind him

Community Reviews

Parents say (4)
Kids say (1)

Based on 4 parent reviews

Baseball and God

What's the story.

Based on a true story, THE HILL follows Rickey Hill ( Colin Ford ), who dreams of being a professional baseball player. Rickey is a natural-born slugger, but an unspecified physical disability means that he can't walk without leg braces. His preacher father, Pastor Hill ( Dennis Quaid ), wants Rickey to put childhood fantasies away, but Rickey has faith that God wouldn't have given him talent if he wasn't intended to use it.

Is It Any Good?

Warm up the apple pie for your movie nibbles, the ingredients of this sports drama are God, baseball, and "old-fashioned American values." Thick with earnestness and devout Christian perspectives, the script -- from the screenwriter of Rudy and Hoosiers -- has a solid structure but is heavy-handed. This is not Christian-lite: It's the faithiest faith film about faith for the faithful. In many ways, The Hill plays into stereotypes and even somewhat perpetuates the attitudes of the era it's set in. And yet by making a "villain" (of sorts) out of Pastor Hill -- a good man who's doing his best to support and guide his family and his community but simultaneously refusing to let his son follow his dream to try to protect him -- it delivers thoughtful nuance. It's not a grand slam, but The Hill is rich with conversation starters. And faith-based audiences will be thrilled to see a thoughtful exploration of scripture.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Rickey demonstrates perseverance , integrity , and gratitude in The Hill . Why are these important character strengths? Do you consider him a role model?

What's the point of showing Pastor Hill allow parishoners to smoke in church, even though he doesn't agree with it? Is tobacco use glamorized?

What skills or talent do you have? What purpose do you think it could serve as you grow up?

Do you think this movie is intended solely for Christian audiences? Why, or why not?

Movie Details

In theaters : October 17, 2023
Cast : Dennis Quaid , Joelle Carter , Colin Ford
Director : Jeff Celentano
Studio : Briarcliff Entertainment
Genre : Drama
Topics : Brothers and Sisters , Great Boy Role Models , High School , History , Middle School
Character Strengths : Communication , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
Run time : 126 minutes
MPAA rating : PG
MPAA explanation : thematic content, language, and smoking throughout
Last updated : January 31, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

When the Game Stands Tall

Great Sports Movies

Movies with characters who have physical disabilities, related topics.

Communication
Perseverance
Brothers and Sisters
Great Boy Role Models
High School
Middle School

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

an image, when javascript is unavailable

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘the hill’ review: dennis quaid in a flawed but effective feel-good drama of faith, family and sports.

This inspirational film tells the real-life story of Rickey Hill, who overcame a debilitating condition to pursue his dream of playing major-league baseball.

By Frank Scheck

Frank Scheck

Share on Facebook
Share to Flipboard
Send an Email
Show additional share options
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Share on Tumblr
Share on Whats App
Print the Article
Post a Comment

Full credits

Thr newsletters.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Michael b. jordan is “excited” to start filming ‘i am legend 2’ with will smith, ‘diane von furstenberg: woman in charge’ review: iconic designer reflects on her life and loves in vivid tribeca opener, how ‘bad boys: ride or die’ may remind viewers of will smith’s oscars slap, sheryl lee ralph reacts to ‘sister act 2’ meme, james gunn’s ‘superman’ adds ‘saturday night live’ actor beck bennett, when you give a ball a camera: how ‘challengers’ vfx team created tennis pov scene.

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

DVD & Streaming
Biography/History , Christian , Drama , Sports

Content Caution

In Theaters

August 18, 2023
Dennis Quaid as James Hill; Scott Glenn as Red Murff; Joelle Carter as Helen Hill; Colin Ford as Rickey Hill; Bonnie Bedelia as Gram; Wilbur Fitzgerald as Josh Meyers; Siena Bjornerud as Gracie Shantz; Mila Harris as Young Gracie; James Devoti as Earl Shantz; Justin Miles as Ned; Adrian Eppley as Mariah; Mark Rowe as Chuck Calhoun; Monica Louwerens as Patsy Shantz; Jesse Berry as Young Rickey Hill; Taylor St. Clair as Mrs. Babbitt; Carina Worm as Connie Hill; Tyrik Johnson as Young Jason; Pilot Bunch as Young Quinn

Home Release Date

October 17, 2023
Jeff Celentano

Distributor

Briarcliff Entertainment

Movie Review

David and Goliath tales aren’t hard to come by. But The Hill, based on a true story, is one that hits a home run (in more ways than one).

In this case, Rickey Hill’s obstacle is not a seven-foot giant. Instead, he faces a degenerative spine disease that threatens both his dreams of playing Major League Baseball and his ability to walk.

To his father, James, Rickey’s disability is God’s sign to pursue “a higher calling.” As James sees it, baseball was a distraction from meaningfully serving God, anyway. But even as a small child, Rickey disagrees. What if he can serve God through his passion?

As much as The Hill is a story about baseball, it’s also a story about family. A poor Baptist preacher, James Hill does everything he can to provide for his wife, children and mother-in-law. Although he allows his feelings about baseball and his son’s calling to become a somewhat adversarial a spiritual stance, James truly has his family’s best interest in mind.

In the end, both James and Rickey have a lot to learn about God’s will.

Positive Elements

In good and bad times, the Hill family rallies to support one another. Even when an entire town unites against them, Helen boldly (and publicly) stands up for her husband. And although she may disagree with some of James’ decisions, Helen faithfully backs his leadership in their family and church.

The Hill kids also exemplify healthy relationships. For the most part, Rickey and his siblings, Robert and Connie, respect their father’s wishes even when they disagree with him. When the kids do make mistakes, they take ownership of their mistakes and respectfully accept the consequences. The kids display positive relationships with one another, as well. Robert, the oldest sibling, supports Rickey by helping him practice baseball and standing up to bullies.

One character also goes on a spiritual journey, moving from pride to humility and repenting in front of an entire congregation.

Spiritual Elements

Early on, James preaches a sermon on David and Goliath, and it’s clear that The Hill is loosely framed as a metaphorical take on that story. Characters make several other biblical references as well.

James constantly instructs his kids to meditate on Scripture, and Rickey displays an impressive understanding and knowledge of the Bible. The Hill family prays together. And they remind one another of biblical truth and hope. We also see characters desperately beg God for His help in dire situations.

James steadfastly holds to his beliefs. For instance, when his mother-in-law suggests he ignore certain behaviors in church, he responds that he cannot apologize for doing what’s right. James also claims that baseball cards “sell the worship of false idols” and that baseball could damage Rickey’s soul.

In a particularly tense moment of the movie, James tells Rickey he must choose between God’s will and his own will (which, to James, is playing baseball). Rickey argues that he feels God’s presence when he plays baseball.

[ Spoiler Warning : In the end, James realizes that the convictions he’s held regarding his faith and baseball have been proud and arrogant, and he admits those failings to his congregation.]

Cross decorations are seen in the Hill’s home, and Rickey draws a cross with his bat in a baseball game. At one point, Rickey says he believes his girlfriend, Gracie, is an angel. And he claims that saying, “Cross your heart and hope to die” is a heathen vow. Someone also uses the popular Christian cliché, “When the good Lord shuts a door, He opens a window.” Someone describes a place as “Satan’s saloon.”

Sexual Content

When they are kids, Gracie claims that Rickey is her boyfriend, and she sends him letters reiterating this idea. When Rickey is in high school, one character mentions breaking up with her boyfriend. Later, two high school characters begin a romantic relationship in which they hold hands and lean on each other’s shoulders. This couple also kisses.

Violent Content

It is implied that Gracie’s mother experiences marital abuse, and we see her face covered with bruises. There’s also a moment in which a character is on her death bed. We watch as she peacefully passes away, and characters attend her funeral.

Throughout the film, several people vent their anger by kicking or throwing objects. (Later, they usually resolve their feelings in healthier ways.) In one moment of anger, Helen throws a ceramic plate on the floor next to James.

In an attempt to prevent someone from driving drunk, James starts a tussle with a man. This man also attempts to push one of James’ children. In a particularly tense moment in the film, James discovers that his children have disobeyed him. He plans to discipline one of them with his belt.

Kids bully Ricky for his disability when he’s younger. When Robert tries to stand up for him, the bully pushes him. And throughout the film, Rickey’s disability causes him immense pain. Several times, his condition causes him to collapse in agony. We also hear medical descriptions of Rickey’s troubling condition.

Crude or Profane Language

[ Note: Plugged In received an early review screener of The Hill that included some profanity that was edited in the final cut. We were alerted to this discrepency and have re-watched the final cut of the film, which has fewer language concerns. Those that remain in the final cut are noted below. ]

Little Rickey says, “Daddy’s a bada–.” In a moment of deep frustration after a car runs out of gas, James Hill repeatedly kicks the vehicle and screams either “god” or “gah” six times. He also says “oh my god!” in another scene. Two characters exclaim, “Lord!” We hear one use each of “d–n” and “d–nedest.” There are three uses each of “heck” and “crap,” as well as single uses each of “dang” and “darn.” Characters use the phrase “don’t know spit” three times, and one person nearly says the s-word before changing it to “shoot.”

There are a couple of uses of “butt” and one of “hind ends.” A professional baseball scout says admirably of Rickey’s determination, “The boy’s got himself some cajones.” Someone says “jack squat.”

Several people meanly call Rickey a “gimp” because of his disability. Rickey and Gracie both playfully label themselves as “dorks.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

In church scenes, characters are seen smoking and spitting tobacco. James quickly calls out these characters’ behaviors. A man walks out of a bar, drunk, and attempts to drive home. Another character references his drinking, smoking and gambling habits. Before a game, someone promises Rickey a six-pack of alcohol.

Other Negative Elements

Although the Hill family generally has healthy relational interactions, we see a few moments of dysfunction. James’ mother-in-law vocally contradicts many of his decisions, and her dissention can spark arguments.

The kids play baseball against their father’s will, even forging his signature to get on a team. One day, Helen gives the kids her permission to play on the Sabbath against her husband’s wishes.

Once Rickey does begin playing baseball, James refuses to attend any of his games out of personal conviction.

At times, Christian movies can feel formulaic and forced, sometimes preferring sermonizing to storytelling. The Hill generally avoids that approach, allowing the story to speak for itself.

Where the movie succeeds is also where it might stumble slightly for some families and Christian movie fans. In its efforts to keep things as authentic as possible, The Hill includes a bit of profanity as well as tobacco references, content that might be incrementally grittier than some would expect.

That said, Rickey’s story is powerful. Not only does the movie communicate an inspiring message about overcoming obstacles, it also demonstrates what it looks like to keep your faith despite discouragement from other believers.

Although James Hill is a Baptist preacher, and his career is a central part of the story, The Hill avoids preaching. Instead, we see how God’s power and faithfulness are more effectively illustrated by a movie that focuses on this narrative rather than trying to preach a sermon.

And you know what? God’s hand is testimony enough.

Sarah Rasmussen

Sarah Rasmussen is the Plugged In intern for Summer 2023.

Latest Reviews

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Young Woman and the Sea

Back to Black

The Fall Guy

Weekly reviews straight to your inbox.

Briarcliff Entertainment

Summary Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father (Dennis Quaid) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps ... Read More

Directed By : Jeff Celentano

Written By : Angelo Pizzo, Scott Marshall Smith, Bill Chaffin, Carmine Zozzora

Where to Watch

Dennis Quaid

Pastor hill, rickey hill, joelle carter, scott glenn, siena bjornerud, gracie shanz, ryan dinning, robert hill, carina worm, connie hill, bonnie bedelia, randy houser, ray clemons, jesse berry, young rickey, mason gillett, young robert, mila harris, young gracie, hailey bithell, young connie, pilot bunch, young quinn, tyrik johnson, young jason, adrian eppley, tyler johnson, david silverman, judy leavell, linda meyers, critic reviews.

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

User Reviews

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Related Movies

Lawrence of Arabia (re-release)

The passion of joan of arc, my left foot, 12 years a slave, the social network, schindler's list, the irishman, the wild child, we were here, reversal of fortune, the diving bell and the butterfly, the act of killing, the look of silence, related news.

2024 Movie Release Calendar

Jason dietz.

Find a schedule of release dates for every movie coming to theaters, VOD, and streaming throughout 2024 and beyond, updated daily.

June Movie Preview

Keith kimbell.

Our editors select the most noteworthy movies debuting in June 2024, including a Pixar sequel, a Quiet Place prequel, the latest from directors Yorgos Lanthimos and Jeff Nichols, and more.

DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

Find a list of new movie and TV releases on DVD and Blu-ray (updated weekly) as well as a calendar of upcoming releases on home video.

Cannes Film Festival 2024: Best and Worst Films

Which films at the 77th Cannes Film Festival wowed our critics, and which ones failed to deliver? We recap the just-concluded festival with a list of award winners and review summaries for dozens of films making their world premieres in Cannes, including new titles from David Cronenberg, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrea Arnold, Kevin Costner, Jia Zhang-Ke, Ali Abbasi, Michel Hazanavicius, Paul Schrader, and more

Every Francis Ford Coppola Movie, Ranked

We rank every movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola throughout his six-decade career including his newest film, Megalopolis.

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

Movie Review – The Hill (2023)

August 25, 2023 by Robert Kojder

The Hill , 2023.

Directed by Jeff Celenntano. Starring Dennis Quaid, Scott Glenn, Bonnie Bedelia, Joelle Carter, Colin Ford, Adrian Eppley, Mila Harris, Wilbur Fitzgerald, James Devoti, Mark Rowe, Monica Louwerens, Jesse Berry, Mason Gillett, Ryan Dinning, Siena Bjornerud, Justin Miles, Taylor St. Clair, Carina Worm, David Silverman, Randy Houser, Tracie Frank, Mustapha J. Slack, Hailey Bithell, and Matthew Dwyer.

The remarkable true-life story of Rickey Hill’s improbable journey to play Major League Baseball.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, The Hill wouldn’t exist.

Coming from director Jeff Celentano and the screenwriting team of Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith (based on the previous script – something that shows in the sloppy construction – by Aric Hornig and Stephen Hintz), The Hill leaves no cliché unturned when driving home the “inspired” part of the description “inspired by a true story.”

Ostensibly about Rickey Hill, a disabled baseball prodigy suffering from degenerative spinal disease and leg braces disallowing him from fully rotating when swinging a baseball bat (played by Jesse Berry and Mason Gillett as a child and Colin Ford as a high school senior, all of whom are serviceable in the role), The Hill can’t help itself from often leaning into faith-based territory focusing on the boy’s pastor father James (Dennis Quaid). While he doesn’t mind Rickey successfully and enthusiastically tossing rocks into the air and smacking them with a stick, he has no interest in allowing his son to pursue his lofty ambitions of joining Major League Baseball, choosing to believe that God’s will is that he will follow in the same preaching path.

Giving a shred of credit where it is due, the filmmakers do seem aware that James and his unfounded dream-crushing doesn’t come from an initiative to do what the best for the boy medically, but rather selfishness, often ignoring miracles that happen right before his eyes. This also means that scenes where a young Rickey gets fed up and frustrated by the leg braces, smashing them and removing them to more easily swing a baseball bat, only to be able to walk around fine inexplicably, comes across as siding with higher powers over science, which is always a tough pill to swallow in modern times. The script is willing to portray James as a flawed religious individual slightly, but also quick to tap right back into the faith-based miracle well in other areas, because, at the end of the day, that’s what this film is about more than baseball.

The tonal imbalance between religious fare and baseball is just one of many issues here, though, as The Hill pushes itself from one ham-fisted, corny, saccharine, phony sequence to the next. There are childhood girlfriends that come back into the picture not even five minutes after a flash forward to high school, childhood bullies playing for opposing teams during high school games, illnesses worsening at the most convenient plotting times, deaths in the family to provide one last motivational push chasing those dreams, and a legendary scout that is comically portrayed as a villainous obstacle rather than a believable human being. And those are just the things that come to mind off-hand.

There is something to the idea and presumable truth that, despite these medical setbacks, Rickey remained resilient and continued to prove everyone wrong, which somehow wasn’t enough of a miracle to his father. There’s a brief line of dialogue where James, who refuses to watch his son play baseball, is implied to be ashamed that his son is crippled and worries the rest of the world will laugh at him even if he does find professional success. However, the filmmakers never explore that, considering that would involve portraying James a bit too much of an antagonist when ultimately, the good book on making movies of this ilk forbids doing anything that might upset the religious target demographic.

That’s one way of saying there are nuggets of compelling dynamics here, and the performances themselves are solid, but the filmmakers are too cowardly even to attempt going near that strike soon. Equally insulting is the portrayal of baseball itself, which comes across as dishonest and fake to anyone familiar with the sport. The Hill eventually reaches a high-stakes scouting game where Rickey gets to prove his worth once and for all, but his performance in that game is so unrealistically, absurdly phenomenal that it’s impossible to take seriously. Although, at least for about 30 minutes, the film is actually about baseball.

Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ / Movie: ★ ★

Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd , or email me at [email protected]

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Ranking Every Friday the 13th Movie From Worst to Best

Seven Famous Cursed Movie Productions

Ten Essential Films of the 1940s

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at 20: Something Wicked This Way Comes

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind at 20: A Sci-Fi Romance Unlike Any Other

Who is the Best Final Girl in Horror?

Exploring George A. Romero’s Non-Zombie Movies

When Movie Artwork Was Great

The Most Shocking Movies of the 1970s

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at 25 – Still a franchise low-point?

Comic Books
Video Games
Toys & Collectibles
Articles and Opinions
About Flickering Myth
Write for Flickering Myth
Advertise on Flickering Myth
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy

Where to Watch

Dennis Quaid (Pastor Hill) Colin Ford (Rickey Hill) Joelle Carter (Helen Hill) Scott Glenn (Red Murff) Siena Bjornerud (Gracie Shanz) Ryan Dinning (Robert Hill) Carina Worm (Connie Hill) Bonnie Bedelia (Gram) Randy Houser (Ray Clemons) Jesse Berry (Young Rickey)

Jeff Celentano

The true story of Rickey Hill, the son of a travelling pastor who overcomes physical obstacles to pursue his dream of playing baseball in the major leagues.

Recommendations

Children's/Family
Documentary/Reality
Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: 'Eric' on Netflix + More

'Godzilla Minus One' Gets Surprise Release On Netflix

Netflix's Huge Jake Paul Vs. Mike Tyson Fight Postponed After Tyson...

Jax Taylor Admits His "Delivery Is Awful" In 'The Valley': "That's One Of...

What Happened to Regé-Jean Page? Did the Duke Bomb His Movie Star Career...

'9-1-1's Malcolm-Jamal Warner On Amir And Bobby, Working With Peter...

'Unfrosted' Has Everyone Wondering "What's The Deal With Jerry Seinfeld?"

Chrissy Teigen Stuns John Legend On 'The Drew Barrymore Show' With Reveal...

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Hill’ on Netflix, A Faith-Based Sports Drama About A Disabled Boy Who Wants To Play Baseball

Where to stream:.

The Hill (2023)
Dennis Quaid

Demi Moore Goes Full Frontal For Cannes Hit ‘The Substance’ At Age 61: “It Was A Very Vulnerable Experience”

New movies on streaming: ‘the long game’ + more, dennis quaid thinks his ‘parent trap’ character nick parker would still “be sipping some of the wine out of his vineyard” today: “not traveling too far from home”, dennis quaid to play ‘happy face’ serial killer in paramount+ series.

Now streaming on Netflix , the sports drama The Hill follows a young boy with a disability as he aspires to be a professional baseball player, but is discouraged by his religious father. The story is based on the real life of Rickey Hill, who was signed by the Montreal Expos in 1975 and played for four years until his spine went out.

THE HILL : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: The Hill follows Rickey Hill ( Colin Ford ) as a young boy through teenhood as he decides to play baseball and overcomes additional huddles due to his degenerative spinal disease. However, Rickey’s father Pastor Hill ( Dennis Quaid ) is overprotective and doesn’t support him playing the sport.

To keep his son in line, Pastor Hill challenges Rickey’s devotion to their Christian faith due to his new interest, and insists he can only choose one path.

As the movie continues, Rickey’s brother Robert (Ryan Dinning) joins him at baseball tournaments and even convinces him to forge their father’s signature for try outs. The Hill matriarch Hellen (Joelle Carter) is silently supportive and expresses such through longing glances and encouraging her husband to be more open-minded. Her mother also lives with them, but choses to take a more adamant stance against the pastor’s prejudice.

Through all of this, the Hill family faces other issues, such as being booted from a small town due to a disagreement at the church, struggling with money, and a family death. When everything comes to a tee, will Rickey be able to make a living as a professional baseball player? Will he get scouted for the big league? Will his father ever watch him play?

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: The Hill will remind you of other faith-based dramas that take place in the South and are based on true stories, such as The Blind Sid e and Hillbilly Elegy .

Performance Worth Watching: Joelle Carter steals the scene as Rickey’s mother Hellen Hill, particularly in the third act which occurs after she suffers a major loss. While often portrayed as an obedient pastor’s wife, Carter quietly elevates her character through her building rage and unwavering love for her sons.

Memorable Dialogue: Rickey tries to explain to his father why baseball is important to him. Drawing a parallel to his Christian faith, he says, “When I swing that bat, I ain’t crippled anymore… I am David taking down Goliath.” His father shuts him down, causing Gram to step in, “Don’t you dare run that child down. Give him his say, he’s earned it.” The pastor fights back, “You stay out of it, this ain’t none of your business.” To that, Gram puts him in his place. “My business is the family that you’ve turned into sheep… Hellen and the kids, they love you so much that they let you suck all the joy out of their lives and I’m too old and mean to stand by another minute while you make your misery theirs.” Finally, someone said it!

Sex and Skin: None.

Our Take: The Hill is a fine, yet unchallenging, drama. The movie plays up its core conflicts in ways that don’t entirely land – partially due to its weak script and the lack of stakes beyond “eternal damnation,” or whatever it is the Hill family thinks will happen if they don’t devote their every living second to God and the man of their household?

The dialogue leaves much to be desired in all aspects, but particularly in its attempt to cement a love story that never gets a chance to blossom beyond the couple proclaiming every time they’re on screen that they’re a couple.

Beyond those points, the performances were solid and Rickey’s optimism will inspire viewers just as much as the Pastor’s stubbornness will leave them seething.

Our Call: Why not? If you’re into this genre, STREAM IT. The movie’s story is cliché and rather preachy, but it isn’t bad. Rickey’s story is important and engaging… whenever viewers aren’t being weighed down by the pastor’s repetitive prejudice against his family and community.

Stream It Or Skip It

'Live's Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos Say They Could Never Be Part Of A Throuple: "I Can't Even Understand Their Scheduling"

When Will 'Heartland' Season 17 Arrive On Netflix?

'Today': Jenna Bush Hager Describes Her Wild Night Getting Caught Walking Her Cat In A Stroller While Wearing Her Pajamas

Does ‘Yellowstone’ Return Tonight? ‘Yellowstone’s Season 5, Part 2 Return Date, Kevin Costner Update

Ana Navarro Can Barely Contain Her Rage At Marco Rubio On 'The View' After He Compares Trump Guilty Verdict to Oppression In Cuba: "How Dare You"

Drew Barrymore Says She Just Learned What A "Vedgie" Is: "I Certainly Know What A Camel Toe Is!"

The Hill Review: A Good Movie About Baseball and Faith with a Weak Script

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The Hill is an inspirational film based on a true story, but it feels familiar and lacks originality.
The first half of the film focuses on the push-pull dynamic between the main character and his father, which could have benefited from some editing.
Despite its length and weaknesses in the script, The Hill manages to be uplifting and inspiring, thanks to solid performances from the cast.

Based on a true story, The Hill comes from director Jeff Celentano ( Breaking Point ), who attempts to strike a home run with this baseball tale . Creatively, the bases never feel fully loaded here and there’s never a sense that things won’t get resolved. That the film goes into overtime — literally — is another story. Despite all that, if you can have a little patience, when all is said and done, Celentano does justice to the real-life story of a celebrated baseball player, beginning with his childhood in the 1970s and moving through young adulthood where he was further confronted with his physical injuries and filial strife.

The film, which arrives from Briarcliff Entertainment, stars Dennis Quaid, Joelle Carter, country music singer and songwriter Randy Houser, Bonnie Bedelia, Scott Glen, and Jesse Berry and Colin Ford as Rickey Hill at various ages. It's your typical inspirational fare.

The Hill Uses a Familiar Inspiring Story

The Hill has a lot going for it, but there comes a point about 20 minutes in when the déjà vu hits. Haven’t we been here before? Maybe in a streaming series? Maybe in another film? Even another Dennis Quaid film ? You wish that sensation away as The Hill moves through its first hour, but it’s an unavoidable feeling until the film’s second half, which, despite being based on a true story, somehow holds the same kind of creative rhythm of other stories.

Young Rickey Hill ( Jesse Berry from Good Trouble ) is moving through childhood in an impoverished small-town Texas setting. Rickey has a knack for hitting a baseball, surprising perhaps to some people because he’s riddled with leg braces he has to wear due to a degenerative spinal disease. If that’s not enough challenge, his father (Dennis Quaid) is a stern pastor whose constant discouragement to pursue baseball leaves Rickey feeling befuddled if not restless.

The first hour of the film captures the push-pull dynamic between father and son. Rickey’s mom (Joelle Carter) can’t do all that much to ease the dilemma, and the pressure to become a preacher like his father is omnipresent for Rickey. These scenes could use some editing, as they tend to overstay their welcome. In 2023, when audiences are used to stories that are told beyond traditional linear formats, you wonder if employing more fluidity, moving back and forth through time, would have helped the overall endeavor.

Related: Best Baseball Movies, Ranked

Quaid seems to be in a rinse-and-repeat role. Or, at least in yet another film where he plays a stalwart figure at the forefront of a family dilemma. The story really takes off once Colin Ford enters the picture, playing Rickey as a young man. The Walker and Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story star is captivating on screen. He holds a rare on-screen élan, and his acting chops seem to keep being refined. This is especially evident as Rickey begins heading down the road to becoming the phenom that he was. Like in real life, he’s paired with a major league scout, Red Murff (Scott Glenn playing Scott Glenn) in the film — Rickey must impress Murff to get into professional baseball, but Murff’s presence divides the family.

Overlong Baseball Film Written by Hoosiers' Mastermind

The hill (2023).

The Hill benefits from an inspiring true story as its source.
It's no Field of Dreams, but the themes and message of The Hill is strong.
Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, and Joelle Carter give good performances.
The Hill is overlong and runs out of steam.
The dialogue and script is relatively weak.

To be sure, the tale of Rickey Hill is a heart-tugging, encompassing real-life drama that touches on themes some audiences could relate to or strive for: faith, unwavering perseverance, and honing one’s talents. Toss in some childhood hardship and intense physical ailments emerging from a life of physical pain, and mix it in with living in the shadow of a loving yet stern father, and it all seemed to look good on paper.

It did. But there’s something amiss in the execution of this tale. For starters, the film is bloated, running just over two hours. That’s a lot to take in for a movie that may not require so much time to tell an effective story. Ideally, The Hill could have worked at 90 minutes.

Related: Best Sports Biopics of All Time, Ranked

Director Jeff Celentano ( Glass Jaw, Breaking Point ) reportedly began the project some 15 years ago when a bit of serendipity came his way. His brother had been sitting in a hotel lobby and the stranger next to him happened to be Rickey Hill. The man was chatting on the phone, discussing how plans for a film about his life had collapsed. Well, who wouldn’t take that as a “sign” to consider making a movie about the man after hearing his story.

Celentano ventured to Texas to meet Michael A. Blubaugh, who owned the rights to Hill’s tale, and the journey to the screen began in a new way. Angelo Pizzo came on board as screenwriter; Pizzo was the mastermind behind the David Anspaugh-directed phenom that was Hoosiers in 1986. The story about an Indiana high school basketball team in the 1950s starred Gene Hackman and became one of the most popular sports-related films in history.

The Hill doesn’t capture the magic Hoosiers held, but most of its cast does a fine job with the material it has been given. It would have been nice to shine the spotlight a bit more on Hill after childhood. The front half of the film tends to weigh things down. Still, this faith-based offering manages to uplift and be traditionally inspiring, despite some of its setbacks. To that end, hallelujah.

The Hill opened in theaters Aug. 25, 2023. You can stream it now on Netflix through the link below:

Watch The Hill

Movie and TV Reviews

Dennis Quaid

Screen Rant

The hill review: dennis quaid leads a biopic unable to find genuine drama.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

10 Harsh Realities About The Divergent Books, 11 Years After The Series Ended

Alien: romulus has to be careful with its next trailer, badlands: confirmation, cast & everything we know about the standalone predator movie.

The Hill, a new sports biopic, lacks the depth needed to truly sell the inspiring story of minor league baseball player Rickey Hill.
The movie's heavy-handed religious message clashes with Rickey's journey, leaving his character underdeveloped and the story repetitive.
The Hill's focus on faith overshadows its role as a sports movie, resulting in missed opportunities for impactful moments and erasing much of the tension and emotion.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn't exist.

Prior to watching The Hill , the new inspirational sports biopic from director Jeff Celentano , I didn't know anything about minor league baseball player Rickey Hill, an athlete whose story is set up to be as soaring and epic as any of the best sports movies. As the tale goes, Rickey overcomes health problems and the disapproval of his father to make it to the world of professional baseball, a pretty straightforward, most likely crowd-pleasing underdog arc. Unfortunately, though, The Hill lacks the depth needed to really sell Rickey's journey. Heavy-handed religious message aside, the movie doesn't properly sell the obstacles that lie in his way, and its refusal to deepen its central figure leaves the whole affair feeling hollow.

Young Rickey Hill (Jesse Berry), the son of gruff pastor James (Dennis Quaid), has big dreams of playing professional baseball, and he's been gifted with incredible talent when it comes to swinging a bat. It seems like his path is clearly marked, but there's a problem. Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease, he wears leg braces that hinder his movement and prevent him from getting that full-body rotation often employed by baseball players. James wants Rickey to abandon his dreams of being an athlete, but Rickey's faith gives him enough hope to keep pursuing it, especially as he grows up (with actor Colin Ford taking over) and shows signs of healing. However, right when Rickey's biggest opportunity yet arrives, his health takes a turn for the worse, plunging the aspiring player into his fiercest fight yet.

The effectiveness of The Hill 's faith-based story will vary for each audience member. For me, I struggled with how it clashed with Rickey's journey. Outside of his love of baseball and his strong sense of belief, he has no real character to speak of. In the early scenes, James' struggles as a pastor take up more space than Rickey's initial development, and even when The Hill finally turns its attention back to its young protagonist and his journey, it settles into a rather repetitive rhythm. Rickey's strength as a player lies within his impressive ability to hit consistent home-runs, so The Hill only ever shows him batting and being successful at it. Celentano stages each moment Rickey steps up to bat in the same exact way, taking the intrigue and tension out of the moment.

It's clear the movie, written by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith (and based on a screenplay by Aric Hornig and Stephen Hintz), has no interest in genuinely exploring Rickey's skills and growth as a player. He's brilliant from the start, as an apparent stranger tells him early on, and he stays brilliant. It's very one-note. The Hill 's conflict comes from James' objections and Rickey's health problems, but even then, those issues are not sold as being particularly devastating. James capitulates to Rickey's repeated insistence that it was his God-given destiny to play baseball multiple times, and even the detail that James has never attended one of his son's games lacks emotional weight because, outside of that, he seems decently supportive. Meanwhile, Rickey's degenerative spinal disease resurfaces when he's a young adult, but outside of people directly saying he can't play or walk, there's little indication this is a serious impediment to his abilities since Ford, who does his best to play a character with little depth, can't properly convey his physical disabilities.

Perhaps one of the biggest issues with The Hill is that it skips events that, one would think, would be the most impactful ones to see. Rickey taking off his braces for the first time isn't shown, but the audience is treated to the moment James realizes it in an awkwardly staged scene. Rickey's first baseball tryouts and early practices are ignored in favor of extended moments where he argues with James about God's will. Faith is important to these characters, and that's nothing to be scoffed at. However, The Hill 's interest in being a faith-based movie is at odds with its position as a sports biopic and general character study. By the end of the film, Rickey is still a bit of a mystery, as there's so much we don't know about him. Both Ford and Berry play Rickey with a respectable earnestness, but that isn't enough to make up for the story's shortcomings. Of the rest of the cast, Quaid makes the strongest impression with a somewhat contradictory character, though Bonnie Bedelia gets the next showiest role as Rickey's opinionated grandmother.

Overall, The Hill is lacking many of the hallmarks one would expect from a sports movie, pushing aside major events in favor of returning to its religious messaging. This leads to some baffling choices in its character development and storytelling, and those in turn erase much of the tension and emotion from the movie. Rickey certainly has an interesting journey, and there are moments when its power can be felt. Unfortunately, they don't make up the majority of The Hill 's runtime.

The Hill releases in theaters Friday, August 25. It is 126 minutes long and rated PG for thematic content, language, and smoking throughout.

Our Rating:

2 star movies
The Hill (2023)

REVIEW: “The Hill” (2023)

Recently we’ve seen several solid biographical sports dramas come down the movie pipeline. The latest is “The Hill” from director Jeff Celentano. It stars Dennis Quaid who is certainly no stranger to said biographical sports dramas. Written by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith, the film seeks to tell the inspiring true story of Rickey Hill who refused to let his physical disability stop his pursuit of a baseball career.

“The Hill” is a heartfelt and well-intended feel-good feature that is more of a melodrama than a full-on sports story. Obviously baseball plays a key part. But it’s much more about a close-knit yet struggling family, particularly the relationship between a stern and overprotective father and his gifted and determined son. There’s plenty of good material there to work with. But the wildly uneven handling of it leaves the movie oscillating between sincerely touching and overly sentimental.

Since he was a child Rickey Hill (played by Jesse Berry and later by Colin Ford) had a knack for hitting a baseball. But a degenerative spinal disease put him in leg braces as a child making his dream to play in the Major Leagues seem unreachable. Rickey’s strict but well-meaning father James (Dennis Quaid), a small town Texas pastor, discourages him from pursuing baseball out of fear of serious injury. He’d rather Rickey follow in his footsteps and preach. But over time his hardline orthodoxy does more to push his son towards his dream than discourage him from it.

So “The Hill” follows two paths – Rickey’s and his father’s. To its credit, the movie takes its time developing the family dynamic and showing the hardships they faced in 1970 rural Texas. Rickey’s path is one of trials and challenges, but also of unwavering confidence and resilience. James’ path is one of spiritual conflict and stubbornness. But James is no villain. The film does a good job showing how his actions, though often misguided, are rooted in a genuine love for his son.

Several other characters do a good job filling out these two central stories. Gracie (first played by Mila Harris and later by Siena Bjornerud) is Rickey’s self-proclaimed girlfriend who proves to be his biggest encourager. Joelle Carter is really good playing James’ supportive yet frustrated wife Hellen. And it was great seeing Scott Glenn pop up later as the gruff big league scout Red Murff (Scott Glenn). But at the same time the movie is hampered by some really bad performances in smaller yet reoccurring roles. They can be a real distraction.

After a shaky first 30 minutes the movie eventually hits its stride only to be tripped up in a painfully mawkish final 20 minutes that sees Celentano attempt to yank every emotional string, hit every schmaltzy cue, and lean on every baseball movie cliche in the book. There are a couple of surprising cameos in the last 15 minutes including an appearance by the real Rickey Hill. But the movie wraps up on such a false note which ends up being too much for the film’s better moments to overcome. “The Hill” opens in theaters August 25th.

VERDICT – 2.5 STARS

THE HILL (2023)

"a true miracle".

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: Nothing else objectionable.

More Detail:

THE HILL is a new biographical sports drama based on the true story of Rickey Hill. It stars Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford.

The movie opens with a young Rickey hitting stones with a stick in his backyard. His father, a local pastor in a rural Texas town, and his siblings watch Rickey hit rock after rock with unique accuracy.

Rickey loves his family, God and has a dream to play baseball. However, he was born with a degenerative spinal disease that results in him having to wear leg braces. This makes it hard for him to run and walk.

As he grows up, his family can barely afford new leg braces. Moreover, after Rickey’s father calls out his Baptist congregation for smoking and drinking during church, he is excommunicated. So, they are forced to pack what little belongings they have into their station wagon and find a new home. Rickey and his family face obstacle after obstacle, but Rickey’s love for the game and courage to never quit leads him to start playing real baseball. His father disapproves and would rather Rickey protect his health and become a pastor. As a result, his father never attends his games. If it were up to his father, Rickey would have to choose baseball or God. However, Rickey believes he can honor God by playing baseball.

THE HILL is an inspiring, uplifting, and biblical movie about the miracle God works on Rickey Hill. It champions faith, and never quitting despite our circumstances. It also shows a compelling, authentic family dynamic between Rickey and the rest of his family. Through forgiveness and humility, the Hill family learns to love one another and trust God’s plan above their own.

Despite some brief moments of violence, a scene where congregants in a church are smoking and drinking, and some brief, mild language, THE HILL is a classic sports drama akin to other movies in the genre like RUDY and HOOSIERS, which were also written by THE HILL’s c-writer, Angelo Pizzo. However, THE HILL has a strong, more overt Christian worldview. Colin Ford and Dennis Quaid deliver superb performances as Rickey and his father. The movie moves along at a pace that will captivate audiences of many different ages. THE HILL is a hope-filled movie with an unashamed emphasis on God’s ability to work miracles in anyone. MOVIEGUIDE® does advise caution for younger children due to brief foul language, smoking and two scenes of drunkenness.

Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

The Hill Parent Guide

Like most underdog sports films, the story is predictable, but it also tells a meaningful story about family ties, reconciliation, and overcoming adversity..

Theaters: Based on the real life story of Ricky Hill's journey of overcoming a disability to play Major League Baseball. (Also released as "Eleven for Eleven".)

Release date August 25, 2023

Run Time: 126 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by donna gustafson.

Rickey Hill (played as an adult by Colin Ford) couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate surname. Born with a degenerative spinal disease, a young Rickey (Jesse Berry) is told his chances of walking are insurmountable, but he beats the odds by wearing leg braces. Falling in love with baseball, the boy spends many hours using a stick as a bat and rocks as balls. Yet despite how amazingly hard and far Rickey hits those rocks, everyone knows that a disabled kid could never really face the pitcher’s mound. Or could they?

Rickey’s physical limitations are only one of the mountains he will need to move if he wants to participate in the sport. The bigger problem looming over his fantasy is his father (Dennis Quaid). A poor preacher barely able to provide food for his family, James Hill is simultaneously tenderly protective of his frail son and harshly strict about him dedicating his life to God. Believing the boy has a gift, James wants Rickey to pursue a higher purpose rather than put his body at risk chasing a pointless pastime.

As trials continue to plague both Rickey and James, their hope and faith are tested. Some of these challenges are depicted in the film, including childhood bullying, threats between adults, family strife and implied domestic abuse. In one scene a dad gets his belt ready with a firm belief if he spares the rod, he will spoil the child. In others, characters defy authority figures and make difficult personal sacrifices, and still have their dreams dashed. Occasionally, they respond with a few muttered profanities, more often with prayerful pleas.

Although the screenplay suffers from predictability, it offers some beautiful moments of familial love, even when characters are torn between their roles as supportive wife or caring mother (played by Joelle Carter), observant mother-in-law or interfering grandmother (Bonnie Bedelia), and obedient children or loyal siblings (Mason Gillett/Ryan Dinning and Hailey Bithell/Carina Worm). Still, the film hits it out of the park is with the portrayal of this father and son seeking reconciliation with each other and with God. Audiences interested in guidance for climbing their own hills will find much to ponder from watching this divided team learning to navigate the game of life.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Watch the trailer for the hill.

The Hill Rating & Content Info

Why is The Hill rated PG? The Hill is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic content, language, and smoking throughout.

Violence: A father’s rigid adherence to piety causes stress between himself and his spouse, children, and mother-in-law. An angry character throws things and drives recklessly. A confrontation between a minister and his congregation over tobacco use ignites a war of words and hard feelings. Angry parishioners tell their preacher to leave town and threaten violence if he doesn’t comply. Characters spit at others as a sign of disrespect. A drunken man gets into a fight. A woman is shown with a black eye and domestic violence is implied. Children endure bullying, teasing and physical threats. Young characters lie to authority figures. A father takes his belt off so he can give his son a lashing for disobedience. Youngsters consider running away rather than face the consequences of breaking a windshield. Tense words are frequently exchanged. A leg injury is shown (no blood is seen). Sexual Content: Teenaged characters kiss. Profanity: A scatological curse is heard. Other profanities are muffled during scenes of frustration and anger. Mild profanity, crude slang and terms of deity are uttered infrequently. Alcohol / Drug Use: Smoking is depicted throughout the movie. Chewing tobacco is also shown. A drunken character is portrayed. Other: Terms of deity are used in prayer.

Page last updated August 30, 2023

The Hill Parents' Guide

Learn more about the real Rickey Hill (who was an executive producer for the movie) and compare his true story with the movie’s depiction.

Rickey Hill’s motto seems to be, “Never say never”. How does his persistence help him overcome incredible odds? What situations appear to crush his soul? What things happen to help him renew his hope? Can you relate to any of his challenges and disappointments? Where do you find the strength to carry on or try again?

James Hill challenges his son to decide if he is choosing to follow God’s will or his own. What conclusion does Rickey reach? Both father and son are depicted as religious men who want to do the right thing. Both use Bible scriptures to support their decisions. Why do you think they get different answers to the question? How would you go about resolving a situation like the one they face? How do you seek guidance for tough choices in your life?

The script makes some comparisons between Rickey and the world of professional baseball with the Biblical story of David and Goliath . Have you ever felt small like David? How do you face giant problems?

If you want to know how accurate the film is, you can read: History vs Hollywood: The Hill .

Movie Review: ‘The Hill’ hits some, misses some

JAMES VERNIERE Boston Herald (TNS)
Aug 25, 2023

An inspirational, baseball-centric, 1960s-’70s-era tale based on the true story of Rickey Hill (Colin Ford, TV’s “Walker” as an adult), “The Hill” features an oxygen-depleting, central performance by 69-year-old Dennis Quaid (“The Right Stuff”) as Rickey’s bullying Baptist pastor father James Hill.

James wants his younger son Rickey (played as a boy by the gifted Jesse Berry), who is encased in ankle-to-groin leg braces, to grow up to be a preacher like his daddy. Rickey is James’ and wife’s Helen’s middle child with older brother Robert (Mason Gillett) and younger sister Connie (Hailey Bithell). The three Hill siblings are mostly inseparable growing up in rural Texas. In spite of his immobilizing braces, Rickey can whack small rocks with a stick and send them sailing away like “homers,” according to Rickey’s friend Gracie (Mila Harris). Gracie, whose father Earl (James Devoti) is an abusive drunk, has declared that Rickey is her boyfriend, and that’s that.

James Hill is so relentlessly dead set against his son pursuing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player and taking advantage of his amazing gift that he becomes the film’s villain. His insistence that baseball is some form of devil’s pastime makes him a certified religious fanatic.

The screenplay by Angelo Pizzo (the legendary sports movie “Rudy”), Scott Marshall Smith (“When the Game Stands Tall”) and Aric Hornig has young Rickey quoting a lot of Scripture from memory. Quaid, sporting a tan the shade of mahogany, cannot escape the fact that Pastor James is a tyrant, who uses religion to keep his children and his intimated wife Helen (Joelle Carter) under heel. James has less success keeping his mother-in-law Gram (Bonnie Bedelia, “Heart Like a Wheel”) in check. Gram is just as likely to take a bite out of James (and the scenery) when he goes over the line.

In early scenes, James takes two members of his tiny congregation to task for chewing tobacco (a woman, spitting into a coffee can) and smoking (Earl) in church and despoiling “His glorious sanctuary.” The Hill family is then run out of town (not the for first time, apparently).

“The Hill” is part inspirational tale, part hard-luck story, part romance and part comeback story. That’s a lot of weight. James loads the puttering family station wagon, paltry furniture and belongings tied across its voluminous roof, they run out of gas and get a flat tire just before a storm. The Hills are a cartoonish riff on the immortal Joads of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Eager to give their father a gift, the Hill kids scrape up (not enough) money to buy a burger, fries and a bottle of Coke. Does this tug at your heart strings or make you a bit sick? Will Rickey get his surgery in time for the tryouts?

I was not sure I wanted to find out. The film’s ace in the hole is gaunt-looking veteran Scott Glenn (coincidentally also “The Right Stuff”) as real-life pitcher-turned-scout Red Murff. By the time we get around to whether or not James was going to watch his son play for the first time, I was ready to bail. It may be a true story, featuring a talented cast and a catchy closing tune by country music star Randy Houser. But “The Hill” is weighed down by too many cliches and contrivances.

Film Industry
Entertainment
The Economy
Christianity

Watch Now: Related Video

Part 2: us golden globe nominations announcement, dec. 11, 2023., 'goosebumps' and more family-friendly movies and television shows for halloween | streamed & screened podcast, stars we've lost so far in 2023 - september edition, movies in a minute: "expend4bles", explore more, ‘babes’ review: the hilarious ups and down of friendship (and pregnancy).

MOIRA MACDONALD The Seattle Times (TNS)
May 30, 2024

There’s a moment in “Babes,” the likable buddy-pregnancy comedy directed by Pamela Adlon, that’s wonderfully illustrative of what it means to be a best friend. Read more ‘Babes’ Review: The hilarious ups and down of friendship (and pregnancy)

Movie Review: Daisy Ridley shines in inspirational swimming pic ‘Young Woman and the Sea’

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

Trudy Ederle is not what you might call a household name, but she soon could be thanks to Daisy Ridley who portrays the competitive swimmer in the inspirational new film “Young Woman and the Sea.” Read more Movie Review: Daisy Ridley shines in inspirational swimming pic ‘Young Woman and the Sea’

Movie Review: Strong performances propel road trip dramedy 'Ezra'

KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

Director Tony Goldwyn opens his family dramedy “Ezra” in the warm, collegial comfort of a comedy club. Max (Bobby Cannavale) perches on a stool, a handheld camera drifting closer and closer as… Read more Movie Review: Strong performances propel road trip dramedy 'Ezra'

Movies in Flagstaff: 'The Taste of Things' has right ingredients for a good watch

DAILY SUN STAFF
May 25, 2024

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, May 29. Read more Movies in Flagstaff: 'The Taste of Things' has right ingredients for a good watch

Movies in Flagstaff: A father's plight in 'Nowhere Special'

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, June 5 Read more Movies in Flagstaff: A father's plight in 'Nowhere Special'

Movie Review: 'The Garfield Movie' is a bizarre animated tale that's not pur-fect in any way

By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer
May 23, 2024

Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says “The Garfield Movie” is a curious new animated attempt to monetize the comic icon again. Read more Movie Review: 'The Garfield Movie' is a bizarre animated tale that's not pur-fect in any way

Movie Review: 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' a brilliant prequel that pulls hope, persistence from chaos

If “Fury Road” is the tale of liberation, “Furiosa” is how she got there, and our heroine’s story is absolutely worth witnessing. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' a brilliant prequel that pulls hope, persistence from chaos

Movies in Flagstaff: For Shields, actions speak louder than words in film

May 18, 2024

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, May 22. Read more Movies in Flagstaff: For Shields, actions speak louder than words in film

Movie Review: ‘IF,’ imperfect but charming, may have us all checking under beds for our old friends

By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer
May 16, 2024

It opens in theaters Friday. Read more Movie Review: ‘IF,’ imperfect but charming, may have us all checking under beds for our old friends

Movie Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' an exciting new world for franchise

May 9, 2024

It’s a classic hero’s journey as the young naif leaves home and learns the harsh truth about the world. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' an exciting new world for franchise

Movie Review: 'The Fall Guy' a testament to star power, not stunts

May 2, 2024

What becomes apparent in “The Fall Guy” is that though stunts may make the movies exciting, it’s the stars who get you in your gut. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'The Fall Guy' a testament to star power, not stunts

Movie Review: A midnight movie not worth staying up for

ADAM GRAHAM The Detroit News (TNS)
Apr 30, 2024

"Boy Kills World" is a slog, a movie built for midnight audiences that proves it's sometimes better to just go to bed. -- Adam Graham Read more Movie Review: A midnight movie not worth staying up for

Movie Review: 'Unsung Hero' more like band merch than insightful biopic

Apr 25, 2024

As it is, “Unsung Hero” feels more like band merch than an insightful family portrait. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'Unsung Hero' more like band merch than insightful biopic

Movie Review: 'Challengers' sizzles with bubbling ferocity

“Challengers" is the kind of sexy, engrossing somewhat twisted romance we don’t see enough of these days, a thrilling film, thrillingly rendered in its layered storytelling expressed in the purest cinematic form. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'Challengers' sizzles with bubbling ferocity

Movie Review: You'll wish you never spotted this Bigfoot in 'Sasquatch Sunset'

Apr 24, 2024

Jesse Eisenberg stars in "Sasquatch Sunset," though you'd never know it by watching the movie. Read more Movie Review: You'll wish you never spotted this Bigfoot in 'Sasquatch Sunset'

Movie Review: 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' pays stylized homage to WWII operatives

Apr 18, 2024

Even if the heavy stylization leaves the film feeling a bit arch, there’s a real affection that comes through in the homage to these early special forces soldiers. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' pays stylized homage to WWII operatives

Movie Review: Radio Silence brings maximalist style to vampire flick 'Abigail'

The highlight of these films, from “Ready or Not” to “Scream” to “Abigail,” is their ability to tap into an emotional zeitgeist via their working class heroines, who capture the mood of the moment. -- Katie Walsh Read more Movie Review: Radio Silence brings maximalist style to vampire flick 'Abigail'

Movies in Flagstaff: 'A rock lover's dream' to show at Theatrikos

Apr 14, 2024

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, April 17. Read more Movies in Flagstaff: 'A rock lover's dream' to show at Theatrikos

Movie Review: 'The First Omen' plays to the faithful, but more nun fun is to be had elsewhere

JOSHUA ROTHKOPF Los Angeles Times (TNS)
Apr 10, 2024

"The First Omen," as it happens, is neither the first "Omen" (1976's half-loved horror hit) nor the first "Omen" reboot (a misbegotten 2006 attempt). It's not even this spring's first movie ab… Read more Movie Review: 'The First Omen' plays to the faithful, but more nun fun is to be had elsewhere

Movie Review: 'Civil War' well-crafted but has nothing to say

“Civil War” maintains its pitch-black humor down to the last second, ultimately revealing a dry, ironic emptiness at its core. -- Katie Walsh, TNS Read more Movie Review: 'Civil War' well-crafted but has nothing to say

Movies in Flagstaff: 'Driving Madeleine' makes stop at Theatrikos

Apr 7, 2024

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, April 10. Read more Movies in Flagstaff: 'Driving Madeleine' makes stop at Theatrikos

Movie Review: Punchy period piece ‘Wicked Little Letters’ powered by playful profanity

MARK MESZOROS The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio) (TNS)
Apr 4, 2024

To fully understand this particular appeal of the film, know also that “Wicked Little Letters” is set in post-World War I England, in a seaside town not remotely accustomed to this type of language. Read more Movie Review: Punchy period piece ‘Wicked Little Letters’ powered by playful profanity

Movie Review: Patel pulls no punches in directorial debut 'Monkey Man'

Dev Patel’s got something to say, but he's going to let his fists do the talking. Read more Movie Review: Patel pulls no punches in directorial debut 'Monkey Man'

Movies in Flagstaff: ‘Immediate Family’ a backstage tour spanning multiple eras of musical history

Mar 31, 2024

The Movies in Flagstaff series continues on Wednesday, April 3. Read more Movies in Flagstaff: ‘Immediate Family’ a backstage tour spanning multiple eras of musical history

Movie Review: Set amid the Troubles, 'In the Land of Saints and Sinners' a true Western

Mar 28, 2024

This is a true Western tale set among the rolling green hills of Ireland, the landscape captured beautifully by cinematographer Tom Stern. -- Katie Walsh, TNS Read more Movie Review: Set amid the Troubles, 'In the Land of Saints and Sinners' a true Western

Movie Review: 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' an earnest, wacky, hectic ride

There’s a bit of a harried energy to “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which is fun until it becomes instantly tiresome and deafening. -- Katie Walsh, TNS Read more Movie Review: 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' an earnest, wacky, hectic ride

Movie Review: 'Immaculate' a well-conceived modern religious horror flick

Mar 21, 2024

It’s goopy, gross fun, if not entirely terrifying, and if there’s a weak link, it’s the screenplay, which toys with deeper social and sexual themes but skims along the surface and leaves loose ends unfinished. Read more Movie Review: 'Immaculate' a well-conceived modern religious horror flick

Movie Review: A new canine cycles into our hearts in 'Arthur the King'

Mar 14, 2024

If you’re a dog person, it will be impossible to resist the tale of Arthur and his knights of extreme sports. Read more Movie Review: A new canine cycles into our hearts in 'Arthur the King'

Movie Review: ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ uses satire to address race

CHRISTOPHER A. DANIEL The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

In 2003, Kobi Libii was visiting Atlanta for the first time to compete in a debate tournament at Ebenezer Baptist Church. It was a moment which deeply influenced his career, he told The Atlant… Read more Movie Review: ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ uses satire to address race

Movie Review: 'Dune: Part Two' a stunning feat of sci-fi filmmaking

Feb 27, 2024

“Dune: Part Two” is a stunning achievement of masterly craft and storytelling, and an utterly transporting experience that brings us back to Earth with a renewed perspective on what’s important. Read more Movie Review: 'Dune: Part Two' a stunning feat of sci-fi filmmaking

Movie Review: 'Drive-Away Dolls' trashy fun, but also exceedingly disposable

Feb 22, 2024

The slight and scanty “Drive-Away Dolls” could dissipate with a gust of wind, but it beats a hasty getaway before that becomes a problem. Read more Movie Review: 'Drive-Away Dolls' trashy fun, but also exceedingly disposable

Movie Review: Dakota Johnson embraces pure camp of 'Madame Web'

Feb 15, 2024

Johnson gets it, and for those who also do, it’s kind of a thrill to get tangled in her web. Read more Movie Review: Dakota Johnson embraces pure camp of 'Madame Web'

Dec 31, 1969
1 min to consume

${{screen_name}}$

Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Followed notifications

Please log in to use this feature.

Sorry , an error occurred.

Account processing issue - the email address may already exist

You're all set!

Thank you .

Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.

Check your email for details.

Invalid password or account does not exist

Reset Password

Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.

Forgot Password

An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.

Email me a log in link

Promotional offers.

No promotional rates found.

Purchase Gift Purchase Access

Secure & Encrypted

Secure transaction. Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.

Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.

A receipt was sent to your email.

An error occurred

*This site is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Target.com

The hill movie review (opening in theaters on august 25th).

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy

Are you a fan of heart warming movies? I just finished watching The Hill, and I am thrilled to share my movie review with you! I really enjoyed this movie – it definitely has all the feels.

Based on the true store of Rickey Hill who pursued his dream of playing pro baseball in spite of a degenerative spinal disease.

This movie delivers on so many levels. It will leave you with a sense of hope and the power of belief despite circumstances life has dealt.

The Cast and Crew

Starring Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford and Joelle Carter, this movie plays out in a laid back manner. This allows the viewer to connect with different characters as the story unfolds.

Supporting cast members include Bonnie Bedelia, Scott Glenn (superb in his portrayal of Red Murff) and Randy Houser. Additional cast include Jesse Berry, Mila Harris, Siena Bjournerud just to name a few.

This movie was well cast, and supporting characters added a much needed touch of humor. In addition, they adding substance to the overall movie plot and provided some great dialogue!

During the course of the movie, you will become immersed in the struggles of the characters and admire their grit and determination.

Directed by Jeff Celentano and written by Angelo Pizzo, Scott Marshall Smith and Aric Hornig, they did an amazing job with the script.

The Hill Movie Review includes Cast members sitting in a doctors office

The Hill Movie Review and Synopsis

The Hill follows Rickey starting in his childhood, where a degenerative spinal disease has him wearing leg braces. His father (played aptly by Dennis Quaid) is a preacher, who is struggling to keep food on the table. In spite of their extreme poverty and his illness, Rickey dreams of playing baseball in the big leagues. His siblings are his biggest supporters, while his dad wants to protect him from further damage to his frail body. Throughout the movie, themes of family, faith, and hope reverberate. Outspoken Gram (Bonnie Bedelia) shines in her scenes. A touch of humor is added by the character of Gracie in several appearances in the film. As the movie progresses, the family becomes more and more divided in their support of Rickey out of fear of further injuries. This film is great for families, with life lessons on hope, overcoming obstacles and reaching for your dreams.

How to Get Tickets to see the Movie

The Hill opens in theaters on August 25th, and you can purchase your tickets in advance here .

The Hill Movie Trailer

Enter to Win Movie Tickets to See The Hill in Theaters

The hill movie in theaters starting august 25th.

This inspirational movie truly has all the feels, and I love that it is based on a true story. Rated PG, it is still a movie the whole family can enjoy.

Special Event

Get tickets to see NBC's coverage of the Paris Olympics, broadcasted live in AMC Theatres!

Get deadpool's premium package today.

Get Deadpool's Premium Package - Includes 2 tickets to Deadpool & Wolverine, the Official Best Friends Necklaces, and more

Chance to win a universal theme park vacation.

Buy a ticket to Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 for a chance to win a Universal theme park vacation in Hollywood or Orlando

Special offer.

Buy a ticket to Inside Out 2 for a chance to win a trip for 4 at the Pixar Place Hotel to experience Pixar Fest!

Save $8 on Despicable Me and Minions Films

Buy a ticket to Despicable Me 4 from June 5 - July 15 for $8 off t $8 off Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3, Minions, & Minions: The Rise of Gru. Promo code expires on July 20, 2024.

Buy a ticket to Tarot from April 30 - June 17 to get any select Horror titles for $5 each. Promo code expires on June 22.

Fandango offer: gift, give or receive a ticket to the forge.

Buy a ticket for yourself and everyone else you want to share the movie with through The Kingdom Builders Gifted Ticket Program.

Bonnie Bedelia: 'The Hill" character 'sees the God in' Rickey Hill

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The Hill , in theaters Friday, tells the story of how Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) overcame a physical disability to play major league baseball. Bonnie Bedelia, who plays Hill's grandmother, said Gram saw a miracle in Rickey.

"She obviously believes in God and sees the God in Rickey," Bedelia, 75, told UPI in a Zoom interview before the SAG-AFTRA strike. "I think she recognizes God in his spirit, in his passion and his dream of being a baseball player."

The Ricky Hill Story

Rickey was born with a degenerative spinal condition and wore braces on his legs growing up. Nevertheless, he became such a powerful batter that he played four professional seasons for the Montreal Expos from 1975 to 1978.

The film depicts Rickey's triumph over adversity, including the disapproval of his father, James (Dennis Quaid), a Baptist preacher. Bedelia said James wasn't necessarily wrong to discourage Rickey's baseball dreams.

"In fairness to him, he doesn't want to see his son go down the rabbit hole," Bedelia said. "How are you going to be a baseball player if you can't walk? So he's protecting him in a way by not encouraging him."

Ricky never gained the ability to run, so the Expos ultimately hired him on the strength of his batting alone. Bedelia said Gram saw no harm in believing in Rickey.

"She's Ricky's biggest defender," Bedelia said of Gram. "I think she also believes in miracles."

The real Gram and Rickey Hill

Though it is Gram's son-in-law who is the preacher, Bedelia said Gram came from a religious background. Born in the late 1800s, Gram experienced real hardship, Bedelia said.

"She went all through the '10s and the' 20s and through the Depression, the '30s," Bedelia said. "This takes place in the '60s and she's already an old broad. She's very religious, very God fearing, I think."

Bedelia met the real Rickey when he visited the set, now more than 40 years after his MLB career. Hill, now near Gram's age, impressed Bedelia, but the only thing he shared about his grandmother was her name, which is never mentioned in the film.

"He's a real person and not who you had in your mind," Bedelia said. "He certainly isn't Colin Ford. He's an older guy now."

Die Hard and other Bonnie Bedelia classics

Bedelia has been acting professionally since she was a teenager. Though perhaps best known as Bruce Willis's wife in the popular Die Hard , Bedelia also starred in films like They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, The Boy Who Could Fly, Fat Man and Little Boy and six seasons of NBC's Parenthood series.

After Die Hard 2 , the series wrote out Holly McClane (Bedelia) via divorce. There was a sixth Die Hard in development before Willis' retirement from acting .

Bedelia noted that the sequels cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead as John and Holly's daughter, now grown up, to be the female lead with Willis. Bedilia said she accepted that Hollywood typically favors younger leading women, despite the male hero's age.

"There'd be no reason why I couldn't still be in, it but that's just the way it goes," Bedelia said. "It's screwed. It really is kind of weird."

Even though she still gets the most fan mail for Die Hard , Bedelia said she was not disappointed to be left out of sequels. Bedelia said her role in the original was mainly sitting in the office while the men engage in all the action.

The sequel literally sat her in a circling plane. So even if John and Holly could have reunited in a Die Hard 6 , Bedelia would have been selective about deciding to return.

"If I did come back, with Holly and John getting back together, they would have had to give me something more to do," Bedelia said.

One reason Die Hard remains relevant, besides being a landmark action movie of the '80s, is that people debate it every Christma s. Since the film takes place on Christmas Eve, fans argue about whether or not it is a Christmas movie.

Bedelia said she agrees with fans who claim Die Hard as a Christmas movie.

"It's not It's a Wonderful Life and it's not A Christmas Story , but it's more fun," Bedelia said. "It has a tree in the office. That's about it really, but I'll go along with it, sure. It's a new Christmas classic."

Another Bedelia film is getting a new adaptation. She played the wife of a lawyer (Harrison Ford) accused of murder in the 1990 adaptation of Presumed Innocent.

David E. Kelley is readapting Scott Turow's book for Apple TV+. Jake Gyllenhaal will star, but Bedelia would like to revisit the material in a new role.

"I'd love to do a cameo in it," Bedelia said. "I wouldn't be the same character, of course, but Harrison wouldn't be in it, either."

There's no murder or fighting in The Hill , though. Bedelia said she found the story inspiring as Rickey's love for the sport persevered over his physical disabilities.

"He just had passion and achieved a dream of his against all odds," Bedilia said. "What a great story."

Bonnie Bedelia: 'The Hill" character 'sees the God in' Rickey Hill

Cast & crew
User reviews

Follows a passenger on a train to New Delhi. The train soon becomes a combat battleground as a pair of commandos face an army of invading bandits. Follows a passenger on a train to New Delhi. The train soon becomes a combat battleground as a pair of commandos face an army of invading bandits. Follows a passenger on a train to New Delhi. The train soon becomes a combat battleground as a pair of commandos face an army of invading bandits.

Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Ayesha Syed
Raghav Juyal
Tanya Maniktala
4 User reviews
11 Critic reviews
1 nomination

Baldev Singh Thakur

Man with Mobile
(credit only)
Brahmeshwar
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Tribeca 2024 Film Festival Guide

More like this

User reviews 4

naraghiraien
Jan 4, 2024
How long will Kill be? Powered by Alexa
July 4, 2024 (United States)
United States
Sikhya Entertainment
Dharma Productions
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

Runtime 1 hour 55 minutes

More to explore

‘The Great Lillian Hall’ Review: Jessica Lange Is a Diva Battling Memory Loss as Broadway’s Lights Dim Around Her

Christian zilko.

Share on Facebook
Share to Flipboard
Share on LinkedIn
Show more sharing options
Submit to Reddit
Post to Tumblr
Print This Page
Share on WhatsApp

So it’s fitting that, whether she knows it or not, Lillian Hall’s ( Jessica Lange ) upcoming turn as Madame Lyubov Andreievna Ranevskaya in “The Cherry Orchard” will be her final performance. Michael Cristofer’s new HBO film introduces Hall to us as a quintessential Broadway diva, a Patti LuPone type universally acknowledged as the “first lady of the American theater.” Few professions in the entertainment industry are kinder to aging women than Broadway stardom, and Hall’s status as a theatrical matriarch has turned this Chekhov revival into the hottest event of the New York theater season.

But final dress rehearsals are derailed by chaos amid Upper West Side culture vulture buzz about the production — which also marks the Broadway debut of edgy theater director David Flemming (Jesse Williams), receiving his first taste of establishment legitimacy after years of being hailed as a rising genius. As Lillian struggles to remember her lines and blocking, the show’s backers are forced to consider the possibility that she’s no longer capable of carrying a Broadway production. As they weigh the risks of replacing her with a less bankable but more competent understudy, she takes a cognitive exam that reveals she has an early form of dementia.

Elisabeth Seldes Annacone’s script gives Lange plenty to work with, and the actress — currently starring in her own Broadway production with Paula Vogel’s “Mother Play” — gives a rich performance that shows why she’s still at the top of her game. Lillian spends much of the film in an ephemeral stage of early dementia in which she knows who she is and what she’s doing, but the world gradually starts to look more and more confusing. Lange surrounds the character with an aura of ultra-politeness that you’d expect from someone so focused on outward appearances, but reveals more vulnerability as Lillian’s world slips away.

While Lillian is often haunted by ghosts of her past and present (including Pierce Brosnan, whose role as the retired actor living next to Lillian sees him playing a siren of geriatric handsomeness who is constantly tempting her), the film is ultimately most interested in celebrating the irrational levels of devotion that live theater inspires in the people who make it. While it doesn’t pull punches about the challenges that lie ahead, “ The Great Lillian Hall ” ultimately makes it clear that its protagonist is lucky to have something that’s so hard to let go. But just like Chekhov’s timeless stone fruit heirs, that realization only comes to Lillian after she causes endless damage to everyone around her.

“The Great Lillian Hall” will air on HBO and stream on Max on Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

Most Popular

Return to Silent Hill Gets Eerie Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek Preview

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

A behind-the-scenes preview has been released for the feature film Return to Silent Hill . As made clear by the video, the film takes heavy inspiration from Silent Hill 2 , one of the most popular titles of the video game series.

As part of a special stream for the franchise that debuted on May 30, brief snippets of footage from Return to Silent Hill had been unveiled, revealing a first look at Jeremy Irvine as James Sunderland . It included a BTS sneak peek preview for the movie, showcasing footage from the video game adaptation. Fans of Silent Hill 2 will recognize the characters and locations featured in the video, as Return to Silent Hill looks to be a very faithful adaptation of the iconic game . The preview can be watched below.

Leak Reports Two Resident Evil Remakes are Currently in Progress

A well-known leaker claims on X (formerly Twitter) that two Resident Evil remakes are currently in the works.

"This film adds an emotional level to the horror, and certainly because of that, the horror is even more disturbing, even more unsettling," director Chrisophe Gans teased about how this new film differs from the 2006 film he previously helmed. "I consider that the first film was like an epic journey of horror. This one is much more like a deep dive into some psychological horror."

Christophe Gans Returns to Silent Hill

Gans co-wrote the screenplay with Sandra Vo-Anh and Will Schneider. The film also stars Hannah Emily Anderson as Mary, whom James is seeking in Silent Hill. This is a fresh new take on the movie series with no direct connections to the previous films. Gans directed the 2006 film, but he did not return for the 2012 sequel, Silent Hill: Revelation . There have not been any other feature film adaptations made, though the video game series has released several installments since the original title from 1999, and a Silent Hill 2 remake is coming later this year .

Antony Starr Imagined as Albert Wesker in Resident Evil Artwork

The Boys fans are saying Antony Starr as Wesker is the casting they didn't know they needed until seeing BossLogic's artwork.

Video game adaptations have been finding more success as of late, and a key part of the strategy seems to be making them as faithful as possible. While fans originally criticized the Sonic the Hedgehog film after its first trailer unveiled a bizarre design for the titular character, a redesign was made that was more reminiscent of the games, and the result was embraced by fans. Other recent adaptations, like The Super Mario Bros. Movie , The Last of Us , and Fallout , have also been highly praised as very faithful.

Return to Silent Hill doesn't yet have a set release date.

Source: Konami

Return to Silent Hill

When a mysterious letter calls him back to Silent Hill in search of his lost love, James finds a once-recognizable town and encounters terrifying figures both familiar and new, and begins to question his own sanity.

‘The Great Lillian Hall’ Review: Jessica Lange Is Grand as a Legendary Stage Actress Confronting Dementia

Lange is so good that she gives this therapy-corn version of The Show Must Go On a worldly center you can roll with and almost believe in.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Review: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Make the Franchise’s Fourth Entry Tastier Than It Has Any Right to Be 2 days ago
Would ‘Hit Man’ Be a Hit in Theaters? Netflix Doesn’t Want You to Know 4 days ago
‘The Great Lillian Hall’ Review: Jessica Lange Is Grand as a Legendary Stage Actress Confronting Dementia 5 days ago

Reviewed online, May 30, 2024. Running time: 109 MIN.

Production: An HBO Films release of a Crazy Legs Features production, in association with Kolton Pancake, Bold Choices Productions. Producers: Bruce Cohen, Steven Rogers, Scott Thigpen, Marie Halliday. Executive producers: Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Michael Cristofer, Alex Platis.
Crew: Director: Michael Cristofer. Screenplay: Elisabeth Seldes Annacone. Camera: Simon Dennis. Editor: Joseph Krings. Music: Mac Quayle.
With: Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Pierce Brosnan, Jesse Williams, Lily Rabe.

More from Variety

Disney needs ‘course correction’ away from political messaging, says ‘little mermaid’ and ‘aladdin’ director, layoff surge highlights disconnect between job volume, success at gaming companies, nbc, peacock add holiday-season nfl game to broader 2024-2025 schedule, marvel drops ‘daredevil: born again’ and ‘ironheart’ trailers at disney upfront as bob iger and ‘the bear’ season 3 also stir up buzz, understanding the slow rollout of nextgen tv, jimmy kimmel roasts the kardashians, netflix and more at upfronts: ‘there are more fbi agents on cbs than were at diddy’s house’, more from our brands, jelly roll struggling to book international tour dates due to felony convictions, here are the 50 best restaurants in the world for 2024, sporticast 351: rational debate about caitlin clark, wnba media, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, road house sequel will be ‘bigger’ and ‘expansive,’ says jake gyllenhaal, verify it's you, please log in.

IMAGES

The Hill Review
THE HILL (2023)
The Hill Erased 1 Epic Moment From Rickey Hill’s Meeting With Red Murff
The Hill [ Movie & Trailer] [Release Date] Review (2023)
THE HILL (2023) Movie Trailer: Dennis Quaid & Colin Ford star in Jeff
'The Hill' Movie Review

VIDEO

The Hill's 2023 Year in Review
The 5 Stages Of Grief In The Haunting Of Hill House
The Hill (2023)- Movie Review (A new baseball biopic)
The Hill Movie Review
Assault On Hill 400 Trailer
The Hill Movie Review

COMMENTS

The Hill movie review & film summary (2023)
The Hill. The inspirational sports drama "The Hill," about the poor and disabled son of a preacher who becomes a professional baseball player, feels longer than it is because the characterizations and story don't rise to meet the acting and filmmaking and because almost everyone in the movie (save for a bully and his cronies, briefly glimpsed ...
The Hill
Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups Echoes of Norman Rockwell bounce off The Hill, a sincere, inspiring baseball movie grounded in a complicated father-son relationship. Rated: 4/5 Aug 26, 2023 ...
The Hill
The Hill is a poorly constructed faith-based biopic about disabled baseball player Rickey Hill. This long-winded and preachy drama leaves big questions unanswered about his life. The movie is also ...
The Hill Movie Review
Our review: Parents say ( 4 ): Kids say ( 1 ): Warm up the apple pie for your movie nibbles, the ingredients of this sports drama are God, baseball, and "old-fashioned American values." Thick with earnestness and devout Christian perspectives, the script -- from the screenwriter of Rudy and Hoosiers -- has a solid structure but is heavy-handed.
'The Hill' Review: Dennis Quaid in Feel-Good Drama of Sports and Faith
Release date: Friday, Aug. 25. Cast: Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Jesse Berry, Bonnie Bedelia, Scott Glenn. Director: Jeff Celentano. Screenwriters: Angelo Pizzo, Scott ...
The Hill (2023)
The Hill: Directed by Jeff Celentano. With Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Scott Glenn. The true story of Rickey Hill, the son of a travelling pastor who overcomes physical obstacles to pursue his dream of playing baseball in the major leagues.
The Hill
Little Rickey says, "Daddy's a bada-.". In a moment of deep frustration after a car runs out of gas, James Hill repeatedly kicks the vehicle and screams either "god" or "gah" six times. He also says "oh my god!" in another scene. Two characters exclaim, "Lord!". We hear one use each of "d-n" and "d-nedest.".
The Hill
Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father (Dennis Quaid) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps and become a preacher. As a young man, Rickey (Colin ...
The Hill (2023)
The Hill, 2023. Directed by Jeff Celenntano. Starring Dennis Quaid, Scott Glenn, Bonnie Bedelia, Joelle Carter, Colin Ford, Adrian Eppley, Mila Harris, Wilbur ...
The Hill (2023)
The true story of Rickey Hill, the son of a travelling pastor who overcomes physical obstacles to pursue his dream of playing baseball in the major leagues. ... Film Movie Reviews The Hill ...
'The Hill' Netflix Review: Stream It Or Skip It?
Published Jan. 22, 2024, 4:30 p.m. ET. Now streaming on Netflix, the sports drama The Hill follows a young boy with a disability as he aspires to be a professional baseball player, but is ...
The Hill (2023 film)
The Hill is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film about baseball player Rickey Hill overcoming a physical handicap in order to try out for a legendary major league scout. It was directed by Jeff Celentano from a screenplay by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith.It stars Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Jesse Berry, Bonnie Bedelia, and Scott Glenn.
The Hill (2023) Movie Reviews
BUY TICKETS. Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father (DENNIS QUAID) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his ...
The Hill Review
Pros. The Hill benefits from an inspiring true story as its source. It's no Field of Dreams, but the themes and message of The Hill is strong. Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, and Joelle Carter give good ...
The Hill Review: Dennis Quaid Leads A Biopic Unable To Find Genuine Drama
Summary. The Hill, a new sports biopic, lacks the depth needed to truly sell the inspiring story of minor league baseball player Rickey Hill. The movie's heavy-handed religious message clashes with Rickey's journey, leaving his character underdeveloped and the story repetitive. The Hill's focus on faith overshadows its role as a sports movie ...
REVIEW: "The Hill" (2023)
August 25, 2023 by Keith Garlington. 18. Recently we've seen several solid biographical sports dramas come down the movie pipeline. The latest is "The Hill" from director Jeff Celentano. It stars Dennis Quaid who is certainly no stranger to said biographical sports dramas. Written by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith, the film seeks ...
THE HILL (2023)
THE HILL is an inspiring, uplifting, and biblical movie about the miracle God works on Rickey Hill. It champions faith, and never quitting despite our circumstances. It also shows a compelling, authentic family dynamic between Rickey and the rest of his family. Through forgiveness and humility, the Hill family learns to love one another and ...
The Hill Movie Review for Parents
The Hill Rating & Content Info Why is The Hill rated PG? The Hill is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic content, language, and smoking throughout. Violence: A father's rigid adherence to piety causes stress between himself and his spouse, children, and mother-in-law. An angry character throws things and drives recklessly.
Movie Review: 'The Hill' hits some, misses some
Movie Review: 'The Hill' hits some, misses some. Colin Ford, left, and Dennis Quaid star in "The Hill." An inspirational, baseball-centric, 1960s-'70s-era tale based on the true story of ...
The Hill
The Hill review by Big Gold Belt Media-Synopsis:Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a b...
The Hill Movie Review (Opening in Theaters on August 25th!)
The Hill Movie Review and Synopsis. The Hill follows Rickey starting in his childhood, where a degenerative spinal disease has him wearing leg braces. His father (played aptly by Dennis Quaid) is a preacher, who is struggling to keep food on the table.
The Hill Trailer #1 (2023)
Check out the official trailer for The Hill starring Colin Ford, Dennis Quaid, and Joelle Carter! Sign Up for a FanAlert on Fandango: https://www.fandango....
The Hill (2023) Movie Reviews
RSVP NOW. Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. His stern, pastor father (DENNIS QUAID) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his ...
Bonnie Bedelia: 'The Hill" character 'sees the God in' Rickey Hill
Bonnie Bedelia, who plays Hill's grandmother, said Gram saw a miracle in Rickey. "She obviously believes in God and sees the God in Rickey," Bedelia, 75, told UPI in a Zoom interview before the ...
Kill (2023)
Kill: Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. With Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala, Abhishek Chauhan. Follows a passenger on a train to New Delhi. The train soon becomes a combat battleground as a pair of commandos face an army of invading bandits.
'The Great Lillian Hall' Review: Jessica Lange New HBO Movie
It's both a brilliant satire of wealth-induced decadence and a somber exploration of how humans struggle to say goodbye at the ends of their eras. So it's fitting that, whether she knows it or ...
Return to Silent Hill Gets Eerie First Trailer
The first teaser trailer has been released for the feature film Return to Silent Hill.As made clear by the teaser, the film takes heavy inspiration from Silent Hill 2, one of the most popular titles of the video game series.. As part of a special stream for the franchise that debuted on May 30, brief snippets of footage from Return to Silent Hill had been unveiled, revealing a first look at ...
'The Great Lillian Hall' Review: Jessica Lange Is Grand as a Legendary
Screenplay: Elisabeth Seldes Annacone. Camera: Simon Dennis. Editor: Joseph Krings. Music: Mac Quayle. With: Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Pierce Brosnan, Jesse Williams, Lily Rabe. Lange is so good ...
'The Great Lillian Hall' review: Jessica Lange comes full circle
Jessica Lange met the movie public perched in King Kong's giant palm, but her real breakthrough came in 1982 when she played a pair of actresses, earning Oscar nominations for both roles.
Silent Hill Transmission: Everything Announced
Released on January 31, 2024, Silent Hill: The Short Message is a Silent Hill spin-off released as a free-to-play horror game exclusively for the PS5. Set in modern-day Germany in an abandoned ...

Movie Reviews

Matt Zoller Seitz

Now playing

Glenn Kenny

Force of Nature: The Dry 2

Boy Kills World

Monica Castillo

STAX: Soulsville, USA

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The Hill (2023)

Cinematographer

Latest blog posts

When ‘Bad Boys’ Began, Martin Lawrence Was the Top Dog

Expecto Patronus: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at 20

Female Filmmakers in Focus: Bridgett M. Davis

Chi Film Fest's 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Email not verified

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Movies / TV

The Hill Reviews

Or browse by category:

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Common Sense Selections for Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

A Lot or a Little?

Positive Messages

Positive Role Models

Diverse Representations

Violence & Scariness

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Products & Purchases

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Parents Need to Know

Where to Watch

Community Reviews

Baseball and God

Is It Any Good?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Suggest an Update

When the Game Stands Tall

Great Sports Movies

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

site categories

Frank Scheck

Related Stories

Full credits

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

Content Caution

In Theaters

Home Release Date

Distributor

Movie Review

Positive Elements

Spiritual Elements

Sexual Content

Violent Content

Crude or Profane Language

Drug and Alcohol Content

Other Negative Elements

Sarah Rasmussen