The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews
Cast:
Louis Bonfante, Lili Reinhart, Judy Tenuta
Gibsonburg is based on the true story of the only high school baseball team to win a state championship with a losing record. The team’s first year coach helped guide them from a 6-17 regular season to 8 post season victories and the state title. This magical, coming of age film deals not only with baseball, but the trials, tribulations, romances and mysteries that faced the teens along the way.
What you are going to find most obvious about "Gibsonburg" right from the start is the film's low production values and it's average to below average acting. I do not normally go into details over such things especially when it comes to Indie films I review but I felt it was important here. The cast and crew of Gibsonburg are an unique group of individuals. The crew contains 50 college students from across the country that are working in the same area as their field of study. Each college student will participate in the sharing of 45% profits. Other members of our cast and crew include award winning authors, an Emmy Award winning filmmaker, experienced film and television actors, a pitcher that threw a no hitter in the big leagues (and collected a World Series ring), and just an overall great group of actors and production staff. This was the feature film debut of Writer/Director and Producer, Bob Mahaffey who wanted to let all the students be a part of every aspect of film-making. So there you have it, I hope this gives you a bit more insight about how and why the film is what it is, it made me appreciate the film more that is for sure.
Story wise this is a pretty remarkable film, I am not going to go into major details here because what is written above is enough to know before watching the film. I did like the remarkable story of this baseball team and the things they achieved on the field but what I liked more was the stories that were told off the field, the stories of families that struggled to make ends meet and the romance that was taking place off the field as well.
The opening narrative immediately got my attention and the story kept me engaged the rest of the way. "Gibsonburg" might be lacking in a lot of areas but it makes up for its flaws with a lot of heart and by telling an inspiring story that makes you feel good in the end. With baseball in full swing this is sure to catch a few eyes looking for something new to watch. I recommend it to all baseball fans for it's terrific true story but there is a lot more to film as well. The story is about over-coming obstacles and coming out on top in the end on and off the field so you do not have to be a big baseball fan to like the film. There is something for everyone here so be sure to check it out if you get the chance.
You can order the DVD HERE.
Released by Monarch Home Entertainment
*** 1/2 Out Of *****