Directed by: Brett Bentman Written by: Brett Bentman Genre: Drama |
90 Feet From Home
After suffering various abuses as a child from his alcoholic stepfather, Scott (Chase Pollock / Adam Hampton) grows up and becomes a major league ball player. His dream achieved but not easily. The abuse is constant. Both verbal and physical. At one point, in order to crush the dreams of his stepson, James (Shawn Michaels) even resorts to using a baseball bat. The first bit of this title is dedicated to showing us what life was like for young Scott. Setting the narrative for the rest of the film.
As an adult, Scott suffers an injury that ends his baseball career. It at this point we are introduced to him as an adult, as he moves back to his hometown to confront his father. Now off the sauce, James is a changed man and living in the old family home. A home that was inherited by Scott once his mother passed on. Scott gives James an ultimatum. Leave or be killed. And Scott is serious. With his career at an end he has nothing to lose; and in his eyes, changed man or not, James deserves to die. What younger James did to himself and his brother was unforgivable, completely breaking apart what should have been a good family. This is the general idea of this film, minus the spoilers and main details. It's a title about abuse, revenge, change and family. At the same time, Scott's back and forth mentality on what to do with his stepfather is a highlight. Tommy (Thom Hallum) as Scott's brother plays a major part in Scott's thinking. Now a police officer, we witness first hand how abuse can change a family. We also get to see how everything happening, again, begins to alter the life for both siblings. It's an interesting watch and sends a powerful message. 90 Feet From Home is also a excellent looking production. It's an independent title, but doesn't look it. My biggest complaint? The materials imply this is a sports film. Says so right on the box! Anybody expecting a baseball drama/sports film will be in for a shock because the whole 'baseball' thing only serves as a background. Nothing more. But as a dramatic title, 90 Feet From Home has no problems hitting a home run. Anyone looking for a sports drama should probably save this one until you're ready to get serious. Because Brett Bentman has a put together a serious piece. If you're looking for a character driven drama that shows itself excellently, this is a title for you. I especially think fans of Shawn Michaels will be in for a treat. His performance was outstanding - and his wasn't the only one. |
