Watch Home Run Showdown

Home Run Showdown is a 2012 sports movie directed by Oz Scott. It features a cast of talented actors including Kyle Kirk, Matthew Lillard, and Wayne Duvall. The film revolves around a group of kids who love to play baseball and participate in a home run derby sponsored by a wealthy entrepreneur. The main character of the movie is Joey Deluca, played by Kyle Kirk. Joey is a 12-year-old baseball prodigy who lives with his grandfather, Sully, and younger sister, Samantha. Joey's love for baseball is unmatched, and he spends most of his time practicing his swing in the hopes of becoming a professional baseball player.

One day, Joey and his friends see an advertisement for a home run derby contest sponsored by Billy Breyer, played by Matthew Lillard. Billy is a wealthy businessman who owns a local baseball stadium and wants to use the contest to generate publicity for his struggling team.

Joey decides to enter the contest, hoping to win the grand prize of $50,000. However, he quickly realizes that he is up against some tough competition, including the defending champion, Rico, played by Josh Feldman. Rico is a cocky and arrogant player who is determined to win the contest for the second year in a row.

Soon, Joey and Rico become bitter rivals, causing tension among the other players. Meanwhile, Billy starts to take advantage of the kids by making them sign contracts that give him all the rights to their images and names.

As the contest approaches its climax, Joey must confront not only his opponent but also the dark side of the sports industry. In the end, he must decide whether to compromise his integrity and values in pursuit of victory or stand up for what he believes in.

Throughout the movie, we see a range of emotions from Joey as he struggles to overcome his insecurities and assert his place in the world. He is a relatable character who faces real-world dilemmas and choices. The film also touches on themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for oneself.

Matthew Lillard gives an excellent performance as Billy Breyer, the opportunistic businessman who will stop at nothing to capitalize on the kids' talents. He perfectly captures the character's charm and sleaziness, making us both hate and pity him at the same time.

Wayne Duvall, who plays Sully, Joey's grandfather, adds a touch of warmth and humor to the film. He is a loving and supportive figure who serves as a moral compass for Joey.

The baseball scenes in the movie are well-executed, and the actors' performances convey a real sense of passion and energy on the field. The film also takes us behind the scenes of baseball tournaments and explores the commercialization of sports.

Overall, Home Run Showdown is an entertaining and heartwarming sports movie that is suitable for both kids and adults. It offers an important message about the value of integrity and tells an inspiring story of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Home Run Showdown is a 2012 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.