Though theatergoers often expect the biggest releases from the Athena Grand Theater, they might be surprised to hear that a little independent movie is making its way to the theater this weekend.
Home Run follows the story of a professional baseball player’s journey through rehab as he coaches a misfit little league baseball team. The film will be featured in a limited theatrical release this weekend in theaters across the country. However, the Athena Grand, 1008 E. State St., will be the only theater in the Southeast Ohio area that will be showing the film.
“We are expecting a big crowd for this, (as we’re) the only theater in a radius of about 50 miles showing the film,” said Rick Frame, general manager of the Athena Grand.
The film will be brought to the theater through the organization Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based recovery group who helped make the film and play a big role in the film itself. The local ministry for the organization has already sold thousands of tickets for the film thanks to their fundraiser, Battling a Thousand.
“We’re trying to get as many people in the theater on opening weekend as possible,” said Sheila Knudson, ministry director for Celebrate Recovery at the Athens Community Church. “With movies, the first weekend is the one that matters the most, box-office wise. We’re hoping that people come out to see this movie this weekend and get a chance to see the movie’s power and value.”
Directed by David Boyd (The Walking Dead), the film is also being co-sponsored by the organizations Iron Sharpens Iron, the National Fatherhood Incentive, and the National Center for Fathering, in addition to Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery can be found in 19,000 churches worldwide, including the Athens Community Church.
“Home Run, in part, tells my story,” said Buddy Ballard, a member and spokesperson for Celebrate Recovery. “It tells people that addiction can be temporary and it shows people what the power of human spirit can bring. It’s a phenomenal film and a really good film for any person who sees it.”
The closest theater to be showing the film, besides the Athena Grand, will be located in Parkersburg, W. Va., according to Frame.
“It’s just one of those movies that touches you and really makes an impact on you as you see it,” said Ballard.
wa054010@ohiou.edu
