Movie Review: “You Gotta Believe” – Pitches, Hits and Home Runs With Faith.

As a fan of sports films, I’ve seen enough baseball movies to consider them a strong enough subgenre within the broader category of sports films or even sports biopics. Each one brings something unique, whether it’s the grit of the players, the passion of the coaches, or the sheer drama of the game itself. “You Gotta Believe” is no exception, adding another strong entry to this pool of films with a story that’s both heartwarming and inspiring.

Based on a true story, “You Gotta Believe” is written by Lane Garrison and directed by Ty Roberts, who previously directed the 2021 film “12 Mighty Orphans,” clearly has a knack for bringing true-life inspirational stories to the screen. He seems to have the ability to capture the essence of human struggle and triumph as is evident in this film that tells the story of the Fort Worth youth baseball team that defied the odds to make it all the way to the 2002 Little League World Series.

The film stars Luke Wilson as Bobby Ratliff the coach of a Little League baseball team of misfits. Diagnosed with cancer, Bobby’s illness becomes the emotional core of the film and the motivation for the team. His son along with his teammates dedicate their season to playing for Bobby, and in the process achieve what was thought to be an impossible feat, reaching the World Series Finals.

From the very start, “You Gotta Believe” immerses us in the lives of Coach Ratliff and his team. They are initially portrayed as abysmal at the game, losing in an almost embarrassing fashion. Assistant coach Jon Kelly (played by Greg Kinnear), who is also an attorney and Bobby’s childhood friend, appears disinterested in the team and their games. However, as the narrative progresses, we are quickly drawn into the challenging moments of Bobby discovering that his cancer is in a pretty advanced stage. He is forced to step down from coaching to begin treatment if he hopes to have any chance of beating the illness.

Jon Kelly’s character undergoes significant development as he steps up to take coaching seriously in Bobby’s absence. He’s not just doing it for the kids but also for his friend. This shift in focus from his legal career to the Little League team adds another layer of emotional resonance to the narrative. Jon’s struggle with the possibility of losing his friend to cancer, along with the potential loss of a partnership opportunity at the film he’s worked at all of his career due to his new commitment, deepens the story, making it more than just a typical sports film.

Luke Wilson is no newbie when it comes to playing roles in biopics or sports films, as evidenced by his performance in “12 Mighty Orphans.” He brings that experience to bear in “You Gotta Believe,” delivering a performance that is both heartfelt and nuanced. Wilson’s portrayal of Bobby Ratliff is grounded, allowing him to convey the character’s internal battles without overshadowing the other actors in the film.

The film is filled with several endearing moments that highlight the genuine love of a father for his sons and the sacrifices he is willing to make. One such pivotal moment is when Bobby reveals that he would rather not fight the cancer which could end with leaving his family in debt.

“You Gotta Believe” also has several genuine humorous moments that make it a fun family film to watch. The young actors show a remarkable understanding of their roles, delivering lines with confidence and bringing authenticity to their characters. This adds a layer of charm to the film, making the team’s journey even more engaging.

Ty Roberts and his team also deserve praise for their creative approach to showcasing the game of baseball. The film offers some very intimate and immersive shots, including tracking shots of the ball and interesting POV shots during pitches and hits. These creative choices add to the fluidity of the narrative and highlight the joy and excitement of Little League baseball from a child’s perspective.

Even with the heightened emotional stakes, Roberts manages to keep the film fun, entertaining, and engaging. You find yourself connecting with the individual players on the team, each with their own unique stories, while rooting for their success.

“You Gotta Believe” is more than just a classic underdog story. It’s a film about faith, belief, and sacrifice, and it does an excellent job of delivering these themes without overdoing it. The message is subtle yet impactful, making it a memorable addition to the genre.

I would score this film a solid 7/10. It’s a heartfelt, well-crafted film that I hope finds its audience and doesn’t get lost in the pool of sports biopics and baseball films.