Extra Innings

Extra Innings_720p(480P)

source: Extra Innings

There's an axiom in entertainment always to leave the audience wanting more. When Extra Innings ended I hungered for more. After all, the characters worked through the tough stuff. The movie's ending showed me that good things were imminent so I need not see more. Some reviewers called this a baseball move. I disagree. This is a story about one person's walk through mental illness and how he endured. Baseball was the Universe's gift to the main character so he could have an outlet in a dysfunctional environment. The skills he learned developing his talent for baseball, no doubt gave him the foundation and confidence to develop other talents later. We know this because the author, on whose life Extra Innings is based, did not become a professional baseball player, but still was successful in his chosen career paths. Plus the author opened the door for others to share their stories of loss and illness that will help bring them healing and catharsis. You did a good job, Mr. Dabah. Keep telling your story. Keep encouraging others to tell theirs. The truth sets us all free.

Extra Innings has a way of pulling you in. In so many scenes you feel like you're right there in the dining room having dinner or in the living room with the family. You feel like you are a part of the family. This film also pushes us to look at Depression in a way we may not have before. It makes us ask ourselves the question...Am I as strong as David? Great storytelling and great direction. The cast is awesome! Although it has its happy and sad moments, I think everyone who sees this film will take something great from it with them. Excellent family film.

Through the writing,acting and directing of "Extra Innings", Al Dabah has shown each of us how courageous one need be in this life, as we all carry emotional baggage to varying degrees. Despite the devotion to religious education and tradition, Al, "David", the youngest sibling was born into a family incapable of protecting or directing their children in emotionally healthy ways. He was then seemingly abandoned in the most important and supportive of ways toward understanding of how to cope with the severities of each of the tragedies that unfolded in his life, as portrayed. Though the film was autobiographical the rigors of baseball are a great metaphor from which to draw many positive examples for building relationships and coping with life itself. One may have a deep attachment and love for the sport, but baseball is a demanding self-discipline replete with the responsibilities of daily practice, schedules, team loyalty, training, knowing your opponent and your own strengths and weaknesses and especially of building the kind of character that can accept defeat, as well as winning. In those respects, it is not unlike being part of a family. The dichotomy of the relationships experienced by young David growing up within his orthodox Syrian family and of those of being an active baseball team member, played the major theme of his childhood. Though deeply loved, he carries more than just the expectations of his parents' hopes and dreams for their son ... for in addition he bore those they had for both his brother and sister. And unlike where in baseball you'd eventually be thrown off the team for any lackadaisical performances, young Al had no "out", as his parents demanded he tow the line while his very passion and spirit were being suppressed, albeit denied. The very unconditional love, bonding, acceptance, inspiration and encouragement he so desperately needed came from those very siblings, his big brother and sister, which compounded to the weight of their loss, leaving him further bereft. It is quite admirable that Albert Dabah had the insight to know he must seek outside professional help in understanding how and why the sequence of his childhood's events evolved into such tragedies, how to deal with each and all, and how to proceed into the future when feeling so confused, afraid and alone. Reaching into the depths of that pain and the process of writing itself is courageous. Untangling the history and psychology of each family member and the relationships they'd developed with one another, and then finding oneself and a reason and way to go on and help others, is likened to writing your own Bible. I applaud Al Dabah for a movie whose script was well written, characters and acting so genuine and believable, scenery, dress, music and lighting spot on and moreso a film debut at this very time in which individuals are so in need of the assistance of therapy and suicide prevention.

Multiple themes. Pursuit of ones dream, being torn between family loyalty and that passion, and coping with serious mental health issues within the nuclear family. Will provoke thought long after viewing.

Extra Innings is extraordinary. The actors played their roles in such a convincing, natural way. Great portrayal of family dynamics involving mental illness, displaying powerful emotional sequences throughout the movie. I highly recommend this movie...you will not be disappointed.

This film is one of those rare pieces that brings together so many unsung moments in life to create a movie that feels organic. The characters are realistic, the impact of the tragedy is raw and feels deeply relatable to anyone who's felt this kind of loss. A high recommend.

It is hard to describe the depth or the impact of a movie that is based on the real life tragedies that a person has endured. I found this film to be moving on so many levels. Across the board the acting was inspiring - particularly being a cast of mostly unknowns. They all found a way to tap into the heart of the story. We don't see films these days that are as personal and touching . This one deals with family issues that are difficult, complicated and tragic all at the same time. It is a worthwhile film and deals with subjects that are, sadly, close to home for far too many people.

What a beautifully poignant film. The movie touches on such important universal themes, through fantastic storytelling and great acting. Can't recommend highly enough!