Review and Giveaway: A Mile in His Shoes

Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team.  As Murph sets out to recruit a new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm.  However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant to allow him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.  Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, amore importantly, their spirit. 

A Mile in His Shoes, adapted from a novel by Frank Nappi, is based on a true story.  In addition to clean entertainment, the story also gives the viewer an insight into the challenges of autism.

The viewers are able to connect with the challenges of Mickey, who has Asperger’s syndrome, through a glimpse into his coping mechanisms though flashbacks to the farm and familiar places, “seeing” though his eyes of blurred vision when under duress, and his struggles to pick up on cues in social situations.

Dean Cain stars as Murph, the encouraging coach to Mikey. After watching the whole film trying to place the actor who did an excellent job playing Mickey, I quickly discovered why the familiarity when I saw his name was Luke Schroder, son of Rick Schroder. Another familiar face was the actor who played Pee Wee (Jarod Joseph of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), a player on the team who was quick to accept Mickey.

This made-for-TV movie is suitable viewing for the entire family. (Note:  There is one suggested scene of violence, but not very graphic.) Themes of acceptance, overcoming obstacles (both internal and external), and faith are woven throughout the story. Overall, it is an excellent choice for your next family movie night.

Giveaway!!!

Closed!  Congrats Charla, comment #2

One lucky reader will win a certificate to claim their very own copy of A Mile in His Shoes. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

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The giveaway will end on February 3rd at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.
  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.