🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Brampton’s Own” is a heartfelt drama directed and written by Michael Doneger, who also co-produced the film alongside Mark DiCristofaro. The movie stars Alex Russell as Dustin Kimmel, Rose McIver as Rachel Kinley, Carly Hughes as Allyson, and Spencer Grammer as Jane. Cinematography is skillfully handled by Kieren Murphy, with editing by Brad McLaughlin and music composed by Mitchell Owens.
The story centers around Dustin Kimmel, a 30-year-old minor league baseball player for the Seattle Mariners who decides to retire from the sport and return to his small hometown of Brampton. Dustin’s main motivation is to reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Rachel Kinley, portrayed by Rose McIver. However, his return to Brampton also forces him to confront past mistakes and unresolved feelings, including the heartbreak he caused Rachel when he left town years ago.
As Dustin navigates his way through the familiar streets of Brampton, he grapples with the consequences of his decisions and the impact they had on the people he left behind. The film beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia, regret, and the longing for second chances.
Throughout the movie, viewers witness Dustin’s personal growth and inner struggles as he tries to make amends and find closure with his past. The poignant narrative delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial.
With a captivating storyline and authentic performances from the cast, “Brampton’s Own” offers a touching portrayal of a man coming to terms with his past and striving to create a new future for himself. The film resonates with audiences as it explores the universal themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Alex Russell, Rose McIver, Jean Smart, Scott Porter, Kevin Linehan, Spencer Grammer, Carter Hastings, Riley Voelkel, John Getz
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Alex Russell | Dustin Kimmel |
| Rose McIver | Rachel Kinley |
| Jean Smart | Judy Kimmel |
| Kevin Linehan | Gavin Phillips |
| Spencer Grammer | Jane Kimmel |
| Scott Porter | Eddie |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the review of “Brampton’s Own,” where we dive into the world of a struggling minor league baseball player and his journey back to his roots. So, grab your popcorn and let’s hit a home run with this review!
Have you ever tried to juggle too many things at once? Like trying to balance a stack of pancakes on your head while riding a unicycle? Well, that’s how Dustin feels in “Brampton’s Own.” He’s like a lost puppy returning to his small hometown after retiring from baseball, only to be faced with old wounds and the one that got away – cue the dramatic music!
The movie beautifully captures Dustin’s inner turmoil and nostalgia about leaving behind his baseball dreams. You can almost feel his emotions seeping through the screen as he navigates through familiar streets and faces from his past. But alas, not all is sunshine and rainbows in this tale.
While Dustin’s struggles with giving up on baseball are portrayed with depth and authenticity, the love story seems to fall short. It feels like a recycled plot device from other sports dramas, lacking the spark needed to truly captivate the audience. It’s like expecting a grand slam but ending up with just a bunt.
Director Michael Doneger does bring a certain charm to the film, painting a poignant picture of returning home and rekindling old flames. The narrative unfolds like a well-worn novel, comfortable yet predictable in its storytelling. It’s like finding your favorite pair of socks – cozy but not exactly thrilling.
The acting in “Brampton’s Own” is commendable, with emotions that resonate through the screen. You can’t help but empathize with Dustin as he grapples with his past failures and uncertain future. However, despite the heartfelt performances, there seems to be a missing piece in the puzzle – leaving viewers wondering about the true purpose of it all.
As for climactic action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat? Well, you might be left wanting more. The film simmers gently without reaching boiling point, making it more of a slow burn than an explosive finale. While there are touching moments scattered throughout, it lacks that adrenaline-pumping excitement that leaves you breathless.
But fear not! “Brampton’s Own” isn’t all gloom and doom. It offers a blend of elements for everyone – baseball enthusiasts will find solace in Dustin’s journey, romantics can indulge in the love story (albeit lacking some sparks), and comedy-lovers will appreciate the light-hearted moments sprinkled throughout.
So, what’s the final verdict on “Brampton’s Own”? Drumroll please… I’d give it a solid 6/10 ⚾️
Binge-watching Tip: Grab some tissues before watching “Brampton’s Own.” You might need them for those emotional moments that hit right in the feels!
Overall, “Brampton’s Own” is like comfort food for your soul – familiar, warm, but not groundbreaking. It tugs at heartstrings but falls short in delivering a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for a cozy movie night or seeking some nostalgia about hometowns and lost loves, this film has something for everyone.
And remember folks: Life may throw curveballs at us just like in baseball; it’s how we swing back that truly matters! So grab your bat (or popcorn) and enjoy this heartfelt journey back home with “Brampton’s Own.”
Catch you at the next screening!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective portrayal of Dustin’s ambivalence | Love story lacks persuasion |
| Emotional depth in Dustin’s character | Feels like a device from bigger sports dramas |
| Beautifully captures the theme of returning home | Lacked climactic action |
| Charming and heartfelt moments | Purpose of the movie remains unclear |
| Great comedic moments | Not a typical rom-com |
| Good acting performances | Emotions felt but story direction unclear |
Feedback
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Brampton's Own - Wikipedia
Brampton’s Ownis a 2018 baseball drama film written and directed by Michael Doneger, starring Alex Russell, Rose McIver, and Jean Smart. The story follows Dustin Kimmel, a 30-year-old minor league prospect for the Seattle Mariners who reconnects with his high school sweetheart during the off season. It is Doneger’s debut film in both the writing and directing roles.
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Brampton's Own (2018) - IMDb
SPONSOREDRandall J. Bacon
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John T Lee
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Featured reviewLacks cohesionNice characters but lacking in cohesion. Bits and pieces but not coming together.helpful•60
- fmwongmd
- May 4, 2019
- How long is Brampton’s Own?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
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Brampton's Own | Rotten Tomatoes
Brampton’s OwnCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew
Michael DonegerDirectorAlex RussellDustinRose McIverRachel KinleyCarly HughesAllysonSpencer GrammerJaneMichael DonegerRobby
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'Brampton's Own' Review - The Hollywood Reporter
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At what point does pushing to make your dreams come true stop being heroic and become sad? A triple-A baseball player starts to accept his family’s verdict inBrampton’s Own, Michael Doneger’s light drama of giving up and going back home. A likable performance by Alex Russell, as the would-be major leaguer, is the main draw here, but Doneger’s overly familiar script doesn’t give theS.W.A.T.actor much to deal with. Even baseball fans may feel neglected, as the sport is more an offscreen rival to possible romance than a driving force for the pic.
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Brampton's Own - Metacritic
Brampton’s Own was a great movie to watch with friends on a quiet night in. This is a story of a man who returns to his hometown after 12 years of trying out for the MLB and reconnects with his family and high school sweetheart. Dustin, played by Alex Russell, must cope with the fact that everyone back home continued to move on without him and now he has to catch up and really fight for the girl he wants. I felt like Alex Russell did a great job portraying all the emotions this character experiences, making it a great experience for me as a viewer. I definitely recommend this to movie lovers.KelseylovesfilmDec 3, 2018
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the 2018 baseball drama film “Brampton’s Own,” directed and written by Michael Doneger, viewers are taken on a journey with Dustin Kimmel, a 30-year-old minor league baseball player for the Seattle Mariners. Played by Alex Russell, Dustin finds himself at a crossroads when he is not selected for the major leagues after 12 years in the minor leagues.
The story unfolds as Dustin returns to his hometown during the off-season, where he encounters a series of unexpected events. His girlfriend, Emma, played by Voelkel, breaks up with him due to his career-focused lifestyle. Dustin’s high school sweetheart, Rachel Kinley (Rose McIver), is now engaged to the town’s new dentist, Eddie (Scott Porter). Additionally, Dustin’s mother is moving in with her boyfriend Bart, and Dustin reconnects with old friends who have all moved on with their lives.
As Dustin grapples with the realization that his baseball career might not reach the major leagues, a twist of fate presents him with a chance to fulfill his dream. Another player’s injury opens a door for Dustin to potentially make it to the majors, forcing him to make difficult decisions that will not only impact his career but also his personal life.
The film delves into Dustin’s internal struggle as he navigates the choices before him, including whether to pursue his baseball dreams or prioritize other aspects of his life. The emotional depth of the character is portrayed through Alex Russell’s performance, capturing Dustin’s ambivalence and melancholy about his future in baseball.
Alongside Russell, the cast includes Rose McIver as Rachel Kinley, Jean Smart as Judy Kimmel (Dustin’s mother), Kevin Linehan as Gavin Phillips, Spencer Grammer as Jane Kimmel, and Scott Porter as Eddie, among others. Each character adds layers to Dustin’s story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and conflicts.
Despite its focus on baseball, “Brampton’s Own” also explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The film received mixed reviews, with a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised aspects such as the cinematography by Kieran Murphy but noted flaws in the script that hindered the overall impact of the story.
Ultimately, “Brampton’s Own” offers a poignant exploration of chasing one’s dreams, facing past decisions, and finding a sense of closure. The film’s narrative weaves together personal and professional dilemmas, culminating in a compelling portrayal of a man at a pivotal moment in his life.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating and Parental Guide:
Age Rating: Brampton’s Own (2018) is rated TV-MA, suitable for mature audiences only, due to its content.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity: The movie contains mild romantic scenes with kissing and hugging. There are no explicit sexual scenes or nudity depicted.
Violence & Gore: There are no intense violent or gory scenes in the movie. Some emotional confrontations and discussions may be present.
Profanity: Occasional mild language and some instances of profanity are used throughout the film.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: There are scenes showing characters in social settings with drinks, but no excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking is depicted.
Frightening & Intense Scenes: The movie is mostly a drama focused on personal relationships and self-discovery, without any particularly intense or frightening scenes.
Overall Appropriate Age: Brampton’s Own is suitable for older teenagers and adults due to its themes and some mature content. Parents may find it appropriate for viewers aged 16 and above.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | Brampton’s Own is available on Prime Video on Amazon.com. A struggling minor league baseball player retires and woefully returns to his small hometown, carefully dodging old wounds until confronted with the one that hurts the most – the girl that got away. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
At what point does pushing to make your dreams come true stop being heroic and become sad?
Release date: Oct 19, 2018As so often happens in these tales, home isn’t what it used to be.
Easygoing but very familiar.
While the film effectively captures Dustin's ambivalence and melancholy about giving up on baseball, the love story isn't nearly persuasive, and Dustin's core failure as a person...just feels like a device lifted from bigger sports dramas.
It's better than a number of indie films in its craft - particularly the thoughtfully composed cinematography from Kieran Murphy - but a flawed script ultimately keeps it from eking out a win.
🤖Brampton's Own Reddit Talks
Brampton’s Own: A Poignant Exploration of Small-Town Regrets and Second Chances
“Brampton’s Own,” a 2018 film, delves into the poignant journey of a minor league baseball player, Jake, as he grapples with the end of his athletic dreams and returns to his small hometown of Brampton, Ontario. The film explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the complexities of relationships.
The film’s portrayal of Jake’s return to Brampton resonated with viewers, particularly those from the city. Commenters on the r/Brampton subreddit expressed excitement about the film’s local setting and speculated on potential filming locations. The film’s depiction of Brampton as a “small hometown” sparked discussion among residents about the city’s evolving identity and its place within the Greater Toronto Area.
Confronting the Past and Missed Opportunities
Jake’s return to Brampton forces him to confront old wounds, including his failed relationship with Sarah (Rose McIver). The film deftly captures the complexities of their relationship and the lingering regrets that Jake carries. Viewers took to social media to share their perspectives on Jake and Sarah’s dynamic, with some expressing sympathy for Jake’s missed chances and others highlighting Sarah’s growth and independence.
The Challenges of Life After Baseball
Beyond the romantic subplot, “Brampton’s Own” also explores the challenges that Jake faces in adjusting to life after baseball. The film portrays the difficulties of transitioning from a highly structured athletic career to the uncertainties of civilian life. Jake’s struggles with unemployment, lack of purpose, and strained relationships resonated with viewers who had faced similar transitions.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Reviews of “Brampton’s Own” were mixed, with some critics praising its emotional depth and relatable characters, while others found it lacking in cinematic flair and overall impact. A review on the r/NetflixBestOf subreddit described the film as a “wistful baseball romance” that captured the “impossible dream” futility of life in the minor leagues. However, a review in The Globe and Mail criticized the film’s lack of climactic action and overall unmemorability.
Local Pride and the Importance of Representation
Despite the mixed critical reception, “Brampton’s Own” was met with enthusiasm by many local residents. The film’s portrayal of Brampton and its inclusion of local actors and crew members generated a sense of pride and excitement within the community. Commenters on the r/Brampton subreddit expressed their support for the film and its positive representation of their city.
Brampton’s Evolving Identity: Beyond the Bad Rep
The film’s depiction of Brampton sparked conversations about the city’s reputation and its evolving identity. Residents shared their experiences and perspectives on the city’s strengths and challenges, particularly in relation to its proximity to Toronto. The discussions highlighted the complexities of Brampton’s image and the desire of its residents to challenge negative stereotypes.
Conclusion
“Brampton’s Own” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of returning home, confronting the past, and navigating the challenges of life after a major career transition. While critical reception was mixed, the film resonated with local viewers and sparked conversations about Brampton’s identity and the importance of representation. Ultimately, “Brampton’s Own” is a testament to the power of storytelling to connect with audiences on a personal level and to shed light on the hidden stories of small-town life.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Brampton/comments/80kcam/bramptons_own_2018_maybe_set_in_brampton/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/11tjo3i/brampton_ontario_any_actors_and_crew_up_here/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/dm902f/request_baseball_movies_on_netflix/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Brampton/comments/13yvws9/movie_being_shot/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Brampton/comments/d1cuiw/why_is_there_only_one_cinema_in_a_city_with_550k/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the storyline of Brampton’s Own?
In Brampton’s Own, a struggling minor league baseball player retires and returns to his small hometown, facing old wounds and the girl he left behind.
Where can I watch Brampton’s Own?
You can watch Brampton’s Own on Prime Video.
Who are the main cast members of Brampton’s Own?
The main cast of Brampton’s Own includes Alex Russell as Dustin, Rose McIver as Rachel Kinley, Jean Smart as Judy, Scott Porter as Eddie, and Spencer Grammer as Jane.
What genre does Brampton’s Own fall under?
Brampton’s Own is a drama film that delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of minor league baseball.
What are critics saying about Brampton’s Own?
Critics have noted that while the film effectively portrays the protagonist’s struggle with leaving baseball behind, the love story aspect feels less convincing, akin to a plot device in larger sports dramas.
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