Danny (Drew Johnson) and Melissa (Corinna Harney) have been friends since childhood. Growing up in Las Vegas, they were each other's first "puppy loves", too. But, once they hit high school, Melissa started to go in one direction and Danny in another. For her part, Missy wanted to walk on the wild side with other guys and Danny was pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Even so, they stayed in touch. However, when Melissa's mother died, her dad began drinking and, eventually, tried to beat her up. Therefore, she left town to live with an aunt and the two childhood pals could no longer communicate on a daily basis. As Danny inched closer to his dream, as a pitcher for an outstanding college baseball program, Missy got involved with a Swengali like young man who pushed her into modeling as a pin-up. But, Melissa came back to a long ago desire to become a teacher and a poet, trying to straighten out her mess of a life. Will the two "first loves" meet each other again? This is truly a very fine film encased in the wrong marketing package. With no real stars, the producers obviously felt they had to sensationalize their promotion of this flick. Hence, the risqué title and cover. Too bad, for some movie fans will dismiss it outright, as I almost did, which would be a shame. There is very little objectionable material but, instead, viewers will discover a sweet story of young people finding their way in life when cards are stacked against them. It is also a very good baseball story, telling it like it is in the world of professional sports. Then, too, themes of forgiveness and "tomorrow is another day" are front and center, always welcome lessons. Yes, the production was probably made on a lower budget and the sets, costumes and camera work are average, nothing more. But, with a heart-grabbing story and very good direction, most everyone will declare this movie to be a winner. If you like romance, baseball, or films that feature characters "overcoming odds", you will find this one swings for the fences and hits it out of the park, enjoyment wise.

Despite the few (mostly one) postings from people who clearly cannot get past their own inability to connect to a heartwarming film, for the official record I would like to add a few quotes regarding THE ROAD HOME from some well known and well respected film critics:"The Road Home is a bold and stylish drama from newcomer, Drew Johnson. A filmmaker with a creative eye that bristles with intelligence, charm and imagination!" ...Jeffrey K. Howard, The Movie Guys"The Road Home is a captivating film worthy of your attention, a well-written little film with a big heart. In this year filled with endless sequels and big-budget explosions, watching The Road Home is like finding a hidden treasure. Simply put - this is a wonderful and thought-provoking movie. Don't miss the opportunity to see it!" ...Tony Toscano, Film Critic, Emmy-Winning host Talking Pictures"An enjoyable movie that brings together America's two favorite past times, baseball and being in love" ...Greg Russell, Film Critic WDWB Detroit"A superbly crafted film...One of this year's best romances." ...David Giammarco, Film Critic Toronto Star, Elle Magazine"An impressive Independent feature...It has the look and feel of a studio picture." ...Playboy Magazine"I just got back from the CineVegas film festival and I saw a great film, The Road Home!" ...Casey Smith, Anchor, KLAS, CBS affiliate, Las Vegas"I Love this movie! It's not your typical movie about people from 'Vegas, in fact it's not your typical "feel good" movie either. It's a great film!" ...Heidi Harris, Host KXNT, 840AM Talk Radio, Las VegasIt would appear that they "Yeeech" comment from one lone person is the odd voice out regarding the quality and enjoyability of this film. What a shame that currently it is the lead comment on a film with otherwise stellar reviews from what appears to be various festival goers over the two years. Too bad so much weight has been given to that one review when others, including seasoned and film-weary professional critics, obviously feel this is an independent film of note.Takes all kinds I guess....

This film captures the spirit of America's official pastime, baseball and America's real pastime, romance and combines the two in a seamless, engaging and heartfelt manner. I entered the theatre with guarded optimism knowing this was the feature directorial debut for writer/director Johnson. I left the theatre very pleasantly surprised. This young filmmaker accomplished far more with fewer resources than most seasoned pro's accomplish with far more. But Johnson has succeeded in creating much more than a mere calling card. This film succeeds on it's own merits and deserves to be seen and to live on. A bit longish in spots, the engaging mood will cause all but the most jaded cynic to overlook this fact and give this gem the praise it so richly deserves.

This coming-of-age, romance, baseball story has every smaltzy, sentimental, semi-mental, feel bad, feel good cliche that ever graced a 50's big studio or Disney flick. There isn't one original scene, situation, or piece of dialogue in the whole movie. To make it worse, every point made on the screen is hammered home immediately afterward by having a character tell us what we just saw. The acting is nearly as bad as the screenplay. How is 104 minutes of unlikeable characters whining, crying, and refusing to act with any intelligence supposed to entertain or enlighten us? I thought they didn't make them like this any more; unfortunately, sometimes they still do. If "The Natural" is a home run into the light towers, then "The Road Home" is a dribbler to first base.