Watch Turnaround Jake

Turnaround Jake is a heartwarming coming-of-age film from 2014, directed by Jared Isham and written by Jarret LeMaster, who also stars in the lead role as Jake. The film centers around Jake, a talented yet troubled teenager who is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of his mother. As the story unfolds, we accompany Jake on his journey of self-discovery, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and seeks to find his place in the world.

At the beginning of the film, we see Jake as a rebellious and angry teenager, who frequently clashes with authority figures and finds himself in trouble with the law. Despite this, Jake possesses a natural talent for baseball and dreams of one day making it to the major leagues. However, his attitude and behavior problems have prevented him from being scouted by any college recruiters, a fact that only exacerbates his feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

It is at this point that Jake's estranged grandfather, Frank (played brilliantly by Michael Madsen), enters the picture. Frank is a gruff and no-nonsense figure, but also one who cares deeply for his wayward grandson. He sees the potential in Jake's baseball skills and decides to take him under his wing, promising to help him improve his game and introduce him to influential people in the sport.

Initially, Jake is resistant to Frank's help and resentful of the old man's interference. He also has to deal with the fact that his grandfather is a recovering alcoholic who frequently relapses, a problem that causes tension and conflict between the two. However, as the pair spend more time together and go on a road trip to scout a potential recruit, Jake begins to warm up to Frank and realize the importance of family and second chances.

Along the way, Jake also meets a young woman named Amanda (played by Jen Lilley), who is also dealing with her own personal demons. Despite their initial reluctance to connect with each other, Jake and Amanda form a bond that gradually deepens into a romance, providing both of them with a much-needed source of support and companionship.

One of the film's main themes is the idea of redemption and forgiveness. Throughout the story, we see characters who have made mistakes and are struggling to make amends for their past behavior. Jake's relationship with his grandfather is a prime example of this, as the two of them work to overcome their differences and find common ground. Similarly, Amanda's backstory involves a traumatic event in which she was responsible for a life-changing accident, and she must learn to reconcile with herself and those affected by her actions.

The film also explores the role of sports as a source of purpose and motivation for young people. Jake's love of baseball is a driving force in his character, and we see how his talent and passion for the game give him a sense of identity and direction. At the same time, the film is critical of the ways in which the sports industry can be exploitative and damaging to young athletes, particularly when it comes to recruitment and scouting practices.

Overall, Turnaround Jake is a poignant and engaging film that tells a relatable story about the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. The performances from the cast are strong, particularly Jarret LeMaster's lead role as Jake, and the film's themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of sports are universally resonant. Although it may not offer much in the way of surprises or twists, the film is well-crafted and well worth a watch for anyone in the mood for an uplifting and inspiring drama.

Turnaround Jake is a 2014 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.