--an inspirational sports drama co-produced by the producer of Thomas Nelson's "Hermie & Friends" video series--will open nationwide in about 500 theaters tomorrow, April 16.

Based on a true story, the movie--rated PG for thematic material, including issues of sexism and racism--tells the story of a ragtag, shoeless group of children from Mexico who shocked the world in 1957 by winning 13 baseball games in a row and the Little League World Series in the only perfect game ever pitched in the championship.

The Perfect Game stars Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Emilie de Ravin, Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place), Moises Arias (Hannah Montana), Jansen Panettiere (The X's), Ryan Ochoa (iCarly) Patricia Manterola and Louis Gossett Jr.

Rick Eldridge--founder of Charlotte, N.C.-based ReelWorks Studios, which produces the "Hermie & Friends" series--told Christian Retailing that the movie is "very compatible for a faith-based audience."

"The film opened in 350 screens in Mexico two weeks ago and was No. 2 in the nation behind How to Train Your Dragon," said Eldridge, who co-produced The Ultimate Gift--a top seller in Christian bookstores. "We are very proud of this movie and hope that, like in Mexico, it will find its audience here in the U.S. It is a story for the entire family."

The film is receiving mixed reviews. "You sort of know how these underdog sports movies turn out," the Chicago Sun-Times noted. "Doesn't matter. The Perfect Game so expertly uses the charisma and personalities of the actors, especially the young ones, that it's thrilling anyway."

But the Chicago Tribune observed that the film is "perfectly mediocre, which is heartbreaking, not heartwarming."

Click here for more information on The Perfect Game.

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