AllMovie

Inspired by a true story, War Eagle, Arkansas follows the emotional journey of a talented young athlete wrestling with the difficult decision to leave his working-class town and pursue a career in baseball, or remain at home and continue to be the glue that holds his community together. Enoch Cass (Luke Grimes) may stutter so badly that he can barely get a sentence out, though his inherent good nature and his skill on the baseball diamond ensures that he's not only beloved in his community, but has a good chance of making it to the major leagues as well. Ever since he was a young boy, Enoch has been best friends with Samuel "Wheels" Macon (Dan McCabe). Samuel suffers from cerebral palsy, and as a result he's been confined to a wheelchair since childhood. Together there's nothing that Enoch and Samuel can't accomplish, though now that Enoch is at the crossroads of childhood and independence those days may be numbered. Enoch's domineering grandfather (Brian Dennehy) still regrets the fact that he was forced to give up his own minor league career forty years prior, and sees in his grandson a chance to finally fulfill the dream that has haunted him for decades. And while his mother often clashes with Enoch's grandfather over the issues, his co-worker Jack and Samuel's mother Jessie always seem willing to offer some level-headed advice. Later, after a memorable performance at the All-Star game, Enoch finds himself pursued by persuasive college recruiters, and finally catching the attention of pretty local girl Abby. It's all pretty overwhelming for the boy who never thought he could amount to anything on his own, and as his personal relationships begin to dissolve in the wake of his recent success, Enoch is faced with making the decision that will not only affect his own future, but the futures of everyone around him as well.