The problem is, when you have a story with this many layers, not only tackling socioeconomic barriers, but racial barriers, and the complexities of a post-war America, it's far too easy to get lost in whatever catches your eye. Again there are unexplored pockets of his relationship with the newly hired JB that could have been intriguing to explore. Oscar Nuñez plays the school principal, and though his role is small, he's enjoyable to watch. ![]() He's simply there to be the bad, racist white man. As is Brett Cullen's villain, a character so cookie cutter that it's hard to even recall his name. His relationship with his father ( Jimmy Gonzalez) is an interesting foil to his growing bond with JB, though that is never explored.Ĭheech Marin comes in as Pollo, the groundskeeper at the club, and though he is always a joy to watch on screen, his character is about as hammy as they come. Works' Joe is easily the most complex character of the five players, though his story suffers when a romantic plot is written in with neither enough material to be interesting nor enough screen time to feel earned. While Quaid feels like he's phoning it in sometimes, Hernandez shines as a vet struggling with PTSD and a man who is determined to earn respect in a world that sometimes won't even acknowledge him. Clunky tropes create an almost painfully predictable finale, which is disappointing because the film is not without its talent. Insults and slurs are hurled around with no real consequences. ![]() Slights and threats are taken seriously one moment and then forgotten the next. The film is clearly intent on making the story an identity story as well, but it struggles to find balance and nuance along the way. The way the movie tackles race and the complicated dynamics between Mexican-Americans and white Americans is often heavy-handed. Even though he has the help of his fellow veteran Frank Mitchell ( Dennis Quaid), the locals aren't ready or willing to accept a Mexican member into their club. JB is a big golf fanatic and has dreams of joining the Del Rio Country Club, an exclusive club that serves an all-white clientele. JB Peña ( Jay Hernandez) moves to a small town in Texas where he becomes a superintendent of a Mexican-American high school. ![]() Statson and Paco Farias, is a standard issue underdog story.īased on the real life story about a group of Mexican-American teenagers who win a golf competition during the 1950s, the set up is clean cut. In many ways, The Long Game from director Julio Quintana, who also penned the script alongside Jennifer C. The odds are always stacked against them, but with one determined coach and a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps mentality, the team is able to overcome all that they are up against and get the victory and respect they deserve. The plucky team with aspirations for greatness. When it comes to inspiring stories, nothing really tops an underdog sports narrative.
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