THE LONG GAME

Here is the decision, plainly: this is one of the good ones. THE LONG GAME is a fun, inspiring, four-star movie with jeopardy, drama, and laughs — and a moral worldview that's a joy to watch. The performances shine, and the story of a Mexican American golf team defying the odds in 1955 Texas earns every bit of its heart.

The single caution is small but real. There are two strong profanities and some coarse language, plus a handful of intense moments that make this better suited to older children than little ones. Parents of younger kids should know that going in.

So: if you're looking for a family movie night with older children — or simply want an uplifting, well-made underdog story for yourself — this is worth the trip. Just leave the youngest ones for a gentler pick.

Texas, 1955. JB Peña loves golf and plays it well — but when he tries to join a top country club, he's turned away simply because he's Mexican.

Starting his new job as superintendent of the local school district, JB spots a group of Mexican American teenagers who caddy at that same club, playing golf in an open field where they aren't allowed on the course. He sees something in them. With his rough-edged war buddy Frank — an excellent golfer and coach — JB sets out to do something that has never been done: build a Mexican golf team to compete for the state championship.

Four stars, and they're earned. THE LONG GAME is a genuinely entertaining, fun movie — the kind of underdog story that mixes real stakes with warmth and humor. It has jeopardy, drama, and laughs in the right measure, and it never loses its uplifting heart.

The cast does a great job across the board. Jay Hernandez, of the MAGNUM P.I. reboot, anchors the film; Dennis Quaid — winner of Movieguide®'s 2023 Grace Prize for Most Inspiring Movie Performance — brings his rough-around-the-edges coach to life; and Cheech Marin of NASH BRIDGES rounds out a lineup that gives the story its texture and charm. This is a well-made crowd-pleaser that knows exactly what it wants to be.

THE LONG GAME carries a strong moral worldview with wonderful messages, and it wears them well. At its center, one man leads a group of young men toward becoming better men — teaching them to treat others with kindness and respect no matter how they themselves are treated, to present themselves well, and to follow the rules. That's a rare and valuable thing to see modeled on screen.

The film goes further. It offers a nice pro-life message, includes a mention of praying for someone, and celebrates the American Dream along with other positive qualities of America and its culture. Prejudice and bigotry appear as obstacles the characters face — but the story shows them overcome, which is the point.

This is a movie that honors the dignity of every person and the quiet work of building character in the young. Its instinct — to answer contempt with respect rather than retaliation — echoes the heart of Scripture: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

This one's a gift: a fun, inspiring, beautifully acted underdog story with a moral spine and a heart that never quits. A couple of strong profanities and some intense moments mean the youngest viewers should sit this one out — but for everyone else, it's the same answer we started with: worth the trip — ages 10 and up. Round up the older kids and enjoy the ride.