A Little Game (2014) User Reviews

Impressive acting by the main actress

[michaeljhuman · 6/10 · 7 February 2016]

I am very impressed by the acting of the kid

The movie is interesting, but not especially amazing. Above average. I believe it's quite enjoyable for people who like this style of movie though. It slightly reminds me of Matilda, maybe due to comedy elements and smart girl.

Garafalo is a bit under utilized. I have been a big fan for years and think she's great. But of course the movie is about the girl, so it's to be expected that she's under utilized.

There's some funny lines in the movie. For example the mentor remarks, in response to a question, 'Is it bigger than a breadbox?' And the girl says 'XBox"? And he says 'What's an XBox". And she says 'What's a breadbox'. Very funny gender gap commentary

It's not a good chess movie IMO. If you want more about chess, see something else, IMO. I feel like this movie misrepresents the game a bit and how one would learn about it.

Wonderful Family Movie

[raybartlett · 7/10 · 25 January 2015]

This is a light hearted wonderful family movie. The newcomer, Makenna Ballard, takes to the film like she has been on camera her whole life and without IMDb, it would not be easy to tell this is her first project. The cast is spot on for most of the characters and the heavy weights don't let you down, (F. Murray Abraham and Olympia Dukakis).

The fantasy elements seemed unnecessary and tripped up the pacing and impact of Abraham's lessons. If they would have just played it straight instead of the fantasy elements the story would have had a deeper impact with it's message of using your brain to find your way out of situations, but they relied on fantasy to help out her brain instead.

The childhood rivalries are familiar, but that's because they ring true, and what is more familiar than the truth?

It's a fun movie and many of the messages are good for kids and good to be reminded of for adults.

I'm gonna call you Shmuel

[thejcowboy22 · 6/10 · 11 July 2022]

In1962 my Father had the notion to place me in a private school. His intentions were good as he wanted me to have the best education possible. What parent wouldn't? Struggling financially, he asked his Uncle Max for financial help and Max complied but under certain conditions. It has to be a Jewish school. Unfortunately, I was not a good student with behavioral issues plus a lack of attentiveness was a recipe for disaster. I had no knowledge of Jewish customs and practices. My mother was proud of being Jewish but knew nothing about her religion. I invited a classmate to the house after school. When my Mother had us in the kitchen to eat a snack. The boy was shocked as he noticed that my mother didn't have two sets of dishes rendering our kitchen not kosher. He called his mother to come to the house and get him out of this gentile home. A Little Game is a refreshing change of pace being hidden amongst the sex, violence-oriented movies. Max Kuftinec (Makenna Ballard) is tops in her class at her local New York City public school. She is a young pre-teen, cute with a thirst for knowledge. In addition, her friends gravitate around as seen in the opening playground scene. All seems right until her teacher called her over and says to the effect that she is going to miss her. When Max comes home her parents Tom (Ralph Macchio) and Sarah (Janeane Garofalo). They realize that Max would be better suited to a private school where she could be more challenged. Her parents take a financial risk as Sarah is a gourmet chef and requests more shifts to pay the huge tuition. Tom is a maintenance man for the apartment they reside which saves on rent payments. Other supporting characters are her loving Greek Grandmother YaYa (Olympia Dukakis) who she admires for her wisdom. Then there is her younger adorable sister Jez (Fina Strazza) with a wild imagination who for example turns her babysitter into a human closet draping clothes on each arm (Quite a site). Max finds herself in unchartered waters in her new surroundings at the private school. Already the upper westside snooty girls are teasing her about her old shoes. Max is basically alone in her new environment. In order to find new friends, she joins the school's chess club. Not knowing anything about chess, Max is ostracized by her snobbish classmate Isabella (Fatima Ptacek). Max retorts and tells her that someday she will beat her in a chess match. The real magic of this film takes place in Washington Square Park at the chess tables. Where a venerable gentleman is sitting. Max seems to gravitate towards this person. This is the hook for me personally as the dialogue between the two holds your interest. The screenwriting between a ten-year-old inquisitive youngster against the well-seasoned curmudgeon. F. Murray Abraham known as Norman in the film transcends this tale in a different but positive direction. Max Learns about chess and how life constantly changes through the subtle hints Norman provides giving Max a different perspective on the game. Some critics scoff at the film complaining that Garofalo, and Abraham, were not showcased more or to even appear in a children's film of this nature. Truthfully I personally was totally satisfied with the entire movie and was hoping that there would be a spinoff series. The casting was sheer perfection. Other notable players in the movie worth a mention were the bespectacled Becky (Oona Laurence) and her enterprising male friend Jaden (Gabriel Rush). A wonderful family film.

A really well-made movie with a host of good messages. And entertaining!

[TxMike · 10 April 2015]

We found this nice small movie on Netflix streaming. It is set and filmed in Manhattan, it centers on a very bright and grounded 10-yr- old girl named Max. During the first 15 minutes or so my wife wondered out loud if this is a good movie, setting the stage for everything else took a bit of time. But once it got going there was never a dull moment. Well-written and well-acted, it is very entertaining and has a great message about living the life you are in and not worrying too much about what happens after. Or 5 Billion years into the future when the Sun is supposed to destroy the Earth.

The star is newcomer Makenna Ballard as Max Kuftinec. Her acting style and delivery of lines reminded me of a miniature Shailene Woodley. Her dad is the building superintendent and her mom is a chef at a nearby restaurant. She also has a very cute younger sister. She is very bright and her parents want her to be challenged so they make arrangements for her to enter a new, more prestigious school. It is more expensive than her public school and the parents have to make sacrifices.

The chess theme comes in when a teacher suggests that since Max is a Math whiz she would probably be good at chess, but Max knows essentially nothing about it and obviously can't play. But one day walking home from school she notices the chess players in the public square and enters into a deal for one of them to teach her.

Played by F. Murray Abraham, his method is unique. Instead of simply telling Max how to play the game he has her go into the city and seek clues. His point is the game isn't just played on a board, it is a metaphor for the city and you have to use chess strategy the same way you use strategy to get around the city.

This is a very satisfying movie and the young actress that plays Max is really good in this role.

If you want to learn chess at the age of 10

[ashraks · 7/10 · 30 March 2024]

A Little Game" whispers its magic through the streets of Manhattan. Max, a young chess prodigy, learns that life's moves mirror those on the board. Makenna Ballard's debut shines, leaving an indelible mark. While not a grandmaster's masterpiece, its message lingers: forgiveness blooms where footsteps faltered.

Her interactions with the irascible Norman reveal deeper truths:

Perseverance: Max faces challenges, but she persists. Life, like chess, demands resilience.

Teamwork: She navigates personal crises, realizing that sometimes we need others to win.

Passion: Max auditions for the school play, standing up to bullies. Following our passions matters.

Independence: Max asserts her choices, even when it means challenging norms.

Change: Norman compares chess timing to life-inevitable shifts. "Enjoy it while it's here." In this quiet film, the chessboard mirrors existence, and forgiveness blooms where footsteps faltered.

Very weak "Afterschool Special"

[GIJoel6 · 2/10 · 4 April 2022]

My perspective for full disclosure: I'm a NYC native who learned how the pieces move from my older brother in 1968 at age 6, improved my understanding of the game during the Fischer boom, and was a below-master level tournament player until I was 30. So I am familiar with the territory and wanted this to be good.

I totally get that this was made for an audience of children, so we need not have great expectations of it. The problem is writer/director Evan Oppenheimer is obviously enthralled by the metaphor of learning to navigate the chess board as a cognate of learning to navigate life itself; yet his portrayal of the games, and the teaching process of park hustler Abraham, suggests strongly he has never played the game himself, has little to no understanding of it, and did not bother to ask anyone qualified for help in that area. If his goal was to introduce a childhood audience to a beautiful strategy game, he wound up giving most of them at once both an overly simplistic and overly complicated, and ultimately just unrealistic idea of what playing and learning the game is really like. If his goal was something else entirely, he did not need to butcher the presentation of chess as a vehicle for whatever that goal may have been. If you're looking for a good (and far closer to realistic because it was a true story, written by someone who lived it) movie about a child chess prodigy, see "Searching for Bobby Fischer" instead.

The talents of Abraham, Dukakis and Garofalo were badly wasted on this silly script. At least new star Makenna Ballard made an auspicious debut as the protagonist, outshining the established adult actors.

A little gem about a gifted child

[scurvytoon · 8/10 · 9 February 2015]

Starring Makenna Ballard in her first credited role ever apparently, she stands out among a heavy hitting cast that are clearly enjoying themselves. A little Game tells the story of Max a 10 year old city girl growing up in NYC with ethnic parents who work hard at jobs that don't pay nearly as well as they should. Max is a gifted student who is not challenged by her current school and her parents sacrifice to get her into a special private school for others like her.

Told from within the bubble of Max's understanding of normal, challenging, right & wrong, the film follows her experiences as she seeks to find her own place when she asks one of the old men playing chess in the park to teach her the game. Her family and friends drift in and out of the story as they intrude on her private thoughts and immediate life.

Olympia Dukakis as Max's grandmother sets the tone when she tells her not to let life happen to her but that she should happen to life.

An interesting insulated slice of life in New York, the movie shines a light on the more imaginative escapist life of a gifted child with great accuracy and gentleness without ever wandering into the darker corners that would have changed the light nature of this wonderful film. Suitable for both children an adults, A little game compares favourably with The World of Henry Orient. Some of the fantasy elements do interfere with the narrative, but not so much as to ruin the story.

I'll gladly watch this one again any time it comes up.

Believe You Can Win!

[Sylviastel · 8/10 · 25 July 2018]

The film is about a ten year old girl in Greenwich Village in New York City named Max. Her parents are played by Ralph Maachio and Janeane Garofalo. They're working class people. Her father is a building superintendent and the mother is a chef at a restaurant. Her grandmother was played by Academy Award winner, Olympia Dukakis who rarely gets to play Greek-American roles. Max gets accepted into a private school uptown where she tries to fit in. The film has a lesson about life through the game of chess. F. Murray Abraham played the unlikely older man who helps Max learn the game and rules about life. The film looks like it was shot entirely on location in New York City.

Makenna Ballard plays the main character. Why is she listed 19th in IMDb's cast list?

[hopeofglry · 9/10 · 5 May 2016]

My 4 year old son loved this movie so much, he wanted to learn how to play chess because of it! It captured his attention, as it was the first full length movie that held his attention from beginning to end. He now plays chess...at four! In addition, the way the main character carried herself and responded to opposition, meanness and being different was a good example for my son to see. The story was heart-warming, innocent and fun. It's a wonderful family movie. Disappointed to see IMDb relegate the main character to the 19th spot on their listing of characters (even after the bully of the movie). Shame on you. You should revise that IMDb. Makenna Ballard did a wonderful job and deserves the credit for her work. We loved this movie!

Whatever Happened to Makenna Ballard?

[Stoshie · 8/10 · 6 December 2020]

First of all it is a disgrace that her credit is so far down on IMDB's list of actors for this movie. She is the main character, not some side character. Hers should be the first credit listed.

But other than this and an obscure TV movie that I can't find anywhere, she only has two credits to her name. Does anyone know why?

She was outstanding in this sweet little movie. She could express different emotions just with slight changes of facial expressions. I was expecting to see more from her, as she proved to be an excellent actress in this movie. She should have had a long, successful career ahead of her in films. I hope nothing bad happened to her.

Anyway, if you get a chance, see this movie. It is uplifting, but not overly saccharine. Even an old gruff guy like me enjoyed this fine film immensely.

Life is often played through one's eyes

[Bosco-HK · 8/10 · 29 January 2015]

This movie is such a delight. I love playing this "little game"! I also play the Chinese version (not checkers) of this "little game" as well.

Makenna Ballard played her character as though she has been living in front of the camera. I adore all of the relationships between her and her surrounding characters, especially irresistible with YaYa (Olympia Dukakis).

A game taught in such a way puts someone in a different state of mind, rather than focusing on what is going on in this wonderful story of growing up and dealing with "inevitable change", one might start to drift off thinking and reflecting upon his/her own experiences in life.

The other relationship, with the teacher, Norman (F. Murray Abraham) who teaches us about being curious. Though I must say that he drives me impatient. But then, I think of swimming. What is to be able to swim? Is it simply "by constantly moving in any sort of motion, one would surely be able to stay afloat, and eventually get across to the other side"?

One stroke at a time... one breath at a time.

Like R B mentioned, the relationships at school and at home are all rather familiar, however some of the fantasies have a tendency to take away a certain intellect.

To put readers in further curiosity, and perhaps even confusion, here's a metaphor for you: "the unforgettable flight of stairs".

I recommend this movie for most of the messages to both children and adults.

A little lighthearted movie

[uyenthao-02706 · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

I know nothing about chess, but I still enjoyed watching every second of the movie. I wish I do because I know I will be able to enjoy the film even better. I saw the first few minutes on FB reels and got hooked. This movie is one of a few that I would re-watch. I love the little story of each character. I love Max's character and her development throughout the movie. I love how Max stayed true to her words. You don't have to defeat someone to prove that you are better. There is no drama. Watch it with a light heart, and you will feel fulfilled. The movie portrayed a peaceful city life. I wish the world would be safe enough for us to enjoy little things.

The good outweighs the not-so-good

[rbarbieri-479-474533 · 8/10 · 23 April 2015]

A Little Game is nice, family-friendly (for the most part) movie with quality acting. The young stage actress, Makenna Ballard makes her big screen debut as Max, a 10-year-old Manhattenite. Olympia Dukakis as her "Ya-Ya" and F.Murray Abraham as her reluctant mentor. I watched it with my own 10-year-old who was engaged watching Max maneuver school, family, and life in general. From a mom's perspective, I thought the movie delivered a wonderful glimpse of the world through a young girl's eyes which, realistically, would include the fantasies playing out in her mind. From a Christian perspective, I was taken by surprise by a scene in which the parents share a beer. This doesn't offend me; I'm just not used to seeing casual alcohol use in a family movie. Also, there is a very brief - almost subversive - mention of the neighbor boy's two moms, as well as a cutaway of Max picturing herself with two dads. Though a common theme today, I thought it should be mentioned for families that prefer to filter worldly ideals. Overall, the importance of family, friendship, and love was portrayed stronger than anything else.

You should watch it !

[arsenalfcclubwearegunners · 9/10 · 18 June 2023]

Definitely a must watch movie

It's a great movie because and it could really happen in real life. The story encourages girls to take chances and be themselves. It's cool to be smart and make mistakes. What I really liked about this movie is that Max was was a smart girl and everyone else had nannies but she could ride the subway by herself. Her family split up and her grandmother died but she lived through it and was brave to try something new but not forget the old.

It's a family movie, and a great movie to watch with kids at movie night. Must watch at least one time .

Definitely Recommended: Rated : 10/10.