The Long Game (I) (2023) User Reviews

Enjoyable for both golfers and non-golfers

[RegalsReelView · 8/10 · 16 April 2024]

A superintendent and five high school students set out to show that everyone, even Mexicans, is welcome on the golf course. They start a golf team with a single goal: to win and reach the state championship. Along the way, they face racism and obstacles but do not waver in their goal.

This is an inspirational true story about a group of teenagers and their coaches going against the odds and societal norms. The film has a bit of comedy, emotion, drama, and golf. The film quickly gets to the main parts of the story, sharing details and backstory along the way. The film is not heavy on golf but has enough to keep golf and non-golf fans interested. The film sheds some light on how non-white American soldiers were treated during and after the war, which is eye-opening and heartbreaking. This is a great sports film, regardless of whether you are a golf fan.

THE LONG GAME: 50s MEXICAN AMERICAN YOUTH OCCUPIED THE GOLF COURSE

[babyjaguar · 7/10 · 16 April 2024]

This 2023 independent film, "The Long Game" released by Mucho Mas Media has Latinx star power of celebrity talent from Jay Hernandez to Cheech Marin set in 1950s Texas golf courses. It's directed by Cuban American director, Julian Quintana, born in Los Angeles but is based in Austin Texas.

This is a film adaption about a segregated golf course, surrounding Mexican American teens, who were caddies. Through their mentorship with an older Mexican American, San Felipe School Superintendent and WW II Marine JP Peña (played by Jay Hernandez) created the San Felipe Mustangs high school golf team.

Incidentally, there's a biographical book, "Mustang Miracle" (2012: Author's Press) by Humberto Garcia. The book documented this history that happened in Bordertown Del Rio, Texas (where he was born and raised). This film and Garcia's book chronicle these teens' discrimination in the late 1950s then became champions in teen golf tournaments.

The film also shows the harsh discrimination toward Mexican Americans in Texan borderland towns. Other actors like Dennis Quaid play Frank Mitchell, a white golfer supporter of the San Felipe Mustangs along with Cheech Marin playing as "Pollo", Del Rio golf course attendant. Amidst the younger cast of Latinx actors is Julian Works who brilliantly plays the role of young golfer Joe Trevino.

Field of Golf Dreams

[stevendbeard · 7/10 · 12 April 2024]

I saw The Long Game, starring Jay Hernandez-Magnum P. I._tv, Suicide Squad; Dennis Quaid-Lawmen: Bass Reeves_tv, Jaws 3D; Brett Cullen-The Dark Knight Rises, Ghost Rider and Cheech Marin-Shotgun Wedding, From Dusk Till Dawn.

This movie is based on a true story. It takes place in 1955 south Texas, where Jay has gotten a job as a high school vice principle. Jay tries to become a member at the local golf country club but is refused because of his race-Mexican_American. Brett plays a judge that plays at the club and doesn't want Jay or his kind playing at the club. Jay decides to start his own team of Mexican_American players, after seeing a few of them playing in an open field-they all worked at the golf club as caddies. Jay's old Marine buddy Dennis, is a golfer too and wants to help train the boys. Cheech is the grounds keeper at the club and helps with golf equipment and other assorted needs for the boys. Jay, Dennis and the boys even build their own version of a golf course in an open field, so they can practice. Sort of like their own Field of Golf Dreams. As the end credits start, pictures are shown of the real people and what happened to them and after the end credits, Jay comes on and says a few words.

It's rated PGA.... I mean, PG for language, racial slurs and violence and has a running time of 1 hour & 46 minutes.

I'm not a big golf fan so I probably wouldn't buy this on DVD but if you do like golf, it would be a good one to stream.

rock solid underdog movie

[A_Different_Drummer · 7/10 · 30 April 2024]

For as long as there have been movies, the "underdog" niche has been popular. What's not to like about watching someone (or someones) come from behind to show the rest of us that, in the right circumstances, anything is possible? Golf might seem at first like a poor fit for this category, but of course the real story is about discrimination. It works. Jay Hernandez is the glue that keeps the attention of the audience, and he basically steals every scene not otherwise nailed down. Quaid has recently started a "second career" as an older actor playing older parts. And he is good in all of them. The 1950s are a welcome distraction for viewers in an age where modern and now both seem somehow inauthentic and wrong. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Decent enough movie to watch, predictable plot, has some issues for the detail oriented viewer

[gp1-3 · 6/10 · 6 May 2024]

If you love golf, or movies about the Mexican-American struggle in America, you'll love this move. I don't have anything emotionally invested in either and so as usual, as a big movie and history buff, I couldn't but help pick out the problems with this movie from those standpoints. And there are some problems.

There were enough historical goofs and anachronisms in this movie that I ended up starting the "Goofs" section for this movie's IMDB page with a list. Go check that section out. Some lazy screenwriting here.

From a filming standpoint there were two main problems.

First, this movie was obviously not filmed in Del Rio or anywhere close to South Texas. The scenery of what is supposed to be Del Rio in this movie is filled with rolling hills, lush green grass, and lots and lots of deciduous trees. If you are at all familiar with the different regions of Texas, this area looks like the Austin area, home to a lot of film makers. The real Del Rio, and much of South Texas, would be flat, any grass not on carefully irrigated lawns would be struggling to stay green for much of the year, and palm trees would be as common as deciduous trees in the background.

Second, the cinematography was as modernistic as the film makers could get with their budget. Lots of sweeping shots across distances that are so common and easily done these days with drone cameras. Lots of moving shots of the actors with a handheld camera, from far away to closeups. Thankfully, they used either Steadicam or optical stabilization in their cameras and so these shots didn't have that jittery handheld look that can cause motion sickness from watching the movie (the classic "Blair Witch" vomit cam). But, obviously, these very modern high tech (and now relatively cheap to do) shots take away from the historical feel of what should be a period piece set in 1956, when the only motion shots that were commonly done were on tracked dollies, and two or three camera fixed closeups were the norm. There was a section midway in the movie where the shots were reprocessed to look like the old 8mm film from that time period, I guess to throw in some of that old period piece look, but, again if you're familiar with the look of 8mm film, that was a bit too obviously reprocessed. Real 8mm film actually looks better than that segment.

So, enjoy this movie as a golf buff or a righteous warrior for Mexican American civil rights. Or, actually you can enjoy it, somewhat, to spot the film making mistakes.

Great film

[MichaelPGardner · 10/10 · 8 January 2024]

Down to earth film about real people. Based on a true story about Hispanic golfers. Long overdue about diversity in sports. Great cast and beautiful film. Can't say enough kind words about this movie. Award winning stars including Dennis Quaid and Jay Hernandez. Too many movies today are all special effects and lasers, not this one. It's about real people in real world situations. Can't say enough about this cast and the great acting. This film is long overdue and should make a difference in what movies should be about. Greatest supporting actors too. Please make more movies like this. A real story!

Poignant feel good movie!

[marybeth_miceli · 10/10 · 13 April 2024]

The Long Game is based on a true story and is really inspiring. The movie touches upon racism, being an underdog, and the nuances of trying to "fit in" and succeed within a system while simultaneously trying to change the system. The movie immerses you in the story and makes you feel the ups and downs of the characters. The acting is fantastic and really draws the viewer into the depth of each character. In particular, I thought Julian Works did a remarkable job capturing the different influences of his character beautifully from his relationship with his dad to the toll that racism has on him and how he processes all of it throughout the movie. For me, it was just what the doctor ordered, a story of triumph against tremendous odds. Really great for the whole family.

Mildly heartwarming and plays it safe.

[AfricanBro · 5/10 · 15 April 2024]

I had no idea what this movie was until after I left the theatre. I don't think, or don't remember the title popping up so it was the most mysterious Monday mystery movie ever lol. I looked up Dennis Quaid after. The movie's alright, very predictable sports-underdog storyline and touching on expected racial and cultural themes from its time period setting. The characters were very typical which made their actions predictable. You always know how the story's gonna end up. Visually it was pretty vibrant and colorful. The movies down to earth and lighthearted, though only mildly heartwarming. Centered around golf, a sport that never piqued my interest despite my dad's attempts, the movie still managed to entertain me, largely due to its comedic relief, this mostly came from the sarcastic groundskeeper character.

Other than that the movie doesn't reinvent the wheel and is just another underdog sports story. While it's not necessarily bad, it lacks much distinctiveness to make it feel special, doesn't have as much character depth as other movies, and high stakes. A recent underdog story that was more memorable for me was "the boys in the boat" and it kept crossing my mind. In that movie you get to know the characters a lot, while this was played it safe. Leaves a lot unexplored and to be desired. It's also not peaky, it doesn't build up to the big game so the climax feels pretty non-existent. Movie was just meh and left me feeling pretty indifferent.

Worth the watch, feel good movie!

[kylewjones · 9/10 · 14 April 2024]

This is a wonderful family indie film. The second half of the movie is worthy of an Oscar. I laughed, I cried two or three times, had goosebumps, and really enjoyed the story. My only comment is it has a bit of a slow burn set up but it was still totally entertaining throughout. It was extremely well shot and directed, and oh by the way Cheech is a gem! I wish he had more lines he's such a natural. Actually my teenagers really enjoyed it too.

Finally; Although the setting is 1950's The Long Game still feels very current and topical in today's political environment. Cheers to a great team for pulling this off, I enjoyed it just as much if not more the second time I saw it!

Didn't like the fact that it wasn't filmed in del rio!

[miguelgonzalez-30104 · 5/10 · 2 May 2024]

Great story and it's a historical event that we as del rio people use to inspire our youth. The fact that it didn't show that actual golf club or our historical land marks that make our town beautiful was sad. To take this man's story and mention certain locations that aren't historicaly correct is a crime. I understand that movies aren't like the books, but this book is an inspiration for triumph over segregation in the 1950s. Then for them to try and makes us look like criminals and parents that don't care about our children was personal to us. Every parent that was part of the 1957 team were supportive of their athlete.

Movie worth watching

[trvlrn · 10/10 · 14 April 2024]

The Long Game, not just another golf movie. It is a perfect inspirational film for the family. A movie about a piece of golf history that isn't talked about enough. Filled with inspiration, courage, resilience and unity among friends. A story about overcoming adversity in 1950's. The Long Game is lead by a great cast which includes Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid and Cheech Marin. Cheech was overall one of my favorites. There is a touch of humor throughout and even some moments that will give you goosebumps.

Great reminder of how far we have come and how much farther we still need to go in the world today. Highly recommend.

This is a movie I have been waiting to see !

[gizzmovasquez · 10/10 · 26 December 2023]

I Have heard good things about this movie and as I am related to Gene Vasquez as he is my uncle My mother Gene's sister had talked about these events when I was a child and can't wait to see it !,my mother talked to me about this history in the making many years ago and was always amazed to hear this as I was a child and teenager and now it's a movie,what a blessing I know this movie will teach alot of people how the game really came about,these event were actual happenings and changed alot of people's way of life but also the game of golf,for myself it made me very proud of being a part of the Vasquez family and especially the Vasquez name,hope everyone gets to watch this movie..

Excellent movie! A lesson in not being a victim

[Gr8Manifester · 10/10 · 22 April 2024]

The Long Game is one of the BEST movies I have seen in years! The acting was great, the jokes were funny, the costumes were spot on, the CARS were fantastic, and the lesson was positive. Recent movies have overwhelmingly been a victim narrative. The Long Game is about doing what you love no matter the obstacles. You don't always get the parade because life isn't fair. The story of a school teacher and five students trying to fit while knowing they're not wanted or appreciated reminds us all that no matter what we must keep reaching for our dreams. I love that this love that the movie didn't over egg pudding. It was great! Definitely buying the movie when it comes to streaming.

Underdog story, heartwarming

[zennith · 8/10 · 29 April 2024]

I liked this movie. I didn't realize it was a period piece so at first I was confused it they were showing us flashbacks with the war scenes, but it isn't. I thought the subject was interesting and heartwarming. I like underdog stories. I thought all the actors did a great job. This is a movie a family can go to and you don't have to worry something inappropriate will come up. It would also spark conversation about past history in the US and how things have change, and should continue to change in the future. I was glad they showed what happened to the main characters at the end of the movie since it is based on a true story. I hope more people give this movie a chance because there are a lot of interesting stories to be told out there about the melting pot that is America.

Character and Collectivism

[montessusanna-962-196229 · 10/10 · 29 April 2024]

The cinematography is so lush, artistic and intentional. Jay Hernandez and Dennis Quaid extend the chemistry from "The Rookie." They explore the commonalities/differences of how race and war can create a Veteran Alloy.

"The Long Game" is the 1st time I've seen what it meant to survive during the 50's. How does one's character flourish under the naivety of fairness? You have to watch to understand.

Character and Collectivism are how the 50's generation was able to create opportunities and support.

We have an opportunity to understand what it means to excel within the status quo. We understand that the opportunity created from the 50's generation allowed us to challenge the status quo under our current political climate.

I stand in awe as youthful identities are forged and I'm changed for the better.

So much more that a golf story

[laserwiz77 · 10/10 · 25 April 2024]

I absolutely LOVED this movie. I'm a sucker for true stories and this one is written beautifully, had great acting and contained several messages about perseverance, patriotism, young love, cultural pride, race relations, sportsmanship (and the lack thereof) as well as some great life lessons involving doing the right thing. It also touched briefly on a subject near and dear to my heart that had to do with the inability to have children. This is a great film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. I saw it at the movie theater and people actually started clapping at the end which is rare these days.