OK for kids 7+
Girl-powered sports film is predictable but sweet.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film, although mostly fine for younger kids, does have a few mature themes. The main character's unemployed uncle drinks a lot (out of a paper bag) and is basically a couple of notches up from being homeless. A deadbeat dad makes a brief appearance in which he once again disappoints his daughter. And a well-liked character suffers a heart attack on the football field. The language in the film is standard for a PG film ("ass" is about as strong as it gets), and there's no sexual or violent content of note.
- Families can talk about what makes Jasmine a good role model. What other positive (or negative) role models did you notice in the movie? Kids: What do you think about girls playing football? Should they be allowed to play on boys' teams if there aren't enough girls to form a separate league? Families can also discuss whether sports movies are too predictable and tear-jerking -- or whether that's just what you want in this kind of film.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: There's some hard shoving and tackling on the football field. A coach has a heart attack and collapses on the field. (Possible spoiler alert! He doesn't die.)
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Sexy stuff: A man asks a woman on a date, and they're shown flirting with each other and hugging. A boy refers to his testicles as "King Kongs," and someone corrects him, calling them "ping pongs."
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Language: Mostly mild: "damn," "dookie," "stupid," "ass."
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Consumerism: Tyra Banks is mentioned several times, and her talk show plays on the main character's television. Other celebrities and brands featured include Beyonce, Foxxy Brown, Muhammad Ali, Yao Ming, Sprite, and Walter Payton (Ice wears his #34 jersey through most of the movie).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Curtis buys large cans of beer, which he hides in a paper bag, and he drinks a lot -- until he starts coaching the team . A couple of homeless-looking men also carry around paperbags that are presumably filled with cans or bottles of alchohol.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
The Longshots by 4abycats
I really enjoyed this movie. One of Ice Cube's best perfomances as an actor, and producer. The story has been told many times, and in many ways, but it wasn't about sports, or the fact that a girl played football, it was about the importance and the impact a father has on his child. Very heartwarming, and I left the theater in a good mood.
5
Longshot by annieapw
My 7 yr. old son and I enjoyed it very much. Excellant story line and clean language!
4
Good family movie by mazaru
I went on request from my 8yr old daughter, and was worried for two reasons: Fred Durst directed it, and the critics seemed to hate it. But the Limp Bizkit front man did "enough" to satisfy my daughter, and impress me, since i went in expecting to see some of his horrid video ideas. I usually judge a movie made for kids BY the kids reaction. My daughter and 6 yr old son were thoroughly entertained, so mission accomplished in that respect.
4
Loved Longshots by perez5insimi
My husband and I took our 3, 6, 7 and 12 year old to see it. It may have been a bit much for the 3 year old but the others loved it and so did we!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
Must See by prm323
Good family movie for all ages. Also very inspirational for everyone especially children showing them that anything is possible no matter who you are.
4
The Longshots by LQ mom of 3
The movie was cute-- a fun, pretty harmless opportunity for the family. The story is heartfelt.
It would have been perfect if a couple of words were left out.
5
Ya know what? I just loved this movie. by Shadyrok
I saw it with the family - Grandkids (7 & 11), their parents, my Mom (82), and me. Everyone enjoyed the movie. Yes it was good to see a girl quarterback a football team. Yes it was great for a "down and outer", to come back to life etc. But the really neat concept was the importance of the father daughter relationship. In this case an uncle stepped up to help a girl child abandoned by a flaky Dad grow up to be a secure young lady. This is a great movie for those "blended" families out there and the movie reminds us of how important family is. Minimal bad words and virtually no violence and all positive concepts. This is a wonderful, sweet, family movie. (My Mom even shed a tear or two!!!)
5
If you love football, kids, and have an I can do spirit, then this is the movie for you! by brknsilence
My husband and I went to see this today, and we both thought it was excellent. It was funny and heart warming at the same time. It wasn't Ice Cubes Best but I would definitely recommend it, especially as a family movie.
4
The Longshots by Al_florida
Great movie, usual feel good type movie but good story and well acted.
5
The Longshots by gpenzvalto
A very uplifting movie, with many touching and funny moments.