Honestly, walking into a sports movie usually feels like putting on a pair of old, comfortable shoes. You know exactly where the pinch is going to be and exactly how the "big win" at the end will feel. But The Long Game movie in theaters right now hits a bit differently because it isn't just about a scorecard. It's about a group of kids in 1950s Texas who weren't even allowed to step foot on the grass they mowed as caddies.
The film is directed by Julio Quintana. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he did Blue Miracle with Dennis Quaid a few years back. He’s clearly found his niche in these "grit and grace" stories. This time, he’s tackling the real-life journey of the San Felipe Mustangs. These were Mexican-American teenagers in Del Rio who basically decided that if the local country club wouldn't let them play, they’d just build their own course in the desert.
Think about that. They literally carved a hole out of the scrubland just to practice.
What is The Long Game actually about?
The plot centers on J.B. Peña, played by Jay Hernandez. He’s the new school superintendent in Del Rio, and he’s got this burning desire to fit in with the local elite—specifically, the white-only Del Rio Country Club. He gets rejected, obviously. But then he sees these kids hitting balls in the dirt with mismatched clubs.
He realizes they have more talent in one finger than most of the club members have in their whole bodies.
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So, Peña teams up with Frank Mitchell (Dennis Quaid), a grizzled pro who isn't exactly thrilled to be there at first. Together, they form the first-ever golf team at San Felipe High School. The stakes aren't just about winning a trophy; they're about surviving the 1957 Texas State Championship without being run off the course by pure prejudice.
The cast that makes it work
Dennis Quaid is doing his "Dennis Quaid thing" here—tough, slightly world-weary, but ultimately the guy you want in your corner. But the heart of the movie is definitely the kids. Julian Works plays Joe Treviño, and he carries a lot of the emotional weight of the film.
Cheech Marin shows up too! He plays Pollo, the groundskeeper. It's a nice nod to his history with golf movies (Tin Cup, anyone?), but he brings a really grounded, soulful vibe to this particular role. It's not just for laughs.
Why you should see The Long Game movie in theaters instead of waiting for streaming
There’s a specific kind of cinematography in this film that really demands a big screen. Alex Quintana, the cinematographer, captures the Texas heat in a way that feels almost oppressive. You can practically feel the dust on your teeth. When they finally get to the lush, green fairways of the "real" courses, the contrast is jarring.
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It makes the victory feel earned.
Also, the sound design during the swings is incredibly crisp. If you’ve ever played golf, you know that click of a perfect drive. In a theater, that sound echoes. It’s satisfying.
Historical accuracy vs. Hollywood flair
The movie is based on the book Mustang Miracle by Humberto G. Garcia. For the most part, it sticks to the bones of what happened. The real San Felipe Mustangs did indeed win the state title in 1957. They really did face disqualifications and harassment.
Some of the interpersonal drama is polished for the screen, but the core—the idea that these boys used golf to demand respect—is 100% true. It’s worth noting that the real Lupe Felan, one of the original team members, has been involved in promoting the film. That gives it a level of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) that you don't get with purely fictional stories.
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Is it just for golf fans?
Not really. My sister hates golf—thinks it’s "grass growing for people with too much money"—but she liked this. It’s a civil rights story disguised as a sports flick.
It deals with:
- The internal conflict of J.B. Peña wanting to belong to a system that hates him.
- The raw anger of the boys who are told they aren't "real Mexicans" because they play a "white" sport.
- The complex friendship between a white coach and a Latino mentor in a segregated era.
Finding showtimes and tickets
If you're looking for The Long Game movie in theaters, check your local AMC or Regal listings. It's had a bit of a "sleeper hit" run. It didn't have a massive Marvel-sized marketing budget, but word of mouth has kept it in theaters longer than many expected.
Box office numbers show it pulling in around $3 million domestically so far. That might sound small, but for an indie historical drama, it’s a solid showing. It proves there’s a real appetite for stories that aren't about superheroes or sequels.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning to head out to see it, here is what you should do to get the most out of the experience:
- Check the rating: It’s rated PG. It’s safe for kids, though there is some period-accurate racial language that might lead to some "big conversations" on the car ride home.
- Read the post-script: Don't leave as soon as the credits roll. The film gives a "where are they now" breakdown of the real-life players. It’s one of the best parts of the movie.
- Support indie cinema: If your local theater is still playing this, go. These mid-budget, human-interest stories are disappearing from the big screen, and the only way to keep them there is to buy a ticket.
The Long Game isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It just wants to tell a story that was buried for way too long. And honestly? It does a pretty great job of it.