Urban Thought Collective

“The Longshots” is a funny, feelgood movie about a shy middle school girl (Keke Palmer) who blossoms after her estranged uncle (Ice Cube) unlocks her hidden talent for playing football.

But the key scene in “The Longshots” takes place, not on the playing field, but in a church. An impassioned preacher (Garrett Morris) tells his downtrodden, blue collar congregation that if they focus on all of the things that they don’t have (high-paying jobs, money in the bank, etc.), they’ll lose sight of what they do have (love, pride, talent and the ability to create new opportunities by coming together). The good reverend breaks it down further in a later scene at a diner in which he tells the people, “Sometimes you have to wipe your own ass.” Strong talk from a preacher, but he’s keeping it real and trying to motivate people who’ve lost hope. This is “The Longshots’” fundamental theme and it is the reason that this kids’ sports movie will speak to more than just kids about more than just sports.

Ice Cube, who executive produced “The Longshots” through his company, Cube Vision, says the film is about beaten-down folks taking the chance to overcome personal obstacles. “Football is just the backdrop,” Cube explains. “This movie is about two people getting themselves off the deck, helping each other, building their self-esteem back and, in the process, building their community back.”

Keke Palmer’s character, Jasmine Plummer, is like a lot of kids we know or may have been. She’s a sweet, introverted kid who retreats into fantasy fiction to escape the pain of being humiliated at school and abandoned by a her deadbeat dad. “Her father left when she was younger so she’s kind of missing that place,” says Palmer. “She starts hanging out with her Uncle Curtis because her mom has to go back to work and it’s just that connection they make because of the sport and she starts to open up more.”

Jasmine’s uncle, a former high school football star, has spiraled into depression and lethargy after being laid off from his factory job and losing his beloved mother. He spends his days drinking beer in the park, working occasional odd jobs and dreaming about the day he’ll have enough money to leave town. Cube says, “He’s really given up in a lot of ways… (But) through taking care of his niece, giving him some responsibility, as well as the game of football, it kind of brings him back from the dead.”

Coming back from the dead, starting over and creating some new success that might not have even been imaginable previously is what “The Longshots” is all about. Cinematically speaking, it’s a long way from perfect but it’s highly entertaining and a great reminder that within each of us there is greatness superior to our past and our circumstances.

Thanks for listening. I’m Cameron Turner and that’s my two cents.

THINK! IT AIN’T ILLEGAL…YET!

Cameron Turner is a Los Angeles-area native whose editorials, entertainment news features and audio documentaries have appeared on national radio networks, online and in print for over 20 years.