A Little Game

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.