User reviews

I went to see this movie because my daughter loves sports movies. It was completely enjoyable although a little bit clichéd.

The acting was not that good but there were so many feel good moments that I could completely forgive any faults I may have found. I even clapped at the end.

My daughter's friend was cheering as if he were actually at the game. What made this even more special is the knowledge that this "perfect" game actually happened and, along with the end credits, we got to see the actual players. This is a great movie for the whole family, and that in itself, is a great feat!

The movie has a nice plot, and any intense baseball fan will love the history of the story (I'm a huge baseball fan, yet I had never heard of the 1957 Little League Champions before I watched this film). The acting is OK; the visuals are nice. The only criticism I have is that the movie gets way too sappy and syrupy at times.

I was fortunate to see the film, compliments of studio movie grille, and I was not disappointed.

I thought it was a classic "feel good" family movie. Yeah, it won't win any awards, but it will win over your heart.

For some that need "deeper" in a movie for it to be worthy of praise, forget a' bout' it.

It's simple and to the point, yeah, you know what's coming next, but that's alright, it's why we go the movies with our families!

Get it, watch it, enjoy it. Yes, just that simple.

I thought they did a good job of making it all look fifties. Just like the movie, simple times.

I thought the acting was great, but I was not a huge fan of the baseball scenes. The throwing mechanics of several of these players was awful...and there was one scene where Angel supposedly threw a strike, yet the ball was clearly spiked (thrown in the dirt). That's really the only thing missing, and I felt it was significant enough to warrant giving it a 7 out of 10. Definitely an inspiring movie though, and you could sense the support the team gained along the way. I do realize that they have changed a few things from the true story, such as the quantity of time spent playing baseball prior to leaving for America. I loved the incorporation of the actual footage into the movie. It was a bit weird too with the several instances where the coach/someone would say, "they don't speak English," yet the movie was entirely in English.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, the Cast consist of a handful of Actors that have appeared on Disney Channel shows which drew the interest of my children and also consisted of several of those "hey wasn't that person in that one movie" moments from my wife and I. The story line was well written ( based on a true story) and the insertion of old footage always makes a great addition. The only reason I did rate the movie higher is because there were times That I felt as if the acting was a little sub-pare, but it was overall a strong family film that makes you feel better after watching it then you did before you turned it on.

This is an absolutely wonderful film in every respect. Don't be thrown off by the critics. They are wrong! I went away feeling that this is one of the most enjoyable films that I have ever seen. Wheras it is an excellent "family" film, it will be enjoyed by people of all ages. Bring along a tissue or two. Some of the scenes will bring forth an overwhelming emotional rush of what those boys were able to accomplish. What is so amazing is that the story is actually true. I can't believe that the release had so little publicity and is playing in so few theaters in the US. I saw it by accident. Don't miss it. It is WONDERFUL

The film The Perfect Game is a great story of the underdog defeating adversity at home and in public. This young team of Mexicans band together against all odds to form a Little League team in Monterey to be entered into the 1957 competition against the powerhouses of 12-year old baseball Americans. Not only must they overcome a novice at best skill at the game—helped enormously by their ex-Major League towel boy turned coach—but also the bigotry and racism of a segregated America not yet ready to see foreigners from below the southern border hand their precious kids a lesson in humility. Standing on its own, the story is quite the tale and intriguing at every turn. However, this is not a book, it is a visual medium and in that respect doesn't live up to the quality of its plot. A made-for-TV movie at best, this film is very heavy-handed and way too feel-good for anyone with a brain hoping to find something that may stimulate a cell up there in his skull. Laughable in its saccharine drenched contrivances and score's orchestral swells just begging to elicit sentimental tears, the Lifetime movie of the week quality definitely distracted this viewer, one who was intent on learning a story and seeing it all play out, not just to watch close-ups of pouting boys and cheesy smiles.

Don't get me wrong, people looking for the uplifting story of success, when no one gave them a chance, will be very pleased. The amount of applause DURING the screening proves that point as viewers definitely get invested in these types of tales. For me, however, I need a little more, some real stakes that at times showed face—the coach's drunken misstep that risks deporting them all due to expired visas—but mostly just bridge us to the next heartfelt moment. Stereotypes and clichés abound leading me to tell you all to make sure you check your mind at the door; it will not be needed. I don't want to fault any of the acting, except of course Emilie de Ravin's atrocious accent that made me want to wring her neck, because it isn't bad considering the script and material. Clifton Collins Jr. is a favorite of mine and while at times is very out of his element playing off of a troupe of children, brings some of his standard brood and contemplative thinking. Used to playing psychotics, whether extreme as in Rules of Attraction or introverted as in Capote, casting him as the coach finding his heart again is a bold choice. For the most part it is a gamble that pays off.

As for the rest of the cast, I was completely thrown off by the amount of familiar faces being that I truly had not even heard of the film before being given the preview pass. Stalwarts like Bruce McGill, John Cothran Jr., Frances Fisher, and Chris Mulkey all make appearances alongside Louis Gossett Jr., (talk about a blast from the past). Even David Koechner reins in his annoyance for a decent cameo that brings a couple laughs. However, the kids definitely become the heart of the tale. Head-shaking for the fact that "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere's younger brother Jansen is playing a Mexican aside, the kids are very cute and fun to spend time with. You have your common traits for each to overcome and be friends despite of them, as well as the father/son dynamic needed to bring the heavy emotion. Unfortunately the chasm between Papa Macias and his last living son is so huge and so front and center, the inevitable reconciliation is so obvious that it loses all impact it might have had.

A warning must be said as well concerning the make-up of the film. Yes, there are many montages and time lapses to save time, however, you experience a ton of baseball. Whether an inning or abridged games in their entirety, director William Dear shows a little piece of each stop to the championship. The cuts are quick and often, so I wouldn't be surprised if much of the actual baseball action was faked, but they do their job to portray what was being done. A family film from start to finish, I was the least bit surprised to find that Dear also helmed Angels in the Outfield. More life-affirming tale then sports flick, don't be afraid to take your young ones to a movie even though it stars Cheech Marin. Long gone are his Cheech and Chong days, playing the priest that starts the seed of baseball in the small Mexican town, Marin brings some subtle chuckles, but mostly plays the rock opposite Collins Jr.'s conflicted hero. Never surprising at any moment, The Perfect Game may not be brilliance at the movies, but for what it is, you could do much worse than partake in a courageous true story while sitting through the candy-coated exuberance of it all.

This dramatization of the 1957 World Little League Champions is just a terrific watch - sure, it is a little clichéd in places - but what sports movie isn't, but it has the same vibe as The Mighty Ducks and The Bad News Bears except that is based on a true story.

All in all, baseball films are nearly always good to watch, and this is no exception - the team is fun, the story is built well, the film is nicely edited, you get a ton of baseball, and the moral compass is firmly fixed to good throughout.

One of the better sports films for kids - and adults - and one that deserves a wide audience.

If you liked movies like The Blind Side, Hoosiers or League of Their Own then you will like this movie. Quick description, this movie is a based on the true story of a little league baseball team from Monterey Mexico that came to the USA to play in the little league tournament. The movie is set in 1957 when prejudice was healthy in America. I am pleased to say that they did not overdo the part of the struggle. These boys were underdogs in every sense of the definition; they were poor, smaller and foreign. This is a powerful beautiful movie of the power of children's love for the game and their desire to overcome obstacles. I do not want to give too much of the story away, but I will touch on a few points. The movies color, lighting and sets are very well done for a very low budget film, which is not easy to recreate 1957 Mexico and America. I really liked the actors and their roles, Cheech Marin put a nice zip in being a priest and Clifton Collins is a great little known actor as the coach. There were a lot of great actors in smaller parts David Koechner, Frances Fisher, Emilie DeRavin, John Cothran, Tracy Walter and it was really nice to see Louis Gossett Jr again. I was a little disappointed that the child actors were not Mexican decent, mainly because the accents were way off. Other than that there were only minimal complaints of over acting, clichés and tempo, that did NOT rob from the spirit of the movie. Fantastic movie, that is more than a movie, for anyone who has ever been an underdog.

Our kids really enjoyed the movie and were impressed with the story and all the adversities the kids had to endure to achieve the final goal. Truly motivational for kids. It is a great example for kids to start learning about setting goals for themselves and work towards those goals and deserving glory after the achievement.

Faith is another important element in the movie that is a great valuable lesson for kids. Its a great depicted true story that its definitely worth to watch it with the whole family.

I watch the "premier-event" live on Mexico television (it took place in Monterrey in Fundidora "Horno 3") which is the old furnace in Fundidora (steel Mill). Actors and real players from the story gathered to watch the movie with other VIP people who walked the red carpet. In the interview before the premiere an actual player from the Monterrey Team (that played in 1957) was interviewed and mentioned that most of them did not know that they were playing a perfect game. At the end of the game they learned this fact. he ended his interview saying: "We sure played each and every play as it was the most important play of the game". His comment hooked me and made me watch the movie.

Truly inspirational movie worth watching!!! Billy Bremer L. Monterrey, Mexico

I went to the movies last night and I saw the preview for this film. I have heard about this story all my life, and I am glad someone is making a modern version of it. There is an much older Mexican film version, but it doesn't get much airtime. But I must say that I was Appalled by what I saw in the preview.

First of all, let me say that I am sucker for a good underdog sports story. I come form a region where baseball is the top sport, as opposed to soccer, which is king in most of Mexico. One of our native sons is Fernando Valenzuela, who helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series. Among my favorites I can name Major League, Hoosiers, Glory Road, and the great German film Das Wunder Von Bern. But I am also a stickler for accuracy.

The film portrays the players as coming from an impoverished background, which is true. However, My jaw fell to the floor when I saw Monterrey depicted as a two-burro village where the children played ball in the dirt choked streets with pigs and chickens serving as bases. I went to college in Monterrey, and I lived there for four and a half years. Monterrey has been one of the leading industrial centers and largest cities in Mexico for over 100 years, well within the time frame of this story. An impoverished URBAN setting would have been more appropriate.

The scene that showed the players crossing into Texas from Mexico at a nearly-forgotten, out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere border crossing also made me gag. As anyone with basic elementary school geographical knowledge would know, there is a big river smack in between Texas and its neighboring Mexican States. It is called the Rio Grande, which, coincidentally, means "big river" in Spanish. There are a great number of automotive, pedestrian and rail bridges spanning this river.

The scenes in Texas seem to be something that would have take place in the 1940's rather than the 1950's. Texas was still very rural in the 50's granted, but the clothing styles and hairdo's on the women seem a decade out of place. There was plenty of bigotry in Texas at the time, and that seemed well depicted.

I normally do not take offense when my country is misrepresented like this in a film, mainly because some people just can't help being ignorant. I do admit that there are severe poverty issues here and yes, there are still many places that don't have pavement. But... COME ON!!!! Do your research!!!! Does anyone remember Ross Perot's claim that a Mexican's biggest ambition in life was to own an outhouse? Yours Truly Arturo Wagner Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico

Just finished watching this great gem. Didnt know about it til now. A truly feel good movie about a true accomplishment.

I love sports movies. Most of them are underdog stories which get the juices flowing and the blood pumping. "The Perfect Game" was no different, but boy was it overly dramatic. They dramatized everything. They even had the starting pitcher have a meltdown mid-game because he didn't think his father loved him.

At its core, "The Perfect Game" was a great story. In 1957 Mexico sent a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico to the U. S. and they became the first foreign team to win the Little League World Series. It's a story for the ages, yet they fumbled it. As I said, they made every minor and major occurrence so dramatic it took away everything genuine and authentic. The movie seemed contrived as though their feat needed extra controversy and conflict to be more appealing. The story is good enough, just let the story tell itself.

I knew of the story before I saw the movie. I am old enough to remember when the ambidextrous pitcher did his thing. But the movie was more than that. It says much about baseball but even more about how far we have come and need to come. White only bathrooms. Great kids and even Cheech playing a priest. At times I was crying, times I was smiling and yes times I was cheering. A great family movie too.

The story is about the Monteray Little League team put together with little fanfare and no grass. Although they are small they are fierce competitors. They go north to battle for their baseball honor and as they go north they win the hearts of so many people. And when they get to Louisville they even meet Cool Papa Bell. It was a great moment (if true).

this isn't a good movie, it seems as if it's made by someone that's seen all the archetypal feel-good, rags-to-riches movies then tried his hand at making one without understanding how the good ones actually work. in this genre "the blind side" is fantastic, "rudy" superb, even "the sandlot" is head and shoulders above this.

the main problem with this movie is that it has the gruff embittered coach who didn't really want to be, check, the grandfatherly advice giver, check, a side love interest, check, impoverished kids who want to beat the odds, check - but when strung together as things we want to cheer for it falls completely flat. everything is too shallow.

I mean I know as viewers we're supposed to do xyz at abc but the movie's job is to lead us to those points which make us want to reflexively cheer. this movie seems to use those recognizable spots simply as the indication that "ok audience, here's where you cheer". that's not how it works. things in this movie seem to just happen for no real reason except the feel-good format requires them. the build-up scenes seem disjointed/incomplete so there's no build-ups, the pay-offs ("hurray" "cheer" "you go!") appear out of nowhere making them utterly unsatisfying because they were unexpected.

I had very little expectation other than to watch something fun and marginally gratifying for a couple hours but even with such a low bar this movie fails. I should add that I could only take a little over half of this movie but in fairness how many times can one watch something lousy saying "this stinks, I hope it gets better; this stinks, I hope it gets better; this stinks... the end"?

I loved the movie and actually was around when this all took place. Who cares if they embellished some things and left out others the story was told to show young people if they work hard at something that is important to them, they can reach their goals, become successful and feel proud of their achievements.

This movie also showed the discrimination that took place in certain areas during this time period and how the players overcame the challenges this put upon them.

This was a life lesson that all our young people could learn from. Both my grandchildren play baseball and they loved this movie. Their parents and grandparents watched it with them and got as much enjoyment out of the movie as they did.

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"They weigh 35 pounds less and are about 6 inches shorter, but in every other way they are like the American kids." The unbelievable true story about a little league team from Mexico with dreams of playing in the little league world series. The movie starts with Cesar (Collins Jr.) being released from the St. Louis Cardinals and moving back to Mexico. A group of kids who love baseball recruit him to be their coach. When they are finally approved to get a official little league team their journey begins. This is a fantastic movie. While I'm sure liberties were taken, this is a movie so unbelievable that it if weren't true it would be way too cheesy to be good. As it is though, this movie is a little hokey in some parts, but the fact that it's true makes it OK. For those that know the story behind this it will be very enjoyable to you. For those that don't I won't give anything away but do yourself a favor and watch this movie. Overall, a very touching baseball movie that is good for the whole family. A real like "Sandlot". I really like it, but I also am a sucker for sports movies. I give it an A-.

Would I watch again? - I think I would *Also try - Chasing 3000 & Field Of Dreams

While traveling in Mexico a friend recommended we watch the movie. It was completely enjoyable and offset these awful times between the USA and Mexico.

The acting was good and there were many feel good moments that cheered me up - and I am not a sports fan.

What made this viewing even better was knowing that this "perfect" game actually happened and, during it and along with the end credits, we get to see the actual players and scenes from those events. This is a fine movie for the whole family, and that in itself, is a great feat!

The spirit of this film captured the hearts of many including many major league baseball players ... the cast and crew also pulled off the perfect game .... well done and thanks for the memories.

Just happened to be looking through Amazon for a family friendly movie. I have 4 kids ages 3, 7, 9 and 14. We don't need movies with filth. This was a clean, awesome movie! No sex needed or filthy mouths. That's just amazing these days. There was very good acting, could have done without the poor looking pueblo lol... but hey I enjoyed this movie completely. It was so nice to not have to turn it off, usually my family and I start to watch a good movie and then have to turn it off because too much adult content even though they are rated PG... Anyway, hope you all enjoy this movie as much as we did. :)