THE LONGSHOTS is supposedly the true story of the first female quarterback, Jasmine (Keke Palmer) to play in the Pop Warner football tournament.  However, it sure does not feel that way watching Fred Durst’s movie.  For one, the film shifts attention from Jasmine to her uncle Curtis Plummer played by Ice Cube in the lead role. 

THE LONGSHOTS deals with the uncle/niece relationship and other side issues as town pride, football training and school bullying.  But the film quickly falls into clichéd territory especially with typical characters like the rebellious teen, single uncle needing to connect with family, overworked mother and so on.  Even the scene with the suddenly re-appearing father ready to on cash in on the daughter’s new found fame seems lifted right out of another movie.

The script by Nick Santora leaves much to be desired.  There are scenes with the words “Hey…Hey.”, “Hey…Hey” occurring time and time again.  Even if that is the way the Plummer family actually talks, the dialogue could be modified one step up.

If the climatic game were more exciting, the flaws of THE LONGSHOTS might be overlooked.  Durst films often with slow motion undermining the game’s excitement.  But what I can also never understand is how a rapper like ICE CUBE can be so successful at the box-office in unfunny comedies.  Looks like he is taking over the sports movies too!  THE LONGSHOTS is sports sentimental mush that is better avoided.