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When rapper-turned-actor Snoop Dogg is requested to make an appearance in a film, he typically portrays a character inspired by himself – and this is no exception in this gritty yet heartwarming sports film. In fact, there is an intriguing connection between Snoop’s character and his real-life work in establishing a youth American football league. While his acting abilities may be somewhat restricted, Snoop undeniably possesses a captivating onscreen presence and a strong sense of comedic timing that director Charles Stone III skillfully utilizes.
The story, as timeless as it may be – or at least as old as the 1976 comedy film The Bad New Bears – presents Snoop as JJ, a former professional football player known for his underwhelming career despite early potential and lack of loyalty to any one team. Struggling to make a comeback as a commentator, JJ reaches rock bottom when his reckless driving causes an accident and a judge he knew from the past orders him to complete 30 days of community service, picking up dog waste at a park in Long Beach, California. While there, JJ reconnects with Cerise (Tika Sumpter), his high school ex-girlfriend who is now a hard-working single mother trying to support her pre-teen son Tre (Jonigan Booth, a great discovery) as he plays for a last-place team. In a matter of moments, JJ takes on the role of coach for the team, hoping to transform these “Underdoggs” into a viral success story that he can promote on his own podcast and use to improve his career prospects.
Surprisingly, the following events unfold predictably, but there are a few impressive moments that deviate from expectations. The young actors, allowed to use profanity freely, seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. It is refreshing to see a female character, Kyla Davila, play a pivotal role in the team’s eventual triumph, breaking up the male-dominated atmosphere. Comedian Andrew Schultz also shines as JJ’s rival coach for the opposing team, adding some much-needed humor that contrasts with the rest of the film. His jokes are so unique that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he improvised most of his material, such as when he has the team thank God for the invention of plastic helmets, which have been known to cause brain damage to rival players.
Source: theguardian.com
