Ever heard of a bunch of Mexican American teens from the ‘50s taking on golf’s snobbiest, all-white country clubs—and winning? Well, The Long Game tells that exact story. Directed by Julio Quintana, this feel-good sports drama stars Jay Hernandez as JB Peña, a war vet turned high school superintendent who wasn’t about to let racism keep his students off the golf course. Peña turned a scrappy group of caddies into Texas state champs in 1957, taking the Mustangs all the way!
The Mustangs were the first Latino high school golf team in the area to crush their competition, proving they had more than just swing—they had heart. Catch this inspiring flick, now streaming on Netflix, and get ready to cheer!
The True Story Behind The Long Game
Yes, The Long Game is based on a true story—and it’s a good one! Back in the 1950s, a group of Mexican American teens from Del Rio, Texas, formed the San Felipe High School golf team, the Mustangs. These guys—Mario Lomas, Felipe Romero, Lupe Falen, Joe Trevino, and Gene Vasquez—picked up their golfing skills while working as caddies at an all-white country club. Funny thing is, they weren’t allowed to actually play on the course because, you know, racism.
Superintendent JB Peña, who also wasn’t welcome at any country club, caught wind of the boys’ talent and decided to start a golf team at San Felipe High. He became their coach, and the rest is history!
The movie is based on the 2012 book Mustang Miracle by Humberto G. Garcia. So, if you’re into inspiring sports tales with a little side of justice, this one’s for you!
Cast and Characters in The Long Game
The Long Game brings together a stellar Latino cast, with Jay Hernandez leading the charge as JB Peña. You might recognize Hernandez as Thomas Magnum from the recently canceled Magnum P.I. reboot—RIP, private eye. Cheech Marin, Julian Works, Jaina Lee Ortiz, and more join the lineup, making this ensemble shine.
Dennis Quaid also steps in, playing Peña’s buddy Frank Mitchell, a fellow vet who helps coach the Mustangs to victory. Oh, and fun fact: Quaid’s not just acting—he’s producing too, under his new company, Bonniedale. With this cast, it’s safe to say the film’s got a serious game!
Title of The Long Game Explained: What Does it Mean?
The Long Game doesn’t have that cheesy title drop moment we all secretly love, but that doesn’t mean the title doesn’t pack some meaning. Sure, it’s a sports movie, so “game” is an easy fit, even though golf technically has “rounds.” But like all great sports flicks, it’s not just about winning on the course—it’s about the emotional stuff that gets us rooting for the players and coaches.
One of those heartfelt moments comes when JB (Jay Hernandez) throws a golf match against the country club’s manager, Don Glenn, his wife, and Judge Milton Cox (pro tip: never bet against a judge). Later, JB’s wife Lucy opens up about why losing stings. She admits she avoids the local moms at the park because she and JB had fertility struggles, and not having kids made her feel judged. Beating the wives at golf? Yeah, it was her chance to show them she was still a winner, just in a different game.
At the end of The Long Game, we get a sweet surprise—Lucy’s pregnant! Turns out she and JB were just playing the long game in life, too. Before the big championship, JB delivers another of his pep talks, reminding the team that golf (and life) is all about mental strength. No shortcuts for these guys!
While others might have an easier path, JB knows the long way is worth it. And sure enough, it’s Joe’s cool head and mental game, not just his swing, that seals the championship win. Lesson? Patience and grit always pay off in the end!
Where to Watch The Long Game: Streaming and Availability
The Long Game is now streaming exclusively on Netflix! Much like the underdog Mustangs, the movie had its own come-from-behind moment. After quietly hitting theaters in March, it stormed onto Netflix and scored a hole-in-one, landing at No. 6 on the Global Netflix Top 10 during the July 8-14 week with over 4 million views. Not too shabby! If you’re not on Netflix (really?), don’t worry—you can rent or buy it from all your go-to digital spots like Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, or Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). Wherever you watch, it’s a win!
Conclusion
The Long Game is all about resilience, triumph, and, of course, smashing some serious racial barriers in the snooty world of 1950s golf. Based on the true story of Mexican American teens who took on the elite sport and won, this flick is more than just a victory on the green—it’s a lesson in patience, community, and the power of a great mentor.
With standout performances from Jay Hernandez and an all-star Latino cast, the film shows that the real “long game” isn’t just in sports—it’s in life, where grit and determination lead to success. Now streaming on Netflix, this underdog tale is guaranteed to make you cheer both on and off the golf course!
FAQs
1. Who is JB Peña in The Long Game?
JB Peña, portrayed by Jay Hernandez, is a war veteran and high school superintendent who saw the potential in the teens and decided to form the golf team at San Felipe High School, leading them to victory.
2. Who are the main cast members of The Long Game?
The film stars Jay Hernandez as JB Peña, with notable performances from Cheech Marin, Julian Works, Jaina Lee Ortiz, and Dennis Quaid, who plays Peña’s friend and fellow coach Frank Mitchell.
3. Where can I watch The Long Game?
The Long Game is currently streaming on Netflix. It can also be rented or purchased on platforms like Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, and Fandango at Home.
4. How did the team in The Long Game learn to play golf?
The teens, Mario Lomas, Felipe Romero, Lupe Falen, Joe Trevino, and Gene Vasquez, developed their golfing skills while working as caddies at an all-white country club, despite not being allowed to play on the course due to racial discrimination.
5. Did The Long Game perform well on Netflix?
Yes, after a quiet theatrical release, The Long Game gained significant traction on Netflix, making it to No. 6 on the Global Netflix Top 10 during the week of July 8-14, 2024, with over 4 million views.
Namdhari Raghupathi is a dedicated blogger who explores the latest in movies and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, he reviews films, analyzes trends, and shares insights on the entertainment industry. Join him as he dives into the captivating world of cinema and pop culture! Follow On Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.