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The Perfect Game is a near perfect film with lots of hits and very few errors. Underdog sports stories always do well when based on true events and this one has special elements that make it endearing, funny and inspirational. 1957 was the year a group of poor, Monterrey  Mexico youth faced literal David and Goliath odds in order to try and reach the Little League World series and do what no non-US team had ever done; win it.
 
Cesar (Clifton Collins Jr.) is a former major leaguer who goes back to his home town in Mexico to lick his wounds and get as far away from baseball as possible. When a group of local boys talk him into coaching their rag tag team he decides to take them as far as possible. Aided by a motivating priest, Padre Estaban, (Cheech Marin) the team uses their strong faith and determination to overcome any and all obstacles that stand in their way. And they do so with such excitement and joy that you can’t help but get carried away as well.
 
The cast makes this film work beyond the basic storyline. The young actors capture the spirit and energy of the lads they are portraying and this draws you in and keeps you rooting the entire time. Marin brings a quiet essence to the priest role and you truly feel the strength of faith that the original Padre must have possessed. It is Estaban that really guided these kids in ways that mere coaching never could have. When that was combined with a no lose mentality and the skills of the game it made for an unstoppable little team.
 
The Perfect Game is rated PG for some thematic elements. It is completely safe and recommended for your entire family. There are many lessons in here about team camaraderie, faith, tolerance and never judging others by their size or outside appearance.  As with most sports movies you do not have to be a sports fan to engage with what is going on. Sport is only the foundation of the story. The true film is wrapped around these young boys and the men who believed in them and ultimately helped them believe in themselves. It gets 4.5 out of 5 stolen bases. Mr. Marin personally suggested that you go see it four or five times opening weekend. How can you say no to Cheech? 
 
Matt Mungle
 

 
Review copyright 2010 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.