The Late Game

I absolutely love the "takes place in real time" and "slice of life" film format/genre- in this case, the world you get dropped into is late night beer league hockey. While I'm not a hockey player, I could definitely relate to the banter- mostly from my men's league hoops days. Cast had great chemistry. Cinematography (especially the game play) was stellar- which is definitely not always the case with low budget indies. Overall, a great time spent with these random dudes, learning about a world I had zero idea existed. In time, I can totally see this film becoming a cult classic in the hockey world.

Id imagine people rating this lower are coming in with much higher expectations. If you tend to like comedy movies centered around brotherhood and a little bit of sports, it's well worth the watch. Its not exactly clerks but for some reason that's what it reminds me of, but less gas station and more hockey. It's independent, the characters are a little quirky at times but if you give it the full 90 minutes the movie really comes together. Is it Predictable, yes. Acting, not Oscar level but serviceable. Do I regret watching, absolutely not, I enjoyed, and will likely get a second viewing eventually.

This entire movie starts from nothing and somehow manages to become even worst. The entire time you think it'll be one of those sports movies where the main character proves themselves and its heart warming. But no, guess what? The main character isn't even the main character. Infact, there isn't even a main character. It's just a mumbled mess of complete nothing-ness. Nothing every happens, all the way to the end. This is literally the most useless, boring movie I have ever seen in my life. The dialogue between actors are even worse. They start replying before they even finish their sentence.

This is a fun film that gets almost everything right about playing late-night beer league hockey. It's not perfect and won't be up for any Oscars, but if you know the nutty world of hockey players who stay up late purely for the love of the game, it will be worthwhile.

I've played adult rec-league hockey into my seventies(!) and I assure you all the locker room and on-ice hi-jinks in The Late Game have taken place sometime, somewhere. In fact, I could offer up to the screenwriter & director a loong list of other hysterical happenings. But they didn't ask me. I'm eternally grateful they didn't rely on the sports-movie trope of slo-mo, BTW!

If you follow the ONLY hockey podcast that matters, RA from Spittin' Chiclets does an excellent job as the Zamboni driver.

To the geniuses who contributed barely intelligible pans here: this is what's known as a low-budget first film. These guys have cracked the door open and you will see more from them, I guarantee it. Whether a better-funded version that gets to play with plot lines (e.g.romantic) left undeveloped, a complete re-boot, or a completely different film and story,

Watch these guys. They play a game that's tough and unpredictable, just like "Hollywood."

Come on guys, really what's with the 1 star haters...?

This is just a good honest hockey indi, nothing more nothing less.

The story is typical, the acting OK and production is on the cheaper side but thought the editing for the most part punched above its weight.

Most importantly it has you smiling and laughing at the right spots.

I imagine that some people were expecting a bigger production, or just not used to the 'Shorsey' type repartee.

I'll watch out for this directors stuff, expect it will only get better.

This one is definitely worth your 80minute investment, and had me wanting to watch 'Slapshot' again.

Enjoy.