The Longest Yard | The Critique

Does it worth to stand for something you believe? The Longest Yard asks this question. And the reply is well explored in the movie itself… its yes. A remake of a ’74 movie by the same name, TLY is an interesting sports movie that has some good comic moments and some brilliant scenes. Adam Sandler’s home production has garnered much appreciation and is considered to be one of the best remakes made post ‘80s.

Paul Crewe is a disgraced rugby pro who is being convicted for stealing his girlfriend’s car. He is being convicted for three years. A sport enthusiast warden Hazen asks him to prepare a team of convicts to play against the guards to which Paul reluctantly agrees. He realises that the only way to survive in the jail is to agree to Hazen’s wish. So, there is a big task ahead… make convicts play. With an inmate-friend Caretaker, he makes a team that includes some talented players and few violent players who are playing just to get an opportunity to have a one-on-one with guards. Meanwhile, Caretaker is killed and Hazen says that he (Paul) will be framed if he doesn’t throw the match. Paul gives in…

Direction and performances deserve applause. Sandler, Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds were awesome in their roles as Paul, Caretaker and coach Scarborough. Interestingly, Burt played Paul Crewe in the original movie. Editing is one of the high of the movie and the effort is evident from perfect execution of few scenes like the one in which Sandler plays Basketball and the climax when Scarborough gets into the game.

Overall, the movie is a perfect blend of thrills, comedy and passion. Take my word for it…

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh