What’s It About
Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings is a washed-up ex-professional football star who has hit rock bottom. When Jaycen is sentenced to community service coaching an unruly pee-wee football team, he sees it as an opportunity to turn his life around
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
The Underdoggs, a film blending the raw humor of R-rated comedies like Good Boys with the spirit of youth-driven sports movies such as The Sandlot and Little Giants, presents a unique vehicle for Snoop Dogg, who takes center stage in his first major leading role. Snoop portrays Jaycen “JJ” Jennings, a once-celebrated professional football player whose career fizzles out due to a notorious attitude and lack of team loyalty. Basically, the film offers a modern twist on the familiar underdog story. The plot unfolds as JJ, struggling to transition into a sports commentator, finds his life derailed by a reckless driving incident. This leads to a court-mandated 300 hours of community service in Long Beach, California, where he’s tasked with the humbling job of picking up dog poop in a local park. Here, JJ encounters a group of young football players called the Underdoggs, who are at the bottom of their league and desperately need guidance. As fate would have it, JJ’s ex-girlfriend from high school, Cerise (Tika Sumpter), is the mother of Tre (Jonigan Booth), one of the team’s players. Despite her reservations about JJ, their shared past and his newfound commitment to coaching the team spark a tentative reconnection. Assisting JJ is his old friend Kareem (Mike Epps), who brings his own humorous charm to the mix. Under JJ’s leadership, the team begins to transform. The film peppers its narrative with comedic elements, notably through the character of Chip Collins (Andrew Schultz), JJ’s nemesis and the coach of a rival team. Schultz’s potentially improvised performance adds a fresh dynamic to the film. Furthermore, including a young female character (Kyla Davila) diversifies the team dynamic and plays a significant role in their journey. The Underdoggs pays homage to its predecessors, like The Bad News Bears, while carving out its own identity. It nods to classic sports films, using the underdog trope effectively, yet it stands out with its distinctly adult humor and Snoop Dogg’s charismatic presence. The film’s heart is further evidenced by its connection to Snoop’s real-life involvement in the Snoop Youth Football League, an initiative providing opportunities for underprivileged kids. While the film’s language and humor are unapologetically bold, fitting an R-rating, it also showcases a softer side, particularly in scenes involving JJ’s interactions with his ex. The narrative arc follows a predictable sports movie trajectory, climaxing in a showdown with their rivals. Still, the journey there – filled with laughter, character development, and unexpected turns – makes “The Underdoggs” an engaging watch. And if you are a “woke” parent, you will not have any issues with your underaged kids viewing an “R” rated film, obviously geared towards a young demographic. In essence, The Underdoggs is a celebration of second chances and redemption. It combines the rawness of Snoop Dogg’s persona with the heartfelt theme of personal growth, all set against the backdrop of a comedic sports narrative. While borrowing elements from classic tales, the film stands out with its unique blend of humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia.
OUR RATING – AN ADULT APPROVING 5