THE UNDERDOGGS -- That R-Rated Kids Sports Movie You Never Knew You Needed

Review by Jonathan Berk

The Underdoggs is a funny, swear-word-laden throwback to '90s sports films. Director Charles Stone III and writers Danny Segal & Isaac Schamis don't hide their influences at all, as Mike Epps encourages Snoop Dogg to pull a "Mighty Ducks" and then outlines the film's plot. Snoop also calls Kal Penn a "Harold and Kumar" looking mf-er. Fortunately, the film wears more than just its influences on its sleeves, as there is plenty of room for heart and cursing there, too. '90s kids will surely connect with much of this film, as it will remind them of their childhood while appealing to their adult sensibilities. 

Jaycen "Two Js" Jennings (Snoop Dogg) is a washed-up former pro-football star searching for an entry to the second phase of his career. However, his selfish attitude, both on and off the field, has left him isolated as he approaches rock bottom. Desperate and in trouble, his opportunity comes after he is sentenced to do community service coaching an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown. Will he continue to engage in his selfish ways and use this as nothing more than a PR stunt, or will he find what's been missing his whole life? 

In many ways, Snoop seems to be having a Hugh Grant-type of acceptance of his new role in pop culture. Whether you've watched him with Martha Stewart, sitting on set with Kevin Hart, narrating animal videos, or now taking lead roles in comedies, Snoop seems to embrace his funny side. If you're skeptical of his ability to be the main character in a film, The Underdoggs may ease those concerns. Snoop is immersed in this film and delivers both motivational speeches and comedy with ease.

He and Epps have tremendous comedic chemistry from the moment Epps shows up in the film. The two share some hilarious moments but are the best on the sidelines, roasting their players. It's an odd choice to have your coach and assistant coach throw swear words and insults at the players we hope to see overcome the odds. You may even think it'll be impossible for a movie that dedicates so much time to insulting the kids to make you love all the characters simultaneously — but it does. This film has several laugh-out-loud moments and a few that'll tug on the heartstrings and make even the manliest man produce a few tears. 

A few smaller storylines involve a past love, played by Tika Sumpter, and Two Js's high school coach, played by George Lopez. However, these aren't given much time, as the film focuses on football. The kids in the movie — who are all quite charming and perform their roles well — also take a shift to the background. Snoop is at the forefront, but his interactions with the team provide that cliché inspiration that usually works for fans of the genre. 

If you were a fan of movies like The Little Giants, Mighty Ducks, Rookie of the Year, The Sandlot, and Ladybugs, you'd probably find some joy in The Underdoggs -- especially if you enjoy movies where they aren't afraid to shout profanities at children and have those same children retort with their own foul language. Sure, the comedy in this film is working blue, but it does it rather well. It may be hard for this film to find an audience, as it's not meant for kids, but rather the '90s kids who are now high on (legal) marijuana. ​

The Underdoggs will be on Prime Video on January 26.

Rating: 4/5