The Last Game (2002)

Go Bucks, or; "Highlight reel as unfolding drama"

Having lived in central Bucks County for most of my life, I will admit to being a completely biased viewer of this documentary, created by Alex Weinress and Patrick Murray; who follow the football team at Central Bucks West High School, located in Doylestown, Pa. during their 1999 season, as the team tries to capture their third consecutive State Championship. Mike Pettine, CB West's legendary, tough-as-nails head coach, gives the filmmakers carte blanch to follow the Bucks everywhere- in the locker room, the cafeteria, the weight room, the practice field, and in Mr. Pettine's home. They even get to film injuries out on the field. For the most important play of the most important game of the season they are right there. You'll have to watch the movie if you want to know more about this item, though.

I am biased but I can't fathom some of the criticism leveled at this movie. Yes; at first glance, the drill sergeant-like attitude Coach Pettine exhibits toward his players may seem petty and demeaning, but anyone who actually watched the movie must certainly have noted Pettine's explanation for this. He knows that if they can take his verbal punishment they can then take the psychological battering leveled by opposing teams. A good example of this can be seen in the way the CB West kids respond in a crucial game against BecaHi (Bethlehem Catholic High School) when they adopt a no-regard-whatsoever attitude toward the Bucks. BecaHi's blue collar kids, many of whose Fathers and Grandfathers must have worked at the steel mill in town before it closed; make it clear from the git go that they aren't in awe of Pennsylvania's supposed #1 team one bit; nor of nationally ranked fullback Dustin Picciotti. At one point after a play has ended, and while Picciotti's back is partially turned toward him, one of BecaHi's smaller players nonchalantly throws a shoulder into Picciotti while walking back to the huddle. (No respect!)

Conversely, Coach Pettine brooks no such behavior on the part of his players: "Nobody looks down on us. We'll respect'em all the way till we kick their butts!" This is one of my favorite lines in the movie. Anyway, during the first half of the game BecaHi's psych-out ploy temporarily throws a wrench into the machine that is CB West, but the Bucks then steel themselves and regain their form. Pettine's approach is vindicated. (That doesn't necessarily mean they win the game, of course!)

In another scene we see 3 of West's players walking out to the field for a game with Neshaminy High School, a contest described by Coach Pettine as a kind of midseason championship game. The kids are lightheartedly singing the words to "Leaving on a Jet Plane" together. No game face on at all! It's as though Pettine's practices are so tough, the game itself is sometimes a breeze. Also; having followed the Bucks since before Pettine's first season in 1967; let me assure you- any kid going out for football at CB West has been aware of Coach Pettine's legendary temper from the 7th grade on. They know what they're in for!

I just mentioned that these 1999 Bucks are usually loose before a game, most of which they win by scores of 40 to 10 or so. The irony in this of course, is that this type of team can be crippled by their own talent since as they meet stiffer competition, they find themselves in unfamiliar waters. This kind of drama, which takes place in spades toward the end of the season, is well capitalized on by the two filmmakers, whose talent has been criticized by some reviewers. I'm no film student, but it seems people are getting "low talent" mixed up with "low budget".

Though the film was apparently done on a shoestring, the editing seems well done. Anyone paying close attention throughout the film will be rewarded handsomely upon realization that the super-dramatic scenarios toward the end of the movie- (scenarios created by the natural playing out of reality; the best kind)- have been foreshadowed or "flashbacked" by the filmmakers. In one segment a potentially crushing development for the Bucks is fleshed out by scenes that show 3 of their best players leaving another crucial game with injuries. In a flashback we then see a 4th string player griping about not getting enough practice time. Now he's given a chance to prove himself. Will he rise to the occasion? Or will he tragically, heartbreakingly; crumble under pressure? In an earlier segment, shot during practice, Coach is yelling at number 20, Andrew Elsing; showing him the right way and the wrong way to perform a certain gridiron feat. Later, well....
At this point it becomes hard to argue much more for the legitimacy of the film's "highlight reel as unfolding, edge-of-your-seat drama" approach without ruining it for potential viewers.

Dogone it- BUY THIS MOVIE! With an open mind you won't be disappointed.
September 22, 2008

BIG CB WEST FAN!!!!!!

Man how I miss the Pettine days. Hollywood could not script this. It has to be one of the top 3 football documetaries or movies of all time!!!! August 8, 2007

The Last Game

"The Last Game" relates a rich human story while taking us into the surprisingly ruthless, disciplined world of high school football. This riveting, highly personal film fascinates on several levels: the brutal sense of competition felt even at the high school level (Coach Pettine is no pussycat); the senior Pettine's struggle to decide whether it's time to close his admirable run as coach; and finally, the unusual, awkward dynamic of father and son going head to head as rival coaches. Surprisingly gripping and intense, "The Last Game" is one match-up you won't soon forget. July 25, 2007

Hands Down

The best football documentary ever made. I've seen them all and they cannot even come close to the feel of this movie. If I did not know any better I would think this film was fully scripted. June 19, 2007

Best football documentary ever

This is by far the best football movie/documentary I have ever seen. It is hard to believe that this story is actually true; in fact if I didn't see it with my own two eye I would not believe it. This film was brilliantly filmed and beautifully done! If you like high school football or even football in general this movie is for you! I highly recommend this film to everyone! You wont be able to leave you seat!! March 10, 2007

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