For director Julio Quintana, there’s a level of familiarity that his film “The Long Game” can’t escape. Anyone who has watched a sports related underdog movie or two will probably recognize numerous story beats in Quintana’s latest inspirational feature. But when it’s based on such an inherently good and uplifting true story, its conventions become easier to look past. Such is the case with “The Long Game”…. for the most part.

“The Long Game” is an adaptation of Humberto G. Garcia’s 2010 novel “Mustang Miracle”. It follows the real-life story of five Mexican-American youths from the border town of Del Rio, Texas who in 1956 overcame numerous racial barriers to compete in golf for the Texas high school state championship. Their story is one of overcoming incredible odds while enduring inexplicable prejudice along the way. Quintana relays the various sides of their story with little in terms of surprises but with lots of heart.

Our anchor is JB Peña (Jay Hernandez), a World War II veteran and golf enthusiast who moves to Del Rio in 1956 to be the new administrator at the predominantly Mexican-American San Felipe High School. He and his wife Lucy (Jaina Lee Ortiz) enthusiastically settle into their new town, but for JB the biggest draw is the chance to join the renowned Del Rio Country Club. He’s not really interested in the hobnobbing or social status. Rather he’s excited to play at their pristine course which is considered one of the best in the state.

JB’s hopes are quickly dashed when he is declined for membership – a move spearheaded by the almost comically unsavory Judge Milton Cox (Brett Cullen). It turns out the powerful Cox and the all-white membership isn’t ready to have a Mexican-American among their elitist ranks. Even the endorsement of JB’s old war buddy and well-respected golf instructor Frank Mitchell (Dennis Quaid) can’t get the club’s executives to put aside their bigotry and change their minds.

One afternoon JB encounters five students from his school in a field working on a their own one-hole golf course. The boys, Joe (Julian Works), Felipe (Miguel Angel Garcia), Mario (Christian Gallegos), Gene (Gregory Diaz IV) and Lupe (José Julián) work for pocket change as caddies at the country club but aren’t allowed to play there. Inspired by their determination, JB convinces them to join him in forming the first ever San Felipe High School golf team. He even brings Frank aboard to help coach. Soon they have their eyes set on the state championship. In order to qualify they’ll have to earn invites to various tournaments. But that requires navigating an appalling amount of disrespect and intolerance which puts these young men to the test.

Written for the screen by Quintana, Jennifer C. Stetson and Paco Farias, “The Long Game” has a predictable ending that comes clearly into view within the first 30 minutes. But it’s the journey to that inevitable finish that wins you over. Hernandez has a strong yet necessarily low-key presence while Quaid brings the kind of grizzled humanity that conveys everything you need to know about his character. As for the boys, Joe is the only full-formed role from the group. His story is a compelling one, made even better by an endearing performance from Works.

Other supporting performances help invigorate the story. Ortiz is a scene-stealer and gets several great moments as JB’s supportive wife. We also get a very good Jimmy Gonzalez as Joe’s cynical and disapproving father. Paulina Chávez is a delight playing Joe’s sweet yet spirited love interest Daniela. And Cheech Marin is a pleasant addition as a sage-like groundskeeper who pops up mostly when the script needs him to.

Adding to the movie’s allure is the exceptional look of the film thanks to DP Alex Quintana (the director’s brother) and production designer Carlos Osorio. The vivid and picturesque cinematography along with the rich period detail create an authentic and absorbing sense of setting. It’s yet another ingredient that helps the film overcome its shortcomings. The steady diet of clichés and glaring sports movie conventions are impossible to miss. But the resonating human spirit at the center of the story ultimately makes it a hard one to resist. “The Long Game” is now streaming on Netflix.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS