Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly sports comedy teaches value of teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fantasy Football
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Bobby Coleman (Omari Hardwick) is a fading football star, in FANTASY FOOTBALL. He's just been traded to yet another team, the Atlanta Falcons, meaning his family -- wife Keisha (Kelly Rowland) and daughter Callie (Marsai Martin) -- have been forced to move again. Callie begs her parents to let her stay in Atlanta longer than in other places, to finally make some real friends and finish out high school, where she's been recruited to the robotics team. One evening, Callie and Bobby are arguing over a video game when they're struck by lightning. Callie quickly realizes the event has infused the game with a special power, and she can now control her dad's movements on the field during pro games. Suddenly Bobby goes from the practice team to star player, and he's thrilled with his newfound prowess and fame, which he lords over his former tormentor, hot young player Anderson Fisher (Rome Flynn). But he's wholly dependent on Callie, and she winds up -- once again -- having to put her own interests aside in deference to her dad's career.
Is It Any Good?
This feel-good but predictable comedy features a likable cast that diverts attention away from the story's narrative potholes. Hardwick is entertaining as the clumsy and not especially bright but big-hearted father in Fantasy Football. His knack for physical comedy is central in making the movie's wildly far-fetched premise amusing, for example in a goofy scene where he reacts to his hair and body shape being manipulated via his video game character.
Martin, well-known for her role on Black-ish, brings confidence to her portrayal of his daughter, the film's true central character. It's always nice to see young women, especially women of color, in STEM fields on-screen. But her record-speed robot-building and NFL coaching undermine much sense of realism. Still, this film's core messages about balancing life's priorities are sweet, and it's refreshing to see a more family-friendly NFL ambiance than usual.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Bobby learned as a father and a player in Fantasy Football. How did his character change from the start of the film to the end? What role did his wife and daughter play in this evolution?
The movie teaches the importance of teamwork. Can you think of a time when you've demonstrated good teamwork?
The film has strong representation when it comes to people of color, such as Callie heading up her school's robotics team. Why does representation in media matter?
How was the NFL, its treatment of players, and its culture portrayed in the film? Was the depiction different from other football-themed films you've watched?
The video game NFL 23 Madden features prominently in the movie. Why must we be aware of product placement in the media we consume?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 25, 2022
- Cast : Omari Hardwick , Marsai Martin , Kelly Rowland
- Director : Anton Cropper
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : STEM , Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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