
The Footballest
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Spanish soccer fun shows importance of teamwork and courage.

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The Footballest
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What's the Story?
THE FOOTBALLEST (original title LOS FUTBOLISIMOS) finds the Soto Alto soccer team in serious danger of being relegated and subsequently turned into a choir. When referees start inexplicably falling asleep during their games, the team -- led by Pakete (Julio Bohigas-Couto) and Helena (Milene Mayer) -- decide to investigate in the hope they can turn their fortunes around.
Is It Any Good?
Based on a Spanish book series, The Footballest is an unpolished, yet well-intentioned family sports adventure. Central to the plot are Pakete (Bohigas-Couto) and Helena (Mayer), but all the members of the Soto Alto soccer team -- a diverse range of boys and girls of all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds -- bring a certain charm to proceedings. In a nice reversal of traditional gender roles, Pakete is the insecure boy to the confident and leader-like Helena, and their will they/won't they romance serves as a sweet side plot.
The movie has plenty of good will, which is why when the film makes a misstep, it stands out like a sore thumb. The character of Radu (Samuel Miró), described as the "mysterious Romanian," or the lazy "jokes" about one of the larger team members always eating, undoes so much of the movie's best intentions. There's a satisfying conclusion, which ties things up nicely, and there's even a couple of jokes thrown in for older audience members. The result is a winning result, if not a thoroughly convincing one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in The Footballest. What does the team, and Pakete in particular, learn? When have you had to demonstrate teamwork and courage in real life?
How is Helena a strong female role model? What other strong female characters can you think of from any movies you have seen? Why media role models matter.
In what ways is the Soto Alto soccer team diverse? Why is that important?
How did you find the subtitles? Did they put you off? Would you be interested in watching more foreign films?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 24, 2018
- On DVD or streaming: July 4, 2020
- Cast: Julio Bohigas-Couto , Milene Mayer , Marcos Milara
- Director: Miguel Ángel Lamata
- Studios: Paramount Pictures , HBO Max
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 103 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 4, 2022
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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