Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

The Longest Yard

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for crude and sexual humor, violence, language and drug references.

Reviewed by: Kathy Bower
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults Teens
Genre: Comedy, Sports, Drama
Length: 1 hr. 44 min.
Year of Release: 2005
USA Release: May 27, 2005
Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures Copyright, Paramount Pictures
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Paramount Pictures
Featuring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds, William Fichtner, James Cromwell
Director Peter Segal
Producer Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Jack Giarraputo
Distributor Distributor: Paramount Pictures Corporation. Trademark logo.Paramount Pictures Corporation, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS

If you can’t get out, get even.

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “The story of pro quarterback Paul Crewe (Sandler) and former college champion and coach Nate Scarboro (Reynolds), who are doing time in the same prison. Asked to put together a team of inmates to take on the guards, Crewe enlists the help of Scarboro to coach the inmates to victory in a football game “fixed” to turn out quite another way.”

A remake of the original 1974 movie of the same name, the basic story of “The Longest Yard” remains unchanged—with a premise that places a twist upon “good vs. evil.” In this 2005 version, the ethnic makeup of the correctional officers and staff is 100% white, muscle-bound, self-absorbed and egotistical sadistic males. Combine that dynamic with the completely unnecessary use of the “N” word in referring to the African American prison population and you have the makings of an assumption that the prisoners are the good guys.

Since there is no apparent moral message to this film, one would assume that comedic entertainment is the primary reason to pay the entrance price to this film, However, the movie’s attempts at “humor” are mostly based on sarcasm, criticism of others’ appearances and attempts to point out deformities and ignorance in others, plus sexual deviance, alcohol and drug abuse, and the moral corruptness of nearly every character. Visual cues in the opening scene introduce an undertone of sexuality and depravity with a constant barrage of plunging necklines on monochromatically tanned female characters of negligible intellect and near absent lines.

One female lead, “Lena” (Courtney Cox) appears briefly in the introduction with a few vapid lines, and is then nearly immediately dispatched, but not before taking the honor of being the first to utter an expletive. Her live-in boyfriend, and star of the movie, “Paul ‘Wrecking’ Crewe” (Adam Sandler) locks her into her palatial closet and then sets out to commit as many vehicular law infractions as possible within five minutes.

Springing from the posh and colorful world of the big city, Sandler’s already probationary life is plunged into the awfulness of the dusty Texas prison when he steals his girlfriend’s Bentley car and manages to smash it. Along the way he pokes fun at the appearance of a policeman, drives while intoxicated, and endangers the lives of hundreds during a high-speed chase. Sandler emerges without a scratch after a multiple car pileup in which the Bentley is hit by police cars from all directions.

During the movie’s 104 minutes, the producers manage to cram in over 125 swear words (although only one use of the “F” word). Although there is only one instance of the use of “Jesus” name in vain, the name of God (combined with various expletives) is peppered throughout the movie.

The prison bus for inmate transportation is an old beat-up vehicle, rather than the comfortable luxury accommodations the “guards” use in their trip to the televised football game held in a very large high school stadium. Oh, yes, the Federal Government “retrofitted” the high school arena with concertina wire. Accompanying the football players for both teams are their own cheerleading squads. The convict team cheerleaders are males dressed as females, using extremely suggestive poses and blatant talk of perverted sexual acts.

Violent behavior might be expected during a football game, but the movie has extreme beatings, with the guards repeatedly thrashing the poor inmates mercilessly. “Miraculously,” there are very few visible bruises or contusions apparent. There is one fatality, somewhat orchestrated by the staff of Allenville Prison, of course.

The one female Allenville State Penitentiary employee, played by Cloris Leachman, is dressed and coiffed as a stereotype of an advanced-aged lustful, if not vulgar, unnecessary employee. For some unexplained reason, a heavy-set, older man dressed in what may be best described as Kentucky-Derby-Colonel white suit, with straw hat appears in the movie as a companion to the Warden. His only function is as yet one more opportunity for Sandler to voice one-liner insults meant to bring laughter.

But therein lies the real root of the purpose of the entire 104 minutes. Besides being filled with profanity and laced with sexual overtones, there is one common thread lacing the whole non-story together: Sandler is a star because he can make silly voices, noises, and get away with making crude, cruel, and meaningless sarcastic observations in such a way that his fans believe he is delivering humor. In my opinion, the movie is trite, profane, lewd and highly inaccurate.

The Apostle Paul, perhaps the moral opposite of “Paul Crewes,” explained that followers of Christ must recognize the battle (or war) in the mind that continually rages. Paul encourages us to be a slave only to God’s law, not the law of sin. It is most appropriate, then, to recognize that this movie’s attempts at humor are based in a dark world of sin. No humor should come from calling someone hurtful names nor criticizing their appearance. Neither should we be about the business of promoting sexual perversion—even if only brought up as a joke. The sins that brought about the need for prisons in our nation ought not be ignored—only to celebrate the sinners (with the guards—who are supposed to be righteous—portrayed as anything but good). We must, as Paul writes, remember that God sent his own Son to take on the likeness of man, helping us to understand that we can through him live a righteous life, with our minds continually subject to God’s Laws. If perversion, sin, and degradation of our fellow man has become our method of entertainment, then we cannot call ourselves godly.

In my opinion, this movie carries no redeeming qualities, and should be avoided by Christians.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Negative—The film, although with genuinely funny parts, was extremely offensive. I found it very unnecessary to show the male “cheerleaders” for the prison team in such a provocative and disgusting manner. Also, the use of profane language was rather high. I was surprised at the film overall having achieved a PG-13 rating instead of R. The language alone was enough to make me cringe, let alone the sexual references, vulgarity, and overall crudeness. I felt that the scenes involving video footage obtained by the prisoners intended to embarass each other was disgusting, and I felt physically sick to my stomach. Had I driven myself to the movies, I would have left about halfway through the film. I felt very disgusted at the content…
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/4
Sarah, age 18
Negative—This movie was well done and well acted, but the film is so chock full of foul language that it would give one of those movie filters a run for its’ money. I admire Adam Sandler as a comedian, but this is the most offensive film he’s ever put out.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/4
Shannon H., age 23
Negative—My husband and I felt prompted to walk out of the theater even with the opening scenes—not only the bikini girls, but also the glorification of the main character’s drinking and driving and engaging in a police chase. Sadly, we did not follow our spirits, but stuck with the movie only to be thoroughly sickened by the vile and repetitive gay humor. It was beyond disgusting.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/3
Amy, age 36
Positive—If you like football and have a good sense of humor. This one’s for you! I laughed and laughed… very entertaining.
My Ratings: Average/5
Troy Hagen, age 34
Positive—A hilarious movie topping what I expected.
My Ratings: Offensive/4
Brady Beals, age 18
Positive—Because I am considered a technical critic in the industry, I know that I am going to get more flack for my views on this movie. Regardless, I pride myself on good fair reviews. Adam Sandler delivers one of his best on screen performances since “Spanglish” and “Happy Gilmore.” “The Longest Yard” is not an academy award winner by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a very solid and enjoyable movie. Most movies with what Adam Sandler brings to the screen are usually what I call a, “leave your brain at home and have a good time movie.” With a movie like the Longest Yard, you do not look for perfect script adaptation, superb acting, or even a moral message. You look for a movie that passes the time, gives you some laughs and just lets you escape from critiquing and perfection. With this being said, the Longest Yard does reaches its objective.

“The Longest Yard” is a movie about a once super star (Crewe) in the football world that gets in over his head in gambling and takes a purposeful fall in a career ending game. Now being the present, he is an alcoholic with a girlfriend that uses him as a boy toy who she has manipulated around her little finger. Finally fed up and drunk, Crewe steals her brand new Bentley and goes on a mad speeding rampage throughout the city. Finally being caught and the cops surrounding him, Adam Sandler delivers one of the funniest lines of his career. However, I will not spoil the line for the sake of originality. Crewe goes to prison for 3 years where he must coach a bunch of inmates to battle the guards in a warm up football game.

“The Longest Yard” is a really funny and enjoyable movie; however, it is FILLED with homosexual jokes, potty humor, cleavage, and foul language. It is not one that I would let your kids see and not one that I recommend for those who are easily offended. Being a prison movie, you can pretty much guess the humor that goes on, and yes its exactly what you are thinking.

Adam Sandler is the producer and actor in this well done adaptation of a much less enjoyable Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds. 3 of 4 Stars.
My Ratings: Very Offensive/3
John Kehrli, age 31
Negative—My wife and I went to this movie after we arrived at the cinema too late to see “Cinderella Man”. This was one of the lewdest movies I have ever seen. Thank goodness I didn’t allow my 12 year old son go to it. Very inappropriate for anyone under 18 in my opinion. I don’t know how this movie avoided a “R” Rating.

In addition to being very offensive the movie itself wasn’t very good. The folks over at MTV (the film company) are very much into pushing homosexual behavior as being normal or okay. I felt like I needed a shower after this movie.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/2½
Brian Keener, age 44
Positive—This movie has nothing to do with the Bible or Christianity, per say. It is a movie about a guy going to prison for breaking the law, and then having to coach a team of inmates where he learns to love others and not himself. It is an accurate portrayl of the treatment in prisons, as well as current issues such as homosexuality, predjudice, to name a few. Everyone has been bashing this movie, however what did you expect for PG-13?? That rating means expect some cursing and offensive material.

This is an accurate rating, and if cursing offends you, then this movie is not for you. However, for those of you with a sense of humor this is a great movie of triumph of adversity, as well as the moral decision Adam Sandler’s character has to make, sacrificing his life for the greater good of his team. I thought the movie was incredible, the sound track is amazing, and the special effects great. A responsible viewer is recommended, however also one willing to have a great overall experience. Come expecting a realistic movie (in the way it portrays current issues.)
My Ratings: Average/5
Kasie, age 35
Positive—Definitely wrong for overly conservative people. There are some parts that the would find offensive, but, overall, it was very funny.
My Ratings: Average/5
Chip Dogdale, age 45
Comments from young people
Negative—…when my dad went with me and my brother there was like A THOUSAND swear words which totally shocked my brother. My dad was frustraed that he didn’t look at reviews first and amazed that someone could cram so many swear words in a movie that is and hour and 44 minutes. This movie would’ve been have decent if it weren’t for all the bad words and profanity.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/1½
Liz, age 14
Negative—I left this movie in tears. The sexual content was that bad. I went to the movies with some friends after church, and I was not expecting this. The story of this movie was great and there was some funny humor, but the amount of sexual humor makes this movie absolutely horrible. I know Jesus wouldn’t like it.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/4
Maria Larson, age 15
Positive—This movie was great in a movie go’ers percpective. …I thought the language would be horrible between Cris Rock and Adam Sandler, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. The f-word was heard a few times, but overall it wasn’t that bad. I was just sick to my stomach because of all the gay men at the prison. They even cross-dressed like cheerleaders. Overall, it was a great movie. Very Funny
My Ratings: Average/5
Stephen Brewer, age 15
Positive—The movie was awesome. I laughed the whole entire movie. I just won’t recommend it for younger kids.
My Ratings: Average/2
Daniel, age 14
Positive—…it had a good story of the underdog upset that was coverd in foul language, but for a movie with Chris Rock and Adam Sandler the cursing was at a minimum of what it could be. I personally thought it was a great movie, but the one thing I truly thought was unnecessary was the transvesite inmates. The movie would have been really better without these… But the casting was great with ex all-pros Bill Romanoski and Miachel Irvin and wrestlers Kevin Nash, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Sid Vicious, and Bill Goldberg. If you are a person who won’t allow yourself to hear foul language and are extremely offend by crude humor, then don’t see this movie. But if you love to laugh and can stomach a black man in a skirt and knotted shirt, than this movie is for you.
My Ratings: Average/5
Erik, age 15
Positive—…marvelous and truly showed the power of perserverance through evil… Adam Sandler set a good example following his heart. Yeh, maybe it was a lil raw…
My Ratings: Good/5
Kaiser Godwin, age 16
Positive—This movie was extremely funny, although a little vulgar.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/5
J. Sides, age 14
Positive—I liked the movie. Adam Sandler is a comedian. If you think this was the most offensive, you are strongly mistaken. Yes, he might be a bit heartless when it comes to jokes, but that’s all. It’s just funny.
My Ratings: Average/5
Pete, age 14
Neutral—This movie was extremely funny, but very offensive in many ways. There was lots of cussing, and lots of gays. Very funny movie, but too much cussing and homosexuality.
My Ratings: Offensive/4½
Chris Gault, age 13
Neutral—This movie is pretty good, if you take out all of the cussing. …there’s quite a bit. Kids under 13 should not see this movie, I think. It has a good storyline though, and some of the jokes are pretty funny.
My Ratings: Average / 3½
Chad, age 15
Movie Critics
…Off-color jokes and perversion mark “The Longest Yard” …
Annabelle Robertson, Crosswalk
…Bad language, homoerotic comedy and brutal athletic violence cause “The Longest Yard” to fall largely and sadly short of Preview’s standard of acceptability…
Brian Hughes, Preview Family Movie and TV Review
…this spoof of “the big game” reduces football to the genetic freak show it has become…
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel