Rez Ball

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1:45

Rez Ball

PG-13

Released Sep 13

1h 51m

Drama

Sports

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In the heart of Chuska, New Mexico, the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team rich in Native American heritage, face their greatest challenge. After the loss of their star player, the team must unite like never before to keep their dreams of a state championship alive. This is more than just a game; it's a journey of resilience and unity, a true underdog story deeply rooted in Native American culture.

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Critics Consensus

Putting an Indigenous spin on the classic sports movie formula, Rez Ball dominates the court with its authentic feel for culture and setting.

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Laya Lee

Chicago Reader

Rez Ball memorializes the heart it takes to chase your dreams.

Oct 3, 2024

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Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

The movie tends to race through actual game play — though the actors at least can handle the ball — and so the film’s strength lies more in the players’ easy rapport and the New Mexico location shooting.

Sep 27, 2024

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Director and co-screenwriter Sydney Freeland keeps the story feeling real as Jimmy overcomes adversity and sees hope in the game on the court and in his own life.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 25, 2024

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Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

This is a standard underdog come-from-behind sports story, but it's given greater breadth and depth by its setting... This could've been a really striking movie. As it is, it's an interesting one that suggests promise more than accomplishment.

Nov 3, 2024

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

'Rez Ball' is heartwarming and entirely predictable. But in the same way you never tire of your morning coffee, the high school sports genre never gets old.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 5, 2024

Full Review

Shawn Edwards

Fox 4 Kansas City

It's your typical underdog story, but it resonates by going deep into Native American and B-Ball culture, this movie is a winner.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 4, 2024

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SDSF

Excellent movie! Fantastic acting! A must see for all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

Full Review

Matt C

Loved it! Great ball story with lots of heart and emotion. And some solid hoopin’

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/24

Full Review

Jerod S

It's not rocket science as far as sports movies go - but it is unique in the makeup of the team and their struggles.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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Audience Member

Excellent movie, great action shots, need more Kusem Goodwind!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/02/24

Full Review

Felix T

How many of these rag tag kids go from outcasts to heroes sports movies do we need? Watch Bad News Bears, Hoosiers, Mighty Ducks then repeat if you want to watch the same movie again. For that matter, if you substitute an individual for the kids, you can just watch Rocky (the first 3 anyway) or Million Dollar Baby and get all the underdog overcomes adversity to win sports contest thrills you will ever need. Rez Ball is just the same plot with poor direction, no development of a connection between the viewer and the character, obtrusive musical montages instead of actual acting and checking off some Dine stereotypes. Oh, and if they said the phrase "Rez Ball" one more time, I planned on sticking an icepick into my eardrums. I'm all for using Native American actors in films wherever you want to cast them. Just make sure you create a good movie first.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

Full Review

Jacob B

Although the plot could be a little predictable at times this beautifully shot film really does not disappoint.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/28/24

Full Review

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Sydney Freeland

Director

Jessica Matten

Heather Hobbs

Amber Midthunder

Dezbah Weaver

Kauchani Bratt

Jimmy Holiday

Devin Sampson Craig

Bryson Badonie

Julia Jones

Gloria Holiday

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Rez Ball: Trailer 1

1:45

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Synopsis

In the heart of Chuska, New Mexico, the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team rich in Native American heritage, face their greatest challenge. After the loss of their star player, the team must unite like never before to keep their dreams of a state championship alive. This is more than just a game; it's a journey of resilience and unity, a true underdog story deeply rooted in Native American culture.

Director: Sydney Freeland
Producer: Spencer Beighley, Wayne Carmona, Katie Elmore, Jamal Henderson, LeBron James, Maurício Mota, Nancy Utley
Screenwriter: Sydney Freeland, Sterlin Harjo
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: The SpringHill Company, Wise Entertainment, Chernin Entertainment, Lake Ellyn Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Sports
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 13, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 27, 2024
Runtime: 1h 51m

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