{"id":2361,"date":"2025-08-26T04:20:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T11:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/?p=2361"},"modified":"2025-08-13T16:25:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T23:25:36","slug":"the-short-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/2025\/the-short-game\/","title":{"rendered":"The Short Game * You Don\u2019t Even Have To Love Golf To Enjoy This Movie – You Just Have To Care About People In General"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The Short Game<\/em>\u00a0follows Texas high school student Jeremy Avery, a golf prodigy vying for a prestigious college scholarship awarded to\u00a0the\u00a0winner of\u00a0the\u00a0State Championship, but his preparation and\u00a0game\u00a0are affected by family pressures related to his mother\u2019s recovery from cancer and having to take care of his younger autistic brother Ethan. These challenges, along with\u00a0the\u00a0burden of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, force Jeremy to reconsider his priorities and see his brother\u2019s savant-like gifts, which if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On\u00a0the\u00a0brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision between finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.<\/p>\n

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, \u201cThe Short Game <\/em>is a heartwarming movie with great interpretation by incredible performances from the cast. It has a great message along with amazing character development from the protagonist and his relationship with his brother.\u201d Junior R. adds, \u201cFORE!\u00a0 If you think golf is a snoozefest, the film, The Short Game will definitely change your mind. In fact you don\u2019t even have to love golf to enjoy this movie – you just have to care about people in general.\u201d Hadley B. wraps it up with, \u201cI really like the film The Short Game<\/em> because there is so much excitement and hard work going on in the film. It is super exciting to watch and learn what the movie is about. I also love how real it feels.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n

The Short Game
\nBy Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14<\/p>\n

https:\/\/youtu.be\/PotELufwJtU<\/p>\n

\"\"The Short Game <\/em>is a heartwarming movie with great interpretation by incredible performances from the cast. It has a great message along with amazing character development from the protagonist and his relationship with his brother.<\/p>\n

The story follows Jeremy Avery (Ben Krieger) who is trying to procure a golf scholarship, which is hampered when he is forced to look after his younger, autistic brother Ethan (Owen Himfar). Jeremy dismisses Ethan\u2019s abilities and believes he\u2019s getting in the way, leading him to choose between his brother and golf.<\/p>\n

\"\"The character development in this movie is outstanding, especially with Jeremy. It feels completely realistic for the situation he is in, and I found myself easily understanding and liking his character. His change is paced very well; it never seems too fast. This is also enhanced by the great acting from both Ben Krieger and Owen Himfar, as Jeremy and Ethan. Himfar\u2019s portrayal of Ethan is heartwarming; however, both he and Krieger portray their characters extremely well, and their chemistry adds so much to the story. They seem like actual brothers, which makes Jeremy feel believable and understanding. The cinematography, by Greg Matthews, is gorgeous, and I love that it\u2019s shown through a teenager filming a documentary. That is so unique and adds to the realism of the story.<\/p>\n

\"\"Another technical aspect I appreciate is the music, composed by Brandon Maahs, which adds emotion to the story. The story itself is wonderfully written and presents an amazing depiction of autism and how people view it.<\/p>\n

The film\u2019s message is to treat others with kindness since there’s always more to a person. Be forewarned that there is some mild profanity, along with depictions of death and bullying.<\/p>\n

I give The Short Game<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters August 29, 2025.<\/p>\n

The Short Game
\nBy Junior R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11<\/p>\n