The Longest Yard
A football player-turned-convict organizes a team of inmates to play against a team of prison guards. His dilemma is that the warden asks him to throw the game in return for an early release, but he is also concerned about the inmates' lack of self-esteem.
Critics Sentiment
Crewe scores game-winning touchdown as Mean Machine wins 36-35
Crewe deliberately makes mistakes putting Mean Machine down 35-13
The massive swing from Crewe's betrayal at 35-13 down to his redemption and the team's comeback rally represents a 3.3 point emotional surge.
The film follows a classic redemption arc that starts dark with Crewe's criminal behavior but builds steadily toward an emotionally satisfying climax. Reviews consistently praise the football sequences and Reynolds' charismatic performance, though some note the film's dated elements and slow middle sections. The final game delivers widespread critical acclaim as an exciting and well-crafted sports finale.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 48
Burt Reynolds
Paul Crewe
Eddie Albert
Warden Hazen
Ed Lauter
Captain Knauer
Michael Conrad
Nate Scarboro
James Hampton
Caretaker
Harry Caesar
Granville
John Steadman
Pop
Charles Tyner
Unger
Mike Henry
Rassmeusen
Richard Kiel
Samson
Pervis Atkins
Mawabe
Bernadette Peters
Miss Toot
Jim Nicholson
Ice Man
Tony Cacciotti
Rotka
Anitra Ford
Melissa
Tony Reese
Levitt
Michael Fox
Announcer
Dino Washington
Mason
George A. Jones
Big George
Chuck Hayward
Trooper I
Crew
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