Netflix's new release is a must-see, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Netflix's new release is a must-see, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

At the end of March, Netflix released a new film called "Beautiful Game," which seems to have caused a bit of a stir.

The comedy-drama has made its fair share of waves internationally. It is currently number two on Netflix in its native UK, but on Netflix in the US, it is not even in the bottom of the most-watched list. It's a shame, because it's a heartfelt film.

I would argue that "Beautiful Game" is the best new Netflix movie you (probably) haven't seen yet. And you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy it.

Set in the world of soccer (known as football around the world), "Beautiful Game" does not follow a team of elite athletes playing in the big leagues, but instead is about a homeless World Cup. This real-life competition is an annual amateur event that promotes charitable efforts to end homelessness through sports.

The film follows Mal (Bill Nye) as he assembles an England team to compete in the tournament in Rome, Italy. He gathers a ragtag group of players who are somewhat inferior when it comes to soccer skills, but have a great sense of camaraderie and spirit. However, the addition of maverick striker Vinnie (Michael Ward) threatens to spoil their chemistry.

Vinny is clearly the most talented player on the team. In his first game at the Homeless World Cup, he tells his teammates to pass the ball only to him and leave the rest to him. This tactic leads to goals, but it also creates friction and conflict.

What follows is an easy to watch journey in which Vinny must learn to play well with us while other team members also battle personal woes. After an oddly paced opening, "Beautiful Game" settles into a very generic sports story, but it is a feel-good film from start to finish. After all, even if the destination is predictable, the journey can still be fun and wholesome.

"Beautiful Games" has been warmly received by critics; the Netflix film currently holds a high score of 86% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The audience score is a bit more mixed at 71%, but still a solid number.

"The film moves smoothly like a British sitcom, finding most of its humor in light embarrassment, sarcastic understatement, and well-rehearsed comic timing," said Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter. in a review that called the film "sweet" but "predictable."

Glenn Kenny of the New York Times echoed similar sentiments, noting that the film is "littered with moments of laughter and emotion" and declaring it "a model of the modern 'good movie.'" felt that the Netflix originals were extremely formulaic, but noted that it was "impossible not to be fascinated."

Kevin Maher in The Times of London was a bit more complex. But the soccer scenes at the end of the film are deadly boring."

As the above review makes clear, "Beautiful Games" is no revolution in the sports movie genre. It follows the same script as countless similar films, but it has a big heart and its characters are likable. Plus, its grand finale is very sweet.

If you're looking for a Netflix movie that works as light entertainment, "Beautiful Game" is one of the best. You don't have to be a soccer fan to enjoy it. If you enjoy mild humor and a predictable but well-crafted story, "Beautiful Game" is worth putting on your Netflix watch list.

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