Endgame - Challenges A Kids Life

Jose (Rico Rodriguez) is a young boy who is trying to find his place, which usually is in Principle Thomas’ (Jon Gries) office. His mother Karla (Justina Machado) seems distant with him so he turns to his Grandmother (Ivonne Coll) who teaches Joe chess. When an accident kills his older brother and Mom turns away even more, Jose meets Dani (Alina Herrera) who brings him to a chess group.

Led by Mr. Alvarado (Efren Ramirez), Jose continues to struggle to find his place. When Suzie lets Joe inside his life and Grandma stays close Jose begins to understand that he needs to care more about others than himself.

As the tournament day approaches, Jose is thrown into turmoil once again as Suzie’s secret comes out and a confrontation with his mother brings more stress on the young boy.

Rodriguez as Jose is a little spitfire who starts out using disrespect towards adult as a way of dealing with his pain. Throughout the film, his journey towards accepting himself as well as the flaws of adults is very powerful.

Ramirez as Mr. Alvarado is a teacher who sees the importance of the chess group. Not only teaching kids to excel but to learn self-discipline through the game. Ramirez might also seem a tad familiar and I can help you with that. Think the iconic Pedro from NAPOLEON DYNAMITE!

Herrera as Dani is the first step in Jose’s life to something positive and she is not only delightful but so heartfelt. When she tells Jose her family’s story, he begins to realize his life isn’t so messed up. Coll as Abuelita is supportive, nurturing and also in the middle between Jose and his mother which isn’t always the best place to be but it doesn’t change her support of Jose.

Machado as Karla is having her own problems dealing with the death of her son Miguel by not only placing the blame on Jose but alienating herself from the family. Like Jose, she needs a little shaking up to realize that Jose needs her in his life.

Other cast includes: Cassie Brennan as Sandy, Alesia Orta as Suzie, Ivan Cisneros as Peter, John Flores as Jacob, Rodrigo Macouzet as Paul, and Glynn Praesel as Jim Tharpe.

SHOUT! Factory brings the best to fans offering up feature films, classic television series, animation and specials. For more of what they have to offer go to www.shoutfactory.com.

ENDGAME is a story based on true events of a school in Brownsville, Texas whose chess team would go on to become state champions. The film gives such amazing examples of perseverance in life, loyal to family and friends and dedication to excelling at a game that teaches much more than moving pieces.

The characters each have a battle they are facing whether it be family history, borders or knowing one’s own worth and ENDGAME takes these issues head on. It is completely amazing to see a group of young kids do something that I absolutely cannot and do it well. I’ve tried to play chess but this group sees the board in a way that is brilliant.

I would love to see this DVD in every classroom as an example of how to overcome obstacles and issues that might otherwise keep a person from moving forward in a positive way.

The DVD includes the Bonus Features of an Audio Commentary, Interviews with Cast and Crew, Trailer and Deleted Scenes.

In the end – there is nothing more important than being true to yourself!