Endgame

Filmmaker Carmen Marron's family-friendly Endgame takes inspiration from the Brownsville, TX, chess team that took their state by storm, centering on bright 12-year-old Jose (Rico Rodriguez), who inherited a passion for chess from his late grandfather, a Mexican champion. Jose and his abuelita (Ivonne Coll) play matches regularly, and she also keeps him supplied with taquitos and other treats. Jose's teacher, Mr. Alvarado (Efren Ramirez)—a fellow enthusiast—forms a chess team in order to give his disadvantaged students coping skills. Jose and his best friend, Dani (Alina Herrera), an undocumented immigrant, join the team, but Jose's single mother, Karla (Justina Machado), would rather cheer on his soccer player brother, Miguel (Xavier Gonzalez). When tragedy strikes, Karla spends more time mourning Miguel than looking after Jose. But with the encouragement of his abuelita and his principal (Jon Gries), Jose gives his all during the chess tournaments, culminating in the state finals in Dallas against more experienced competitors. A fine film about Latino youth pushing past barriers, both academic and psychological, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)