Combining football and incarceration proves to be an unexpectedly entertaining combination. After a night of heavy drinking, disgraced former professional quarterback Paul Crewe finds himself sent to prison. There, he encounters Warden Hazen, a devoted fan of football who sees a chance to improve the prison guards’ team by utilizing Crewe's skills. Initially reluctant, Crewe eventually agrees to assemble a squad of inmates to face off against the guards in a single game. A collection of thieves, murderers, and individuals with dangerous tendencies unite to defeat their opponents, although Crewe also has personal struggles he must confront. This film, which is both violent and genuinely humorous, possesses numerous strengths. Directed skillfully by Robert Aldrich, it playfully critiques the intensity of football while blending it with the harshness of prison life. The script, written by Tracy Keenan Wynn, is exceptionally clever, and Aldrich’s use of split screens and slow-motion sequences works very well together. I also want to acknowledge Michael Luciano's editing; he received an Oscar nomination for that work, though he didn’t win. However, in my view, it represents some of the finest film editing from the 1970s. Burt Reynolds delivers a standout performance as Crewe, appearing at what might be considered the height of his career. He exudes undeniable charisma. It's a strong portrayal, convincing during the action scenes (given that he was once a halfback for Florida), and importantly, he possesses the comedic talent to bring Wynn’s script to life. What I find particularly interesting is that Crewe isn’t an admirable character; the film’s opening fifteen minutes reveal his true nature. Yet, much like *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* the following year, *The Longest Yard* manages to have viewers supporting the main character as the story progresses—a testament to Reynolds’ charm and magnetism. The film’s greatest achievement is undoubtedly the football game itself, which occupies roughly three-quarters of an hour. The highest praise I can offer is that you don't need to be a fan of football to appreciate this final section. It’s highly captivating as a comedy while also being inventive in its action sequences. Numerous former football players appear on both teams, lending a sense of authenticity to the match, and the conclusion provides a genuinely satisfying moment. 9/10

Source on TMDB