All Square

All Square

Year: 2018

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: John Hyams

Drama

In this gritty drama, struggling bookie John Zbikowski forms an unexpected bond with his ex-girlfriend's precocious 12-year-old son, Brian. As John's fortunes falter, he concocts a scheme to recoup losses by betting on Brian's Little League games, blurring the lines between mentorship and manipulation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – All Square (2018)
Explore the full timeline and setting of All Square (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular time period, but it can be inferred that it is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues such as gambling addiction and family dynamics. The narrative touches on themes that resonate with today's society, including the impact of personal choices on family relationships.

Location

Small Town

The movie takes place in a small town that is heavily influenced by its local sports culture, particularly the Youth League. This community is known for its close-knit relationships, but also for the underlying tensions that arise from gambling and competition among its residents.

🏙️ Urban ⚾ Sports

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

Main Characters – All Square (2018)
Meet the key characters of All Square (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John 'Zibs' Zbikowski

Zibs is a small-town bookie struggling with the aftermath of a failed baseball career and burdened by his father's tragic legacy. Initially unscrupulous, his character evolves as he confronts the detrimental effects of his gambling scheme on the community and his relationship with Brian. Ultimately, Zibs seeks redemption and faces the harsh truths of his choices.

💼 Bookie ⚾ Former Athlete 🥴 Troubled

Bob

Bob is Zibs' ailing father, whose dark past and secrets significantly influence Zibs' life. His history of a lethal DUI adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, serving as a constant reminder of consequences. Bob’s ultimate revelation about his past pushes Zibs toward a path of self-reflection.

👴 Father 🌧️ Burdened Past 🕵️‍♂️ Secretive

Debbie

Debbie is Zibs' high school sweetheart and a protective mother to Brian. Concerned about Zibs' negative influence, she represents the struggle between past affections and current responsibilities. Her character embodies the challenges of parenting amid chaotic circumstances.

❤️ Love Interest 👩‍👦 Mother ⚠️ Protective

Brian

Brian is Debbie’s 12-year-old son, whose innocent perspective is affected by the adult conflicts around him. Initially drawn into Zibs' world, he ultimately becomes disillusioned by the immoral behavior he witnesses. His character arc reflects the heartbreaking impact of adult decisions on children's lives.

⚾ Young Athlete 🙁 Innocent 💔 Disillusioned

Matt 'Smitty' Smith

Smitty is the Little League commissioner with aspirations for public office. His determination to maintain the integrity of the league brings him into conflict with Zibs. Smitty's character adds another layer of complexity to the story as he represents authority grappling with corruption in sports.

🏆 Authority 🔍 Investigator 🗳️ Aspiring Politician

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

Major Themes – All Square (2018)
Explore the central themes of All Square (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Redemption

The theme of redemption is central to Zibs' journey as he navigates his troubled past and the consequences of his actions. Throughout the film, he grapples with guilt and seeks ways to make amends, especially after learning difficult truths about his father's history. By the end, his desire to set things right showcases the struggle for personal growth and responsibility.

💔 Family Struggles

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, especially the relationship between Zibs and his estranged family. The film highlights the impact of Zibs' actions on his relationship with Brian, and Debbie's protective instincts as a mother. The complexity of familial love and strife is powerfully portrayed as characters face their respective challenges.

🎲 Gambling

Gambling serves as a double-edged sword in the movie, offering both financial temptation and moral decay. Zibs’ descent into illegal betting highlights the toxic environment it creates within the Youth League and affects everyone involved. The theme illustrates the dark allure of gambling and its consequences on the community.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:12

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