This movie has received a lot of good reviews. We will be eating at Max's after the movie.

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By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
Sugar is that sweetest of films: A sensitive and memorable story that surprises at every turn.
This fascinating character study of a 19-year-old pitcher from the Dominican Republic who makes it into the minor leagues is authentic and poignant.

Directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Half Nelson) wisely chose actual ballplayers for the cast rather than name actors. Algenis Perez Soto makes an impressive debut as Miguel "Sugar" Santos. Soto's natural performance, coupled with the beautifully written story and stunning cinematography, make for a fascinating and evocative film.

In Spanish with English subtitles, Sugar is not a typical inspirational sports saga, though there are plenty of scenes on the baseball diamond. Its humanistic portrait goes deep beyond the surface and in unexpected but believable directions. The infectious Latin score intensifies the tale.

The story follows Miguel as he is called up to spring training in the USA, on his way to fulfilling his struggling family's longtime dream. During Miguel's boyhood years at the baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, no one bothered to teach him or his fellow players English (other than baseball terms) or prepare them for the culture shock they inevitably face upon arrival in the USA. Miguel has never been on a plane, in a hotel or on his own.