Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2023)

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game turns an unlikely slice of civic history into a buoyant, big-hearted crowd-pleaser, the kind of movie that reminds you how small passions can spark surprisingly meaningful change. Set in a warmly textured 1970s New York, it glides on a playful, low-stakes energy—part romantic dramedy, part underdog tale—anchored by Mike Faist’s winning mix of awkward confidence and quiet resolve, with Crystal Reed adding genuine tenderness and grit. The Braggs direct with an easy charm that lets the characters breathe, finding humor in the absurdity of a pinball ban without ever mocking the people who care about it. If you need high drama or sharp cynicism, this may feel too gentle, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, sincere, and oddly inspiring, it’s a delight.

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game is clearly trying to turn a quirky real-life civic battle into a warm, crowd-pleasing underdog story, complete with romance and a lovingly recreated 1970s vibe. The problem is it often feels like a charming anecdote padded to feature length, with a “isn’t this adorable?” tone that can slide into cutesy rather than genuinely funny or insightful, and the pacing can feel featherweight. If you want a meaty historical drama or a sharper comedy, this may leave you underfed. But if you’re happy with a gentle, low-stakes, feel-good watch and enjoy pinball nostalgia, Mike Faist’s earnestness and the movie’s easygoing sweetness might be enough to carry it.