Release Date: April 4, 2008
Time: 1 hr 54 min
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: George Clooney, John Krasinski, Renée Zellweger
Grade: B
Synopsis: Good Night, and Good Luck director George Clooney pulls double duty once again in this sports-oriented romantic comedy set against the formation of professional football in the 1920s. Dodge Connelly (Clooney) is a brash and handsome gridiron giant who is equally comfortable leading his team in a barroom brawl or charging for a touchdown in a packed stadium. But when Connelly's team loses their sponsor and the entire league appears set to collapse, the quick-thinking jock attempts a creative late-game comeback. If Connelly can convince former college football star and decorated war hero Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to join the team, there may be hope for the ill-fated team after all. Back in World War I, Rutherford single-handedly forced the surrender of multiple German soldiers -- a feat that firmly established the dashing young soldier as America's favorite son. Not only that, but Rutherford's unparalleled speed makes him a valuable asset to the team. To cub reporter Lexie Littleton (Renée Zellweger), Rutherford seems simply too good to be true, and she's determined to prove that her theory is correct. As Littleton digs deep into Rutherford's past, the two teammates enter into a fierce competition for her erratic affections. Now, as Connelly's plan begins to work better than he ever could have anticipated, the rowdy sport he always loved starts to take on a whole new look and feel. In the midst of holding his team together and simultaneously charming the girl of his dreams, Connelly discovers he may be able to use the same strategies he does to win on the field to win in love. Of course, there might be a few fouls as this game enters the fourth quarter, but like every good player, Connelly knows the value of always having a secret play to fall back on before the final score is called. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
My Review: A clever film about the beginnings of football. It was not as funny as I was hoping for but one of the fight scenes gave me a good laugh. Clooney does an excellent job as the old football guy and Kasinski plays his role well. I am normally not a big fan of Zellweger either but she seemed to play her part very well. There was a good chemistry between her and Clooney and they both were funny together. I cannot recall any scenes that made this film a PG-13 film. The language was clean from what I can remember and there were no bad scenes. The film did feel a bit long.
Recommend: Check this one out with the family. Especially if you are a football fan you will be surprised at how everything started. I still can't believe how unpopular football was. This film should be a good entertainer and keep most everyone interested. Maybe you'll lose the kids near the end, but it is a lot of fun either way.