Renee Zellweger plays alongside Clooney and Krasinski in the football comedy “Leatherheads,” which Clooney directed. The comedy appeals to all football fans and non football fans too.
‘Leatherheads’ provides a dandy story with no football expertise needed
My dreams of seeing John Krasinski and George Clooney wrestle in the mud were made possible when I saw “Leatherheads.”
This delightful romp through the beginning years of pro football was a perfect flick to see with my dad, with whom I share a love of football and “The Office.”
But don’t worry nonfootball fans, because this football story has a “football for dummies” dialogue that accompanies it.
The story follows an older football player, Dodge Connelly (Clooney), who is trying to get pro-football to be a legit sport in a time where only high school and college ball were king.
His plan is to recruit hot-shot, war hero and all-American golden boy Carter Rutherford (Krasinski) to his team, but first he has to get through Carter’s greasy manager CC Frazier (Jonathan Pryce).
Enter Lexie Littleton (Zellweger), a saucy reporter trying to make a name for herself in a career ruled by men.
She gets her chance when a tip says that Carter is not the war hero he claims to be.
And being the soulless, bloodthirsty journalists that we all are, she follows the team and digs for the truth.
During their football escapades, people are drawn to the sport, not only to see the god-like Rutherford, but also to see the Bulldogs’ wild antic as they play the game.
Note, the rules have not been established thus far and punching, kicking and all around sassy plays are allowed, which made for hilarious hijinks.
Meanwhile, both Dodge and Carter start liking Lexie and shenanigans ensue including a hilarious battle of fisty-cups with a drunken Krasinski and a lipstick clad Clooney.
It then comes down to the big game against the Bulldogs and Chicago, and we can only hope our heros are victorous.
Will Carter be outted to a nation that loves him? Whom will Lexie end up with? Will George Clooney ever stop trying to play people in their 40s? Find out the answers during this light, romantic comedy.
Thankfully a great cast makes up for what could have been a dull story line.
And while the plot is has a slow climax, there’s enough action on the screen to keep the audience tuned it.
All in all, the movie is worth going to the theatre to see, but I would suggest a matinee because the plot is predictable.
However, Clooney, who also directed the movie, spices it up with funny quips and some slapstick humor, but not too much to make it ridiculous.
And our beloved John Krasinski provides a sweet hunk to ogle during the production.
In comparison to other football comedies, it’s not as good as “The Waterboy,” but no where near as horrible as Adam Sandler’s version of “The Longest Yard.”
The verdict:
It’s a good afternoon movie to see with a parent, friend or a significant other.
★★★★☆
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