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Leatherheads
On
DVD September 23rd!
brief strong language
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Review
by Matt Mungle
Oh Coen Brothers, where art though? That is what I was thinking
half way through the new romantic comedy written and directed
and starring George Clooney. Leatherheads is a throwback to the
roaring 20's and specifically to the football arena. The look
and feel and music was the perfect backdrop for what could have
been a sensational comedy. Instead I found it to be slightly amusing
and otherwise forgettable. It had its moments but in the 2 hours
of footage they seemed too few and far between. Clooney tried
too hard in some areas and not hard enough in the ones that counted.
Did he rely too much on a style and cast? Possibly.
The plot is unique enough.
Jimmy "Dodge" Connelly (George Clooney) is a struggling football
player at the end of his game trying to keep the sport alive.
He has played the game his whole life and honestly can't make
a living doing anything else. He gets the idea to "draft" a college
sensation and WWI hero by the name of Carter "The Bullet" Rutherford
(John Krasinski) in order to make a quick buck and rejuvenate
his failing team. Lexie Littleton (RenČe Zellweger) is a tough
skinned journalist trying to get the real story on this golden
boy hero while staying one step ahead from a flirtatious Connelly.
What forms is a triangle of sorts to see who will get the girl,
the story and win in the end.
I hand it to Clooney and
crew for the look and style of this film. It brought the 20's
to life with music and dress. Also, the innocence of the era and
the war hero worship was genuine and brought a nice touch. That
is what did work. A lot more did not. First, the language didn't
fit at all. I am not so naÔve that I don't think people cursed
in the 20's but it was not displayed in the films of that era.
Every time an expletive was used (though most are mild) it took
me out of the moment. Also too many plot lines made it long and
tedious. There was the football angle, the female reporter angle,
the romantic triangle, and the Rutherford Hero angle. That is
a lot for a comedy I think. Plus there are a couple of scenes
that had the intention of 20's comedy, like Laurel and Hardy,
but came off silly when tossed in with everything else.
I
did love Zellweger in this film. She is at her squinty best and
has the ability to pull of this era perfectly. As the lone female
cast member she holds her own nicely and is tough when she needs
to be without jeopardizing her feminine charm. Krasinski on the
other hand was the weakest link. I dig him on The Office and his
clean cut persona made for a believable all American lad. But
the scenes when he had to do more than smile or blush all feel
flat. He isn't a bad actor but I think along side George and RenČe
his lack of experience showed.
Leatherheads is Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. It is
considerably tame otherwise. But I as I mentioned the language
was a little strong and totally unnecessary. Bottom line, this
is a funny movie that may seem less funny due to the length.
It may be better enjoyed on your couch than a crowded theater.
Most will enjoy the chemistry and humor and if you just HAVE
to see a romantic comedy it isn't a terrible choice. Just be
aware that it is not nearly at the top of the game it could
be. I give it 3 out of 5 loss of downs.
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