| Reviewed on 2008-04-04 |
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| Rated | PG-13 |
| Received |  [2] out of 4 stars |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance / Sport |
| Website | http://www.leatherheadsmovie.com |
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| This is a George Clooney film. Meaning he directed and stars in
it, but Leatherheads is not like his recent films. In fact, it
is downright hard to categorize. It isn't a star filled
extravaganza like the Ocean's Number-Whatever series. It is
definitely not about the important topics or social issues that
have brought Clooney awards. Just what the heck is it?
Its fun. Its Americana. Its well done. And except for some near
bloodless fistfights and a small handful of four letter words it
could have that dreaded "G" rating. Clooney's Dodge Connelly
character is trying to breathe life into the seemingly doomed
concept of professional football in 1925. As a last gasp effort
he convinces war hero and Ivy League gridiron sensation Carter
Rutherford (Played by The Office's John Krasinski.) to turn pro.
Just when things begin looking good along comes Chicago Tribune
reporter Lexie Littleton (Renée Zellweger) seeking a skeleton in
the super star's closet.
As I said before, Leatherheads is fun. The football games are
often literally dirty fun. The period music is fun and even
resonated with some of the twenty-something crowd. Just as in
the 1920's, passenger trains are the main way of getting from
place to place. This will be a bit of a revelation to young
audience members. There is some slapstick action, but also funny
dialog. In fact the pairing of Clooney and Zellweger reminds me,
just a bit, of some of the early Tracy and Hepburn team-ups.
What else can I say? Fun story, well told. Fun cast. Fun film.
Review By: Erwin K. Roberts
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