by Thomas Ferguson

Is it just me, but is football the sport most predominately depicted in feature films today? Don’t get me wrong, I love the sport, but when are we going to see more diverse sports themes on screen? Luckily, George Clooney has brought America’s favorite pastime back to the silver screen. As the films star as well as its director, he actually manages to give us a little originality.

Clooney plays Dodge Connelly, an aging football player in the mid- 1920’s. Connelly is the star player and marketing man for the Duluth Bulldogs, the most unprofessional and unethical football team in their league.

When financial hardships cause the team to fold, Dodge is forced to face reality. Feeling all is lost, Dodge and his fellow teammates go back to the drab lives they had before football. Meanwhile, a hot shot college player named Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski- NBC’S The Office) is setting the country on fire with his superior gridiron skills. He has also become a national hero having served valiantly in WWI.

The people at the local newspaper believe his war stories are a thing of fiction and send their top reporter Lexi Littleton (Renee Zellweger) to get the scoop. Connelly also tries to get a little something from Rutherford. He lures him onto the Bulldog team. Connelly uses the kid’s celebrity status to bring out the fans, thus giving the team another chance as a part of the newly formed professional football league.

Unfortunately, sparks begin to fly between Lexi and Carter, then eventually between Lexi and Dodge. Needless to say, wackiness ensues as this unconventional love triangle begins to affect their hearts and their careers.

I have to say this was a totally delightful film. It was funny and rich in clever dialogue. I also enjoyed the acting performances of the three lead actors. Krasinski is proving that he will have a solid film career when his show goes off the air- which I hope is no time soon. The Office is one of my favorite sitcoms.

I have never really been a huge fan of Zellweger. She was impressive in Chicago, but her performance in this film was so refreshing. She was charming and very fetching. She plays the “dame” role to perfection. As for Clooney, he is always full of charm and charisma, but this time he brought something more. He also directs Leatherheads and does a very fine job. He also gives us a little cheeky commentary on commercialism and product placement. In an age where endorsements are king, it was entertaining to see how those issues were handled back in the day. ..before football had rules.

Although the film lags a bit towards the end, it was fun overall. A light-hearted romp that put a smile on my face. After two months of mostly negative reviews, I sure needed this movie to restore my faith in Hollywood.