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Nov 20, 2008joseph rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Good: Leatherheads (2008) *** starring George Clooney, John Krasinski (from the Office) and Rene Zellweger; produced and directed by George Clooney – This movie is guaranteed to be nominated for best Costume design for it’s depiction of 1920’s apparel. And maybe even a supporting role for Rene; maybe. This movie is a romantic comedy set during the start of professional football in the U.S. The film does have its moments such as Rene’s wonderful depiction of the fast talking, smart mouthed reporter for the Chicago Tribune; the authenticity of a real football game during the 20’s with the leather helmets; and Clooney’s off the wall character reminiscent of his “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” persona. The only problem with the picture is that it was trying to be too many things all at once. Was it a football movie, a movie about the beginnings of football, a screw-ball comedy (for which Clooney based this film on), or a film about the ethics of reporting the news, or all of the above. There’s a wonderful scene in which the soldiers in a bar, after a brawl, sing “Over There” a song by the legendary George Cohan – wait for the last soldier to sing the verse solo as he’s nodding his head to his fellow soldiers; Clooney sure knows how to make’em. Another wonderful scene takes place during the coin toss of the new regulated professional football league – the referees make up the rules as they go along. And that’s where the strength in the film lies; it’s a cacophony of episodic moments loosely held together by a plot(s). Moments such as the ones described above, and Rene and Clooney’s persona’s make this an enjoyable film overall.