Leatherheads (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
George Clooney does get around, doesn't he? He both directs & stars in 'Leatherheads', a screwball romantic comedy. Not only is straight-laced college player Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) a football sensation, but he's also a decorated war hero. And when news reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) is called upon to debunk Rutherford's 'war hero' status, the captain of his pro football team, Dodge Connelly (Clooney), gets jealous that she's paying more attention to Rutherford than himself. The movie goes on a bit too long. But there's nothing detrimental or overwhelmingly annoying to turn you off completely. It's pleasant.
1925: Pro football is not yet formed. Dodge Connelly loves the game and all the muddy, unformed rules that go along with it. For all intents & purposes, he's a good guy. When word comes that his entire football league may be discontinued, he thinks something drastic must occur to save it. And so, hiring Carter Rutherford, America's college star/war hero (story is, he single-handedly forced a band of Germans into surrender mode), seems the thing to do. He could benefit, as well. 1) $$ 2) after college, he'd have no outlet to showcase his talent. Is he too good to be true? Well, Chicago Tribune's spitfire writer, Lexie Littleton, is hired to prove that Carter's WWII exploits are falsified.
Lexie hopes to nail Carter, but is oddly attracted to the seeming innocence of the young star. On the other end of the spectrum, she initially can't stand the intrusive Dodge Connelly. But even she knows there's something there, brewing beneath it all. The rest of the plot plays out with Dodge & Carter rivaling for Lexie's affections; Lexie doubting her intentions with the Chicago Tribune story; and Dodge's dismay at the re-formation of a sport that he loves. Once a freewheeling sport, too many rules are coming in to play. Dodge can't even appreciate football's new big stadiums versus his old torn-up grandstands. Everything culminates in a tongue-in-cheek 'big game' in the climax of the film. The outcome of the game may determine BOTH football's fate, and the suitor for Lexie.
The best part of 'Leatherheads' is the rat-a-tat-tat dialogue btwn. Zellweger's Lexie & Clooney's Dodge. They're aided by a witty script that knows when to tone down before it gets shrill (too screwball, too kooky). Many people have been criticizing Zellweger lately in, well, everything. I simply don't get it. I've always found her amiable & interesting. Her 'look' fits the part; & the delivery of her fast-paced lines is on point. Clooney lends a solid, low-key performance (I've never been a huge fan). But Krasinski is just kinda ... there. I don't think he has enough good looks or charisma to substantiate his place in the movie, really.
'Leatherheads' touches on some interesting issues. i.e., the war/sports/hero tie-in. Success in war automatically means you're heroic. But are you really? Success on the playing field means you can be a hero/role model ... but is that so heroic, as well? Are you your own hero, or does the media create the buzz? What if it's all a lie? etc. Overall, the film is a mild diversion. It broaches heavier topics but never goes all the way with them (it lacks essentiality). This is a slight, old-fashioned film (shot with the nostalgic golds & reds of the 1920s). Though there's a distinct lack of depth, the films makes up for it with atmosphere, personality & whimsy. And it resuscitates itself just in time for the climax. You won't remember much about 'Leatherheads' when it's over. But it IS passable while you're watching it.
1925: Pro football is not yet formed. Dodge Connelly loves the game and all the muddy, unformed rules that go along with it. For all intents & purposes, he's a good guy. When word comes that his entire football league may be discontinued, he thinks something drastic must occur to save it. And so, hiring Carter Rutherford, America's college star/war hero (story is, he single-handedly forced a band of Germans into surrender mode), seems the thing to do. He could benefit, as well. 1) $$ 2) after college, he'd have no outlet to showcase his talent. Is he too good to be true? Well, Chicago Tribune's spitfire writer, Lexie Littleton, is hired to prove that Carter's WWII exploits are falsified.
Lexie hopes to nail Carter, but is oddly attracted to the seeming innocence of the young star. On the other end of the spectrum, she initially can't stand the intrusive Dodge Connelly. But even she knows there's something there, brewing beneath it all. The rest of the plot plays out with Dodge & Carter rivaling for Lexie's affections; Lexie doubting her intentions with the Chicago Tribune story; and Dodge's dismay at the re-formation of a sport that he loves. Once a freewheeling sport, too many rules are coming in to play. Dodge can't even appreciate football's new big stadiums versus his old torn-up grandstands. Everything culminates in a tongue-in-cheek 'big game' in the climax of the film. The outcome of the game may determine BOTH football's fate, and the suitor for Lexie.
The best part of 'Leatherheads' is the rat-a-tat-tat dialogue btwn. Zellweger's Lexie & Clooney's Dodge. They're aided by a witty script that knows when to tone down before it gets shrill (too screwball, too kooky). Many people have been criticizing Zellweger lately in, well, everything. I simply don't get it. I've always found her amiable & interesting. Her 'look' fits the part; & the delivery of her fast-paced lines is on point. Clooney lends a solid, low-key performance (I've never been a huge fan). But Krasinski is just kinda ... there. I don't think he has enough good looks or charisma to substantiate his place in the movie, really.
'Leatherheads' touches on some interesting issues. i.e., the war/sports/hero tie-in. Success in war automatically means you're heroic. But are you really? Success on the playing field means you can be a hero/role model ... but is that so heroic, as well? Are you your own hero, or does the media create the buzz? What if it's all a lie? etc. Overall, the film is a mild diversion. It broaches heavier topics but never goes all the way with them (it lacks essentiality). This is a slight, old-fashioned film (shot with the nostalgic golds & reds of the 1920s). Though there's a distinct lack of depth, the films makes up for it with atmosphere, personality & whimsy. And it resuscitates itself just in time for the climax. You won't remember much about 'Leatherheads' when it's over. But it IS passable while you're watching it.