Review of Any Given Sunday (1999) by Alfredo G — 16 Jul 2009

Starts off like any other football film, if a little unsure in its opening game. However, it soon finds its feet and begins to feel like unmistakably Stone. Just about every character, save for one or two cliche ones are a different shade of gray.

It delves into the personalities, egos and even of some of the business behind it. The plentiful football scenes are visceral, creatively shot and succeed in capturing the drama of the real sport. Its an intense ride, only rarely ever approaching sentimental and having Pacino as coach gives him all the permission in the world to go wild.