Review of Draft Day (2014) by Randy A — 20 Apr 2014

The movie Draft Day was like a 6th round pick, sometimes it was like finding a Tom Brady but like most of the movie it was just ok. This is right in my wheel house for draft day is a combination of intense research, scouting, financial impact to crunch the numbers and in most cases a lot of luck.

Making the transition from college to the NFL is mostly a blur for most 21-24 year olds who must stay injury free and pick up a new offense or defense quickly to make it in this wonderfully violent sport.

Sonny Weaver didn't cut it as a new GM. The awkward sequences that just happened on Draft day I didn't buy. For instance, the chemistry between Sonny and Ali played by Jennifer Garner, never materialized other than it was a work place relationship. It was funny, though when they would go off to the supply room and everyone, including the intern knew where they were.

The other part that was not believable was that Sonny, who brought in a new coach, would not keep him in the loop with whom the 1st round pick would be or exactly what position. Coach Penn had a new system and long term contract that personnel input or agreement would have been in his contract somewhere.

The scouts in the room seemed more like frat guys than genuine well schooled analysts of who was good and who is a long shot to make the team.

The movie became even more difficult to watch when you find out Sonny had sadly lost his father very recently and sure enough his mom wants to pick Draft Day to honor her husband's wishes. Come on you've got to be kidding. Then his ex-wife Angie shows up - for what? This part was like watching paint dry.

Then the topper is one potential player convinces Sonny the other guy he's competing with to land in Cleveland is not that good. GIve me a break you mean with all the research available on people the GM is going to take the word of an agent and his multi-million dollar prospect over game tape and statistical data. I know, I know you can't measure heart and teamwork.

Greed and power that was showcased by Frank Langella as the owner, steps in and give that bottom line business approach that Sonny must juggle to keep not only his sanity but personal life from colliding in this chaotic business world.

This was better than MoneyBall but Not better than the real thing. A good rental.