Review of Leatherheads (2008) by Nathan H — 17 Apr 2009

"Leatherheads" didn't get great reviews, but it's a fun flick. The actors all seem to have a good time with the material, and the movie creates a distinctive "Roaring '20s" feel that few other films have been able to achieve. And, while "Any Given Sunday" remains the most serious piece of commentary on professional football, "Leatherheads" offers us an interesting take on football's transition from zany wrestling-esque fake sport, to boring, muddy, rules-driven sport. The film examines football at a critical moment, in that breath of a moment between two identities, and--unlike edgy movies like "Any Given Sunday"--it does so with a sense of amusement.

Is "Leatherheads" a great movie? No. Not at all. But it's mildly entertaining, it's fun to look at, and it has a lot of heart.