Review of Leatherheads (2008) by Daniel K — 23 Feb 2009

It's fairly obvious where Clooney's passion lies in terms of filmmaking styles. I definitely agree with his sentiments, but he doesn't quite manage it here in my opinion. There are scenes and sections of dialogue that work very well, but it's what's in between these portions that drags the film down.

The film is practically as light and airy as a feather. The dialogue is snappy, the music is swinging, and the characters fit quite well within this world. It is well done, but I wasn't really invested in the characters or details of the story.

The idea is a good one as origin stories about how a large element of modern society was formed seem good on paper, but this just didn't quite work for me. It was interesting, but didn't draw me in like, say, Good Night and Good Luck.

It would have helped if Zellweger were more capable and attractive. She doesn't have the acting chops, personality, or looks to live up to her screwball predecessors. The cow at the introduction to pro football is great though.

The spontaneous invention of new rules during the coin toss is also pretty funny. The final play is exciting as well. It's obvious this was made to be fun and entertaining, which it was, but it also lacked passion.