dex14

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GoldenJCJ

I'm not sure about that plot but I'll check it out just for Costner. I usually end up really enjoying his sports movies.

Ivan Reitman directing has me nervous though. I can't remember the last decent film he made.

Dr. DVD

Why are they releasing this in April as opposed to right before football season? I am guessing to coincide with the actual NFL draft.

Osiris3657

Unfortunately for them, the draft for 2014 has been pushed back a month to mid May.

PenguinJoe

is this the sequel to Training Day?

Decker

It's a fictional movie with an NFL license. Those are rare things. NFL.com last year came out with a bracket of 64 football movies and I think only 6 or 7 had an NFL license (Jerry Maguire, Heaven Can Wait, Brian's Song). I was shocked at how few referenced real NFL teams. The NFL is the Led Zeppelin of sports organizations when it comes to movie usage.

Troy Stiffler

Looks alright. NFL movies are good in small doses.

I would have been more excited if it was Jason Reitman's new movie.

Deftones

I love sports, but am not a fan of sports movies generally. This actually looks pretty good. I may check this out.

EddieMoney

Garner looks decent in this. But Costner + Langella + Leary + football = MUST SEE.

Drexl

I was surprised that Big Fan got the license, given what must have been a tiny budget and that it doesn't portray fans in the most positive light.

DeanoBKN

I'm a very casual NFL fan, but I'm liking that cast, and while I doubt it'll even come close to Moneyball, I think I will check this out.

Dr. DVD

Saw it. I have to say, I was majorly surprised at how much I liked it. I'm a football fan, but don't like movies that make it into a joke or after thought. This is full of strong dialogue and moves at a great pace. I didn't even know watching that it was directed by Ivan Reitman. When I saw his name at the end I was surprised again , as it has been a VERY long time since he has delivered anything of this quality.

FWIW, my screening was full of senior citizens who typically don't clap or applaud for movies, but they did for this one.

Supermallet

Looks like Moneyball made fictional.

Patman

"Draft Day" is somewhat a fairy tale told with the backdrop of the story being the NFL's draft day with a running time that's probably a little too short to rightfully invest in the main characters, starting with Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner) on the day of the 2014 NFL draft, as he's the general manager of the Cleveland Browns. In his position Sonny's in charge of making deals and drafting new talent with the draft pick positions at hand, and a lot of wheeling-and-dealing amongst other general managers around the league.

The other main subplot deals with Sonny's romantic life, where he's been seeing, on the sly, Allie (Jennifer Garner), who handles the team's salary cap/legal department with it comes to payroll for the team. I think had the relationship had more screen time to grow organically, it might have paid off a little better at the end, along with Sonny's other family issues.

The fairy tale aspect, for me, is how the actual draft unfolds, borders on entertainingly ridiculous, but still fun if you're rooting for Sonny to get stuff done and not get fired by the end of draft day.

What struck me funny was that unlikely pairing, on-screen, of Pa Kent from "Man of Steel" (Costner), and Clark Kent from "Smallville" (Tom Welling) in the film, as Welling plays the team's veteran quarterback whose position is threatened when it seems like Sonny has the draft pick to select a "can't-miss" quarterback in the draft. Anyhow, like I said, it was an odd moment if you follow the Superman films and TV show.

I give it 2.5 stars or a grade of C+.

B5Erik

I just saw this today, and I thought it was really good. The script is solid with a good plot and some engaging characters, while the direction and editing gives the movie perfect pacing. And the actors all do a fine job.

Very enjoyable - 4/5.

Shannon Nutt

I'm waiting for Costner to realize he's not a box office draw anymore (no fault of his own...he's been turning in some solid performances) and do a TV series. Maybe HBO will bring him on for a season of TRUE DETECTIVE.

He was really good in JACK RYAN this year as well, if you haven't seen it (and given the box office, many of you didn't).

ddrknghtrtns

at the thought of Cleveland ever having a veteran QB. In real life, both Costner and the QB along with the coach and much of the team would have been fired and traded mid-season.

Drexl

Well, Brandon Weeden was a veteran - in a sense.

Rob V

at Cleveland actually landing a pick that is a difference maker. So is this movie a fairy tale?

Abob Teff

It would have to be a prequel.

ddrknghtrtns

What I mentioned above is not even the tip of the iceberg. There is a chance by this time next year, the team will be under new ownership (again) due to the Pilot scandal. And rumor is spreading around they plan on drafting two QB's in the upcoming draft. The Brown's put the dis in function.

DJariya

I rented the blu-ray for this tonight and I really liked it.

Probably one of the smartest and non clichéd sports movies that I have seen in a long time. Sharp dialogue, smart characters and great editing. The editing was really creative. I really enjoyed seeing a different side of the NFL with the dealings and behind the scenes antics before and during the draft. Thought Costner was solid and was very believable playing the GM and I liked the supporting cast as well. However, I think the relationship between him and Jen Garner in the movie was a little underdeveloped. But that's a minor quibble.

Also, if you do buy or rent the blu-ray, watch the 1 hour behind the scenes documentary on the making of this film. Very informative. Not your typical fluff piece. They managed to get a lot of cooperation from the NFL to make this movie happen. They also go into the editing as well. This movie was shot concurrently during the 2013 NFL draft and had to be filmed during off time, which I found really interesting. In addition I didn't even recognize Arian Foster from the Houston Texans as one of the main characters. He shaved his beard and looked really young. Chadwick Boseman from 42 and Get on Up also has a pretty significant supporting role.

I'd give this a solid B+.

mostaccioli

the ending is pure hokey. could never happen.

Shannon Nutt

Where did you rent the Blu-ray? It doesn't street until September 2nd, and isn't available to rent digitally until August 29.

DJariya

Video stores still exist in Southern California. My local store puts stuff out 2-3 weeks before street date.