DRAFT DAY (B)

 

Bottom Line: Exuding enough gridiron charm to ensure non-stuffy moviegoers/critics enjoy their time on the sideline - this pigskinned, poor man’s MONEYBALL makes for a pleasant trip to the theaters.  Starring in a sports movie means K-Co’s in the zone – it’s a genre that suits his dry humor and everyman persona well.  And here, he plays the sharp, stressed, second-guessing General Manager of the Cleveland Browns to a tee.  This is a day-in-his-life struggle to make the right choice for his team and city as his every action is continually sidetracked by a headstrong owner, a doubting head coach, a grieving mother and a loyal girlfriend (who happens to work in the same office).  Also of cinematic note is the fact that the Seahawks, who are referenced quite a bit in the movie, have the #1 draft pick (a slot usually awarded to the worst team in the league) so you know going in that this is all make believe (#GoHawks).  The film does fumble every now and then as it tries to manage the multiple subplots, taking away from the highly intriguing, draft day selection process…  That ball, however, is almost always snapped up quickly though whenever the film gets back to the focus of the game.  Occasional scenes with future rookie hopefuls lends an element of heart to the proceedings as well…  DRAFT DAY isn’t a game changer, but it is serviceably lighthearted and fun as it tackles the daily stresses, tension and (hopeful exuberance) of playing for a winning team.  This behind-the-scenes look at the NFL may not be Super Bowl bound, but it is engaging and entertaining – audiences should eat it up in a snap!

Starring: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Ellen Burstyn, Chadwick Boseman and Frank Langella

Directed by: Ivan Reitman (DAVE, GHOSTBUSTERS, STRIPES, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, JUNIOR, MEATBALLS and TWINS)

Rated: PG-13

Running time: 110 minutes

Studio description: On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he's willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL. (c) Lionsgate

Official site: www.draftdaymovie.com