Leatherheads

This film turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Going in, it seemed as though George Clooney was simply seeking out a project with a return to the feel of his work in the hilarious O Brother, Where Art Thou? Actors Stephen Root and Wayne Duvall even rejoin him with small roles, but Leatherheads ends up standing on its own as something unusual. It never reaches the level of O Brother (probably my favorite all time comedy), while still managing to be more than a pale imitator. I didn't bust out laughing constantly, but Leatherheads is a fun watch with fine performances carrying the film along. Being a football fan (as I am) helps slightly to add to the enjoyment, however Clooney, John Krasinski, Renee Zellweger and excellent support from the small roles are what make this one work.

Clooney did a fine job capturing the 1920's romantic comedy charm with that era's pro football being the focus of the setting, but there are also scenes set in a newspaper office, a speakeasy, etc. The convenient thing about those old leather helmets is that we also get great looks at everyone's faces without that pesky face mask. Period films may not be for everyone, although how someone won't watch one once in a while amazes me.

Leatherheads isn't bogged down as strictly being for sports film fans or for romantic comedy goers. The latter genre is usually not on my radar but worked well here with the three leads playing off each other nicely. Even as a football fan, plenty of sports movies turn me off by being predictable and/or overly sentimental. Leatherheads avoids that by focusing on the fun characters and romantic comedy take instead of doing the cliche "coach handing down life lessons" story.