'Leatherheads' looks at football's early days
By Colin McGlinchey
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Entertainment
Clooney, Krasinski, and Zellweger are all perfectly cast in their roles. Clooney brings a realism to his part and before long you forget you're watching him play a character. Clooney is Dodge Connelly in the same way that he was Danny Ocean in the Ocean's movies.
Krasinski does a good job of moving past his "Office" character Jim. He still plays a nice guy, but beneath the surface, you can tell there is more going on.
In the hands of a less skilled actress, Zellweger's ambitious reporter character may have become a cliché, but here she is relatable and interesting.
The on screen chemistry between the leads is strong and everyone seems to be having a good time. Character-actor Stephen Root from "Office Space" also appears here as a scene stealing sports reporter, and adds an interesting contrast to Zellweger.
Clooney has a keen director's eye considering this is only his second go around in the role. He was nominated for a Best Director for 2005's "Good Night and Good Luck" and he proves that it was no fluke. He gets solid performances from all his actor's and captures the energy of the roaring 20s.
The script by Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly is clever and utilizes some elements from Hollywood's past like the over-the-top chase scene and some get aways that even Danny Ocean would have trouble pulling off. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously and enjoys taking its time building up to its hilarious and fitting conclusion.
Football fans should check this one out and see just where their sport evolved from. The film's campy humor might not appeal to all but, in an age of formulaic comedies and sports movies, "Leatherheads" stands out. Its stars shine like those of old and anyone looking for a good, old fashioned walk down memory lane will not be disappointed.
Colin McGlinchey is a third-year student, majoring in english, with a minor in journalism. He can be reached CM646588@wcupa.edu.
Krasinski does a good job of moving past his "Office" character Jim. He still plays a nice guy, but beneath the surface, you can tell there is more going on.
In the hands of a less skilled actress, Zellweger's ambitious reporter character may have become a cliché, but here she is relatable and interesting.
The on screen chemistry between the leads is strong and everyone seems to be having a good time. Character-actor Stephen Root from "Office Space" also appears here as a scene stealing sports reporter, and adds an interesting contrast to Zellweger.
Clooney has a keen director's eye considering this is only his second go around in the role. He was nominated for a Best Director for 2005's "Good Night and Good Luck" and he proves that it was no fluke. He gets solid performances from all his actor's and captures the energy of the roaring 20s.
The script by Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly is clever and utilizes some elements from Hollywood's past like the over-the-top chase scene and some get aways that even Danny Ocean would have trouble pulling off. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously and enjoys taking its time building up to its hilarious and fitting conclusion.
Football fans should check this one out and see just where their sport evolved from. The film's campy humor might not appeal to all but, in an age of formulaic comedies and sports movies, "Leatherheads" stands out. Its stars shine like those of old and anyone looking for a good, old fashioned walk down memory lane will not be disappointed.
Colin McGlinchey is a third-year student, majoring in english, with a minor in journalism. He can be reached CM646588@wcupa.edu.
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