newmans_own's Movie Review of Leatherheads

A major disappointment
newmans_own - wrote on 04/04/08

Most sports movies deal almost exclusively with the bond between the players, but LEATHERHEADS has almost none of that. In fact, Rutherford is rarely seen speaking to the other players, since most of his scenes are either tender interviews with Lexie or jealous bantering with Dodge. This is one of the film’s main faults; the story is set around a very significant time in the world of sports, but it is rarely touched upon. Aside from a few montages and the obligatory Big Game climax, actual scenes of playing are rare. Instead, Clooney focuses on the romantic triangle of the film and the screwball nature of their relationships. Here again is another one of its faults. The lines are meant to be delivered fast, a la HIS GIRL FRIDAY, but they have little of the zip or wit of its inspiration.

The cast is likable enough, even if they are underserved by their roles. Clooney puts himself in full Cary Grant comedy mode, all extorted facial expressions and one-step-ahead delivery. Krasinski charms throughout, even if his actual comic abilities are only allowed to show in a few scenes; a drunken argument between the three main characters is the highlight of the film, thanks to Krainski. Zellweger proves a decent match for both men, though she is far too sweet and demure to convincingly fill the Rosalind Russell-esque role of ruthless newspaper gal.

Clooney seems far less adept at directing comedy than performing it. While the production values are spectacular and the film is beautifully shot, there is little excitement in the comedic sequences. Any laughs gotten from the film come exclusively from the actors, and while Clooney does inspire humor from his co-stars as an actor, he does them no favors stylistically. So while the film offers fantastic production values and a rousing score from Randy Newman, it never manages to be anything more than cute. And considering the talent involved, cute is a major disappointment.

*1/2/****

Full review at http://newmanscorner.blogspot.com