This is what movies should be all about. "Leatherheads" provided me with the escape that I look for in films by delivering an unassuming, entertaining and often amusing production. While I wouldn't say it's a perfect film or one that beckons greatness, I can say that it is escapism entertainment at its finest, especially for movie buffs who enjoy traveling to another time and place in their viewings.
Set in an era where pro football was far off the radar with the American populace, George Clooney's throwback film depicts a fictional account of the birth of the NFL. Featuring great production values and even better script writing, "Leatherheads" has a charm that is tough to resist. While many of the national critics seem to think that this film lacks a certain energy and pacing that a "screwball comedy" requires, I'll differ with that general opinion -- this movie has all the elements one needs to enjoy a couple hours at the cineplex. That it takes its own time in telling the story is not an issue since the story doesn't become a chore to watch.
George Clooney's portrayal of the grizzled veteran Dodge Connolly is quite entertaining to see develop, mostly because he is able to slip into the character with great ease, effortlessly providing a likeable charm that paces the movie itself. When teamed with Renee Zellwegger's peppy performance, the film is at its best as their one-liners fly around the movie house with a great amount of zing and wit. It's a good example of how great dialogue can outperform even the most ambitious CGI effects that so many movies rely on these days.
Getting back to the lead character, Dodge -- he's an old-timer; a grizzled veteran in the struggling pro football league who comes up with a brainstorm to help resuscitate the dying sport. His plan is to recruit the biggest star from the thriving college game, wonder boy and war hero, Carter Rutherford, played by John Krasinksi (I'm sure John is probably tired of being referred to as that 'guy' from "The Office"). As far as chemistry goes, Krasinski fits in well with this cast and plays his character with intentional cheesiness since that is what is called upon from America's war hero/football star.
Ironically, "Leatherheads" morphed into a film that used football more as a sidebar than a main focus. Normally, that would be a misstep for a film that is marketed specifically as a football movie, but since the characters are so interesting and the humor is so amusing, it's an expectation shift that easily forgiven. Some of the plot lines that emerge include a controversy surrounding Rutherford's service record, a love triangle and the threat of Lexie Littleton (Zellweger) exposing a controversial secret with the newspaper she works for. Keep in mind, while these elements might sound serious, it's never delivered with any heavy tones. This is a film that remains comical at its core.
The movie works its way up to the final big game of the season and one that could be the last of Dodge's career. Known for a cavalier style of play, he is warned by the new commissioner that any funny business could land him a lifetime ban from the now up and coming pro football league. You see, Rutherford's impact brought a great deal of excitement to the sport and now that the betters were getting involved too, the NFL was well on its way to becoming the national past time (sorry baseball). The climax is ultimately satisfying as is the message that is conveyed upon its conclusion -- a statement that this country needs heroes no matter how tainted the truth might be.
Overall, with its snappy writing, easy performances and effective humor, "Leatherheads" was a success for my tastes. While most people will not appreciate this type of old fashioned story telling, I ate it up and then some -- I could watch a few movies like this every year. Give this one a try, you might be surprised at how much you end up enjoying it.
As a final note, soundtrack fans will be amused at the cameo that Randy Newman is provided with. It offers his "biggest break" as an actor...
