Draft Day
Starring: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary
Director: Ivan Reitman
Rating: 2.5/5
Kevin Costner returns to the big screen this week as he teams up with Ivan Reitman for American Football movie Draft Day.
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.
For fans of American Football and fans of sports movies, Draft Day will have some appeal, as it is an honest drama that delves into this world of the NFL on draft day and the shows the planning and strategy that goes into building a team.
Draft Day is football's answer to Moneyball; it is just not as finally crafted as the Bennett Miller directed film, which went on to be nominated for a clutch of Oscars.
While Draft Day doesn't quite reach those dizzy heights, it is an honest and funny movie that is packed with good moments and a lot of heart.
However, this is not a movie that re-invents the wheel, and the story does feel a little too familiar. The movie will hold you attention, but the script never really bursts into life and doesn't give a talented cast too much to get their teeth into.
Having said that, I like Costner in the central role of Sonny Weaver as he has a presence and a charisma to him that carries the movie.
I could have done without the romantic subplot - which was so predictable and not needed. Plus, the focus on numbers and statistics could be a turn off for people who are not fans of this game.
Draft Day is a solid movie that does have plenty of wit, charm and laughs to keep you entertained for an hour and fifty minutes. But if you are looking for a movie like Moneyball you will be left a little disappointed.
Draft Day is out now.