Directed by George Clooney
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Two Paws
It could have gone the distance:George Clooney’s latest film, in which he both directs and stars, is packed with charismatic actors, stylized costumes and beloved pieces of Americana.
But with characters that merely mimic already-established personas and a plotline that zigzags its way across genres, “Leatherheads” falls just short of the end zone, turning this potential comedy classic into a mediocre period homage.
When professional football almost meets its end in 1925, Dodge Connelly (Clooney), the just-past middle-aged captain of the Bulldogs, recruits college player Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) in a desperate attempt to rescue his team from demise.
As an all-star on all fronts, claiming titles of war hero and football star, Carter is the darling of the media, bringing much-needed attention and stadium-filling crowds to Dodge’s games, reviving professional football and preserving the celebrated sport.
Scrappy Tribune reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellwegger) cozies up to Carter under the guise of taking an interest in his football career. However, in true muckraking fashion, she furtively seeks the truth behind the sensationalized war stories that brought him fame. Clooney throws a love triangle into the mix, pitting himself against Krasinski as they vie for the attention of a cheeky Zellwegger in a role to which she has become accustomed: think “Down with Love” or “Chicago.” She plays Lexie with enough sass to pass, but not enough novelty to be memorable.
Krasinski disappears into the background; in the shadow of veteran actor Clooney, “The Office” star cannot help but play second fiddle to a charming Dodge Connelly.
But Clooney as actor fares differently from Clooney as director: The slapstick comedy adds little to the plot. It slaps hard, but the schtick gets old fast. The drunken exchanges, fantastic chases and cheap pummels are entertaining at first but eventually, the gags becomes monotonous.
With a sweeping romance, an elaborate investigation and not to mention the birth of a national pastime as all fragments of its plot, “Leatherheads” just tackles too much. So if you plan on taking a chance on Clooney’s experiment with comedy, bring a good set of shoulder pads ““ it makes napping in a theater just a little more comfortable.