...until the final 15 minutes.
Whilst the film managed to keep the screwball comedy and the sports side of things fairly balanced throughout, the focus shifted too much in favour of the sport in the last 15 Min's or so. Throughout the film the Football had been the field to which the romantic hi-jicks played out, both of which complimented each other. Whilst watching it I was confused as to why reviewers have criticised Clooney's lack of focus, but their comments made sense by the end.
Personally in my opinion, had the game at the end taken up half the screen-time it did, the film would have served its purpose as a fitting tribute to the romantic comedies of old. Unforuntely, this slip up has changed a 4 star film into a 3 star film. Clooney however, cannot be criticised for a substandard effort. His emulation of the 20s genre was perfect. Whilst the dialogue wasn't quite as snappy as the likes of His Girl Friday, and his chemistry with Renee didn't always gel perfectly, the film was a cinematic nostalgia trip back to a time where the men were smooth, sharp and sophisticated and the woman had more sting then hard liquor. Any effort to revive the screwball genre of old should be commended, especially when the filmmakers love of the genre is as apparent as it is here.
The unfortunate thing about this film is that both members of its core audience will be slightly disappointed. Those expecting a sports film will be disheartened by the romance. Those expecting romance, will be seduced until the final sports showdown, bored for 15 minutes, then disappointed at the tacked on love ending. I was in the latter camp.
***/*****
Whilst the film managed to keep the screwball comedy and the sports side of things fairly balanced throughout, the focus shifted too much in favour of the sport in the last 15 Min's or so. Throughout the film the Football had been the field to which the romantic hi-jicks played out, both of which complimented each other. Whilst watching it I was confused as to why reviewers have criticised Clooney's lack of focus, but their comments made sense by the end.
Personally in my opinion, had the game at the end taken up half the screen-time it did, the film would have served its purpose as a fitting tribute to the romantic comedies of old. Unforuntely, this slip up has changed a 4 star film into a 3 star film. Clooney however, cannot be criticised for a substandard effort. His emulation of the 20s genre was perfect. Whilst the dialogue wasn't quite as snappy as the likes of His Girl Friday, and his chemistry with Renee didn't always gel perfectly, the film was a cinematic nostalgia trip back to a time where the men were smooth, sharp and sophisticated and the woman had more sting then hard liquor. Any effort to revive the screwball genre of old should be commended, especially when the filmmakers love of the genre is as apparent as it is here.
The unfortunate thing about this film is that both members of its core audience will be slightly disappointed. Those expecting a sports film will be disheartened by the romance. Those expecting romance, will be seduced until the final sports showdown, bored for 15 minutes, then disappointed at the tacked on love ending. I was in the latter camp.
***/*****