Draft Day: Movie Review

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

The low rating I've given Draft Day, staring Kevin Costner, may in part be a reflection of my overall lack of knowledge in all things sports, but that gives me an interesting perspective.  "Moneyball", in which Draft Day is largely compared, was a movie I was able to follow and understand.  (Well, I do have fond memories going to The Los Angeles Angels games as a kid, and enjoy attending Orem Owlz games.)  When it comes to American football I'm a total dunce, and I spent a bit of time watching Draft Day lost and confused over the NFL draft, because this is a movie for the sports aficionado.  I'm obviously not the target audience, though I like sport films.

Sonny Weaver, Jr, aka Kevin Costner, is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns.  His father, who was a legendary coach for the team, recently passed away. The co-worker Sonny's been sleeping with (Jennifer Garner), a gal he isn't fully committed, is now pregnant with his first child.  The Cleveland Browns are on a thirteen year losing streak.  Browns owner Anthony Molina, Frank Langella, isn't happy with Sonny's job performance and demands a stellar Draft pick to save the team. Needless to say Sonny has a lot on his plate this Draft Day.

There's a countdown during the whole of the movie, constantly reminding us how long Sonny has to work out last minute deals.  Split screens abound during telephone calls, in which there are many, for this is a talking drama.  The split screen scenes come across film school campy to me, trying too hard to snazzy up the talking.  Whenever the movie shifts to a new location, an aerial shot is used, and with the Cleavland Browns the same aerial shot is used multiple times. Super repetitive.

Little football is shown.  Everything in this movie is about Sonny's family/personal drama while time runs out, bargains made, tapes reviewed, multiple office closet scenes with Garner (no kissing, just relationship talk), and snapshots with those being drafted.

And at the last possible moment, with 2 hours before all the teams take turns "going on the clock" during a live NFL Draft telecast, Sonny's Mother, played by Ellen Burstyn, decides that day, at that very moment, is when the ashes of Sonny's father should be scattered at the 50 yard line.  So now, on top of everything, Sonny is a disrespectful son for wanting wait till the next day, and not scatter ashes during these crucial moments.  Family drama!  Let's throw everything and the kitchen sink into this 12 hour countdown to make this movie as intense as possible.

One thing Draft Day does get right is its involvement with the NFL, who usually doesn't allow official licensing during sport movies.  Any sports buff should love this aspect, since there are cameos throughout.

As a note to parents, the MPAA says "brief strong language," but there's a heavy amount of language throughout.  The Lord's name is taken in vain many, many times, and in many forms.

If you want a great Football movie stick with Rudy and Remember the Titans.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 on appeal for brief strong language and sexual references.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green Movie Review

Rating:  2.5 Stars out of 5

The Odd Life of Timothy Green starts out in the picturesque town of Stanleyville, home of the #2 pencil and a quiet set of folks.   Cindy and Jim Green, who desperately want a child of their own, has just been informed that that will never be possible.  Now the two wishful parents must go about their lives, she working in the pencil museum, and he working at a failing pencil factory, dealing with a broken heart.

That night, in a fit of despair, the two decide to create a list of everything they would love in a child, and imagine living out each moment while they jot the concepts on pieces of paper, placing them in a box.  They bury the box in Cindy's garden,determined to put it behind them.  That night, in the midst of drought (and the first of many magical moments), there is a freak rain storm over, and only over, their home, and Timothy grows out of the garden to enter everyone's lives.

Some of the characters are delightful.  CJ Adams, who plays Timothy, is a sweet young actor.  Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton as his parents have nice chemistry, and I love how they play off the impracticability of their situation.  I also like Odeya Rush who plays Joni, Timothy's friend, though nothing is explained in regards to her characters: no parents or history, running around as a free spirit. She's just as mysterious as he is. Other characters, such as Jim and Cindy's bosses, quickly fall into stereotypes, and poor stereotypes at that, creating a cast that comes across two-denominational.  

The plot is also predictable and contrived.  There are sweet moments, but instead of being surprised by various plot points, I instead found myself watching the characters to see how they would react.  The climax of the film was anti-climatic.

What the film does have going for it is the beautiful cinematography and heart.  Nature and light is captured in a wonderful way, and I found myself wishing I lived in a place so innocent and safe with the ability to escape to the forest with no fear of harm.  And there are some really touching moments. 

The movie does celebrate family, and the need for family, and that's a very positive message.

Overall I'm glad I saw The Odd Life of Timothy Green, and many families will like the charm, but its a movie I'm happily content to see once.  It is a great movie to take the kids to see as they may learn a thing or two.  There's no such thing as the perfect child, but every child is important and special.

Sarah