OK for kids 13+
Clooney's football comedy isn't quite a touchdown.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that older tweens and teens may be drawn to this 1920s-set romantic comedy by stars George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, and John Krasinski (one of the stars of The Office). It's a fun, fairly tame screwball movie, but it's worth noting that it's set in a time when women were treated as if they weren't equal to men and kids were put to work like adults (and acted like them, too). Also in the name of period accuracy, characters smoke, drink, and swear ("s--t" is the strongest word used). It's all treated with a light touch -- maybe almost too much so; it's frothy and fun, but there's not as much of a bite as it first promises.
- Families can talk about how Carter's image was shaped. How does Lexie -- and by extension, the media -- change it? Or doesn't she? Who manipulates whom? Can you think of any other press-public figure relationships in the movie that seem distorted? Families can also discuss how football is treated in the movie. Why was college ball so revered but pro football not? Did "classing up" the game ruin it? Last but not least, how does this film seem different from prototypical Hollywood comedies/romantic comedies? How is it similar to them?
The good stuff
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Messages: Betrayal and deceit are themes that run through the film, since nearly all the leads have a secret up their sleeve. But in the end, they're all quite well-intentioned. A "battle of the sexes" feel permeates here and there.
What to watch for
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Violence: Men throw punches at each other in bars (breaking glass and bottles and throwing things at each other) and in one all-out, by-the-roadside brawl. Gridiron action as well.
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Sex: Some subtle sexual repartee and a lingering kiss.
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Language: Mostly words that evoke the era, including "moxie" and "nuts," though there's a sprinkling of "damn," "goddamn," "hell," and "s--t."
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Consumerism: Period-accurate signage everywhere for brands/products like Bromo-Seltzer, Baby Ruth, Beech-Nut cigarettes (which, as an aside, now makes baby food), Coca-Cola, Standard Oil, etc. Also many shots and mentions of the front page of various Chicago newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking in speakeasies (getting soused was outlawed at the time) -- where even children show up. Lots of smoking.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
If you haven't seen it.....please don't comment! by lewras
No one cares how much you do or do not want to see a movie. We only read these reviews to get some idea of what people thought of it AFTER THEY HAVE SEEN IT! If you haven't seen it, PLEASE DON'T COMMENT! It's rediculous how far you have to scroll down to find any useful comments from someone intelligent enough to wait until they have viewed the movie before rating it. I appologize for being somewhat of a hypocrite by even making these remarks here because I haven't seen the movie yet. But I'm not rating the movie, I'm rating you numbsculls who are rating it without seeing it; and I'm rating you as definitely OH NO!
5
Leatherheads by lemonysnickety
Loved it!!!! How can you miss with a cast including George Clooney and Renee Zellweger? Clooney is so charming and Zellweger adorable on screen but the fireworks start with rapid fire banter between Clooney and Zellweger that you feel like you are watching Tracy and Hepburn incarnate. This sport and screwball comedy was just what a needed after a terrible week. The customes and sets really add to this lighthearted time piece. I highly reccommend it to everyone!
2
So Disappointing!!! by SAzzara
I was prepared for a wonderful movie with two of my favorite actors and what I got was an average movie (well photographed however) with my two actors playing themselves. I was never able to get into the pourly written script, silly acting job of the two leads. Save your money and PERHAPS rent it later when it comes out on DVD in about 6 weeks!
5
leatherheads by fpencek
My wife and I enjoyed the movie very much. Much of it was filmed nesr where we live. It was very entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.
1
Leatherheads by terrivd
I have two words to describe this movie, slow and boring.
4
leatherheads by nash1937
great movie liked not having to listen to cuss words
4
LEATHERHEADS by URTLC2
Not as good as expected, but still worthwhile.
5
We loved it! by movies_in_nc
Great "date night" movie. We probably go to 3 movies each year without kids in tow. We ignored initial reviews of this movie and went on opening night. What a fun movie! Easy, light entertainment.
4
LeatherHeads by MARIALESNICK
Critics rated it lower than I would. The antiquing of the movie was worth seeing. The characters projected the time period of beginning football and I would have wanted to see it since I 'm not much of a history buff. Enough comical romance. The sound track was pretty much in tune for the period.
I didn't think it dragged b/c I was interested in the period of time and it gave me time to look at the fashion of the 1925, my grandfather was 25 than. I enjoyed it; worried for what the critics had said.
Will probable watch it multiple times when on TV b/c I love the actors,
2
what ever! by lanilanilanilani
ok so i really didnt like this movie. im 14 and i wanted to walk out of the movie within the first few minutes. and thru the whole thing i wanted to smack Renee Zeleweger in the face because her role in the movie was really annoying. i wud not reccomend this movie to any one from age 14 to like in ther 20s unless they feel like taking a nap durring a movie.