A Colorful Football/Pop Promotion

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2000)

As with other Oliver Stone films like JFK, Nixon, or even Natural Born Killers, "Any Given Sunday" raises intelligent questions and issues to its subject, in this case American Football. Is someone married to a footballer because they love the person, the game or merely the glamour and social opportunities that come with it? If you're injured, do you keep playing on, risking further injury or do you take a break, only to be overshadowed by another up-and-coming star waiting in the wings? I enjoyed Any Given Sunday, because there was much to think about after it was over like what I've just mentioned.
I also enjoyed seeing Al Pacino playing a frustrated, world-weary coach. With a voice like his, it doesn't matter that he's shorter than the team he's coaching! Equally impressive was Cameron Diaz as the Miami Sharks' Manager who stands up well against Tony's (Al Pacino's) temper and regards the team as merely an asset among many assets. And then there's Jamie Foxx. Just as he played an up-and-coming quarterback in the film, he is surely an up-and-coming film star in his own right. What a performance!
Seeing Oliver Stone's appearance as a commentator seemed to suggest to me that he must have had a great time making this movie. Watching a game he obviously loves, being played by teams he created and playing the way he wanted adds up to having a great time in my book!
Although I have only watched an American Football Game only once (Denver Vs San Diego at Stadium Australia, Sydney) and don't know much of the game, I nonetheless enjoyed this film because of the power-house performances and the trademark Oliver Stone wit and intelligence. Its frequent camera movement and pumping soundtrack give it a colorful pop video effect which for me made the film more memorable.