Style over simplistic content

Rating: 7/10 (24 July 2000)

The latest directorial outing from Oliver Stone (who last helmed 'U-Turn'), 'Any Given Sunday' is an in-your-face movie which does not let up at all for its near 3 hour length.
At its heart it is a very simple story, but Oliver uses his trademarks "smoke and mirrors" technique of different film stocks, jerky camera angles and pseudo-vintage footage to mask this.
What we have one one side is a story about a washed up quarterback, and the washed-up coach who still believes in him and holds onto the values and beliefs of the 'old school'.
On the other side we have the rising star of a black athlete and the ambitious daughter of the former manager who rules the club with an iron fist, willing to use anyone and anything to further her own ambitions.
Warning - do not see this film if you do not like Gridiron, or don't understand the rules of the game. It has definately been styled for American audiences, familiar with the game and its undoutedly complex rules. Coupled with the fact that three quarters of the film is a football match, and you really need to like or appreciate the game to get a handle on this film.
As I said, the flashy camera tricks to hide what is a relatively simple story. And that is probably its biggest failing, in that it is more style over content. Add on the thumping soundtrack (which must surely translate to a 5-CD soundtrack issue when the time comes) and its gloss is a little tarnished by its lack of meat.
6.5 out of 10.