Honest review

Rating: Null/10 (25 December 2002)

People who are suggesting Any Given Sunday has little to offer those not familiar with American football are gravely wrong. Being Australian, I know little of the culture or tactics that make 'gridiron' an American religion. That lack of knowledge certainly didn't prevent me from appreciating dynamic editing, fine acting, and amazing close up camera shots. Oliver Stone as usual, tries to explore numerous issues, and for the most part succeeds. Indeed, subjects such as corporate sports corruption and spiralling upwards player contracts are apparent to virtually all sports these days. The film is too long, but the football scenes are so gripping that I didn't really mind. My main concerns for the film were Cameron Diaz's performance, which I felt wasn't played with enough grit or toughness, and also the ending which took on a certain 'Rocky' feel. Overall, a fine film with numerous, thought provoking issues raised for discussion. Reading others comments, it seems many people have expectations of Oliver Stone or Pacino that could never be realised.