"In one word Any Given Sunday is 'different', which is a refreshing change"

Rating: 9/10 (27 June 2010)

After seeing some of the reviews given on here I feel I have to come out and defend one of my favourite movies. My advice is to watch this movie as you would any other drama, rather than your classic sports movie.
The acting in this quite simply superb with Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz all putting in riveting performances. But the strength of this movie doesn't lye in the acting (which is excellent in itself) but in the story, which goes much deeper and much further than most other sporting movies go. It casts a harsher and more critical eye over its sporting heroes and focuses more on the impact sport has on those involved in it, rather than painting its heroes as larger than the sport itself as so many sporting movies seem to do these days.
Any Given Sunday is not without its flaws however. The camera work and editing in the football scenes are confusing and dizzying, and at times feel very unrealistic. But the thing is as long as you realise that the football itself is not the focal point, but rather those involved in it and how it affects them outside of the game, it will not get to you. If you are looking for a classic sporting drama then this is definitely not for you, but in all other aspects it ticks all the boxes. Excellent soundtrack, great acting and a moving story line that highlights the ups and downs of being in the spotlight that is football.
To be honest I was not surprised when I saw some of the negative reviews on here. The movie does not view as it is advertised and many would be justified in saying that they are disappointed in not getting the movie they were anticipating. In fact it might be a victim of its own audacity. Its more than your average sports film when it seems your average sports film is exactly what people wanted out of it. It isn't your fast paced all action sports drama. It at times moves at a slow, watchful pace and at others speeds on ahead at risk of leaving the viewer behind.
In one word Any Given Sunday is 'different', which is a refreshing change, and is something Oliver Stone should be applauded for if your not willing to give it anything else.