Fun to Be an Insider

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2014)

I remember when my Vikings decided not to pick Warren Sapp in the first round because they had concerns about some marijuana use at one time. They ended up getting some other sap who lasted one year. The former is Hall of Fame material. So when we get to see Kevin Costner, the general manager, wheel and deal on draft day, it's not so far fetched. What bothered me were that among the other general managers such weak kneed, fearful characters. Granted, they are under tremendous pressure, but they seemed pretty poor choices for this job. That said, it was really fun to watch the whole process unfold in a kind of docudrama way with the likes of Chris Berman and Mel Kiper around. The big show at Radio City Music Hall. The interaction between Costner and players he is interested in, the tradition in his family (he once fired his own father, but that's another issue) and the "friendships" among the general managers trying to outfox one another make this fun. There is a sappy romance and a bunch of family pressure that I could have done without. The scene concerning the father's ashes on the day of the draft is idiotic. Things are also a bit contrived but aren't most movies? Costner is fairly convincing, butting heads with his head coach and the other members of the Cleveland Brown brain trust. It is suspenseful and worth watching.