Cliché Done Well

Rating: 7/10 (21 September 2004)

Actually trying to write a review of this movie would be pointless -- we've all seen this exact same movie made dozens of times before. The underdog team of misfits, rallies together, plays with heart, overcomes the odds, bonds etc. etc. etc. Its a giant cliché.
But you know what? Its a cliché done well this time. There's nothing original here, but this is one of those times, as in The Longest Yard or Major League, where it actually works. Maybe its the superior cast. Maybe its the great chemistry between the male and female leads. But for whatever reason, this movie grows on you. Even after predictable element after predictable element comes wandering on by, its just hard not to like the film and get sucked in. Its just a light feel good film with its heart in the right place -- I felt stupid for being manipulated by the oldest tricks in the book, but when I let go of the cynicism for a moment, The Replacements brought a smile to my face.