Easy-going fun

Rating: 9/10 (30 January 2005)

Story of temporary replacements for pro football team, recruited when regulars strike during playoff drive. Keanu is cool as quarterback who has trouble getting beyond his last performance, a major melt-down in a college bowl game; Hackman is great (as always) as coach who has little time to put team together from scratch. Langton is fetching as Keanu's sometimes girlfriend. Credibility of film survives despite usual hokey Hollywood on-field action. Can't the "technical advisers" for football movies EVER say "Gee, that wouldn't happen in a real game"? Apparently not, but forgiven here because of the charm of the cast. This one has a certain trite moxie, and is otherwise tons better than its contemporary, the wretched "Any Given Sunday". 8 out of 10