Mostly, it's because of Stone. And that's the other problem. The movie is at least 30 minutes too long. It's so bloated, the ending is literally tacked on the end, during the credits. There's a compelling story at the heart of this movie, but Stone seems incapable of focusing on it without unnecessary and distracting visual flourishes.
Several actors turn in solid, even spectacular, performances.
The movie follows the ups and downs of the team as it fights to get into the playoffs and culminates in a playoff game in Dallas. There are the temptations and pitfalls of success as Beamen's ability on the field changes his off-field life. LL Cool J plays a running back more interested in getting his bonus money than being a team player. James Woods, in the most juicy role, plays a team doctor who puts winning above ethics. And former New York Giant Lawrence Taylor basically plays himself - an emotional, vicious linebacker trying to get through one more season on the gridiron.