Created: Saturday, 27 January 2007 22:27 Last Updated: Saturday, 13 October 2012 15:02 Written by The Diva Hits: 5153
The Diva's review of
|
|
WARNING - SPOILERS BELOW.
The Digest
Tony D'Amato (Al Pacino) is the head coach of The Miami Sharks. The
Sharks are an embittered team struggling with the loss of their glory
days. They were once a team who won championships now they've lost three
in a row, their quarterback is injured and their young General Manager,
Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz) is not happy.
Christina has no respect for the "Old school" she wants to get rid
of all the old players and coaches and bring in some new blood. She
hired an assistant coach who she is grooming to take over the head coach
position and he has been working with the third string quarterback,
Willie Beaman (Jamie Foxx). Willie has never been put in the game, but
due to injuries sustained by the number 1 and 2 quarterbacks, he gets
his shot. He goes on the field and promptly pukes because he is so nervous.
He can't seem to focus and find his game. Coach D'Amato gives him a
few pep talks, he gets his confidence and there is no turning back.
Willie begins to win. No sooner than he wins two games, he begins to
show his natural behind. He starts changing the plays, he no longer
passes to the star Running Back, Julius Washington (L.L. Cool J.). He
begins taking risks with the other players and showboating. He thinks
because he has a music video out and he's putting points on the board,
he can do whatever he wants - regardless of what it does to the team.
Coach D'Amato doesn't like this one bit, but there is nothing he can
do. Things are extremely political in the front office. The G.M. wants
a new stadium. She can't get it if the team is losing. The more games
they win, the more tickets they sell. The more tickets they sell the
better chance they have of being on television. The ad revenues from
television will increase the team's net worth by a couple hundred million.
What it boils down to is money and prestige. Not love of the sport.
Linebacker Luther 'Shark' Lavay (Lawrence Taylor) literally risks his
life so he can get a million-dollar bonus. Julian Washington is pissed
because he won't make his 2,500th rushing yard if Willie doesn't start
throwing to him. If he doesn't get the yards he doesn't get the endorsements
and bonus. The team doctor (James Woods) is unethical. He'll help them
do anything to win because the female groupies treat him like one of
the football players. Cap Rooney (Dennis Quaid) the teams 38 year-old
injured quarterback is married to a woman who would rather see him severely
hurt rather than be married to a former quarterback who is now a sportscaster The Dish
This movie floored me. It didn't hurt that I'm a football fan. I was
amazed to see how things are off the field, like the women. Those triflin'
heifers have no self respect and the players were no better. 90% of
them cheated on their wives and the wives knew, I'm sure. The kicker
was that most of the women did even try to be sneaky about it. One week
Willie is content with his girlfriend, the next after throwing a few
touchdowns, he's got 5 women throwing themselves at him. And the drugs!
I don't mean recreational drugs. I mean drugs for medicinal purposes.
The players stay doped up so much that I'm surprised that they don't
pass out when the painkillers wear off.
I enjoyed the film. It was hard not screaming at the screen, especially
when the refs made some bad calls. I thought every role was cast perfectly.
Pacino, Foxx , Taylor and L.L were superb. With the exception of Pacino,
I think these will be roles that everyone remembers. Not that Pacino
wasn't wonderful, you just don't forget Michael Corleone or Tony Montana.
One thing is for sure though. After having seen this film no son of
mine will ever play football.
I was disappointed that Ann-Margaret was cast as a drunk and I didn't
need to see Elizabeth Berkley's boobs again. Cameron Diaz surprised
me, I've never seen her with such intensity. Speaking of Cameron ...
girl please tell me how you made it through the locker room scene especially
talking to "3 legged Jack" or what ever his name was. Lord knows I went
cross-eyed trying to find it in the credits.
The Directive
Parents. You may be tempted to take your sons to see this, but I would
advise against. It has very foul language, nudity and very adult themes
Every sports fan should see this film. It's an eye opener. .
Copyright Kamal "The Diva" Larsuel-Ulbricht, 2007
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ICQ: 8690410
http://www.3blackchicks.com/