Good Night, and Good Luck director
George Clooney pulls double duty once again in this sports-oriented romantic comedy set against the formation of professional football in the 1920s. Dodge Connolly (Clooney) is a brash and handsome gridiron giant who is equally comfortable leading his team in a barroom brawl, or charging for a touchdown in a packed stadium. But when Connolly's team loses their sponsor and the entire league appears set to collapse, the quick thinking jock attempts a creative late game comeback. If Connolly can convince former college football star and decorated war hero Carter Rutherford (
John Krasinski) to join the team, there may be hope for the ill-fated team after all. Back in World War I, Rutherford single handedly forced the surrender of multiple German soldiers - a feat that firmly established the dashing young soldier as America's favorite son. Not only that, but Rutherford's unparalleled speed makes him a valuable asset to the team. To cub reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) Rutherford seems simply too good to be true, and she's determined to prove that her theory is correct. As Littleton digs deep into Rutherford's past, the two teammates enter into a fierce competition for her erratic affections. Now, as Connolly's plan begins to work better than he ever could have anticipated, the rowdy sport he always loved starts to take on a whole new look and feel. In the midst of holding his team together and simultaneously charming the girl of his dreams, Connolly discovers he may be able to use the same strategies he does to win on the field to win in love. Of course there may be a few fouls as this game enters the fourth quarter, but like every good player, Connolly knows the value of always having a secret play to fall back on before the final score is called. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide