Julian RuncanThe Replacements: Uniquely Standardized
May 27th 2010 10:56
The Replacements has got to be one of my favorite football movies of all time. Rudy was inspiring, Remember the Titans dealt with important social issues, but The Replacements just made me want to go out and play. In terms of plot and structure, it's an entirely predictable genre film, but that doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable to watch.
The cast is phenomenal, and with the exception of Keanu Reeves entertaining as hell. It's not all Keanu's fault since his character is supposed to be somewhat of a straight man, but everyone else brought so much energy to their roles that he feels even flatter than usual. Gene Hackman can play a fantastic coach in his sleep, and all of the other players hit their comedic beats perfectly.
The entire romance subplot is played out, Falco's type of self-doubt has been done to death, and the "issue" of the team overcoming their various backgrounds and working together was telegraphed the whole way. Where The Replacements succeeds is that it knows the audience knows exactly what's going to happen anyway, so it goes through these moments as quick as possible to get back to the funny stuff.
Sports dramas have their time and place, but sports comedies always have a special place in my heart. At the end of the day, it's just a game and The Replacements doesn't pretend it's something that it isn't. It's a fun movie, nothing more, nothing less.
7.5/10
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Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
Good choice!
John Favreaux's over exuberance and the illiterate cheerleaders who couldn't spell out their team name during the cheer always cracked me up.