As I watched Leatherheads there was one movie that kept popping into my head. It is not so much that they were similar (they are very different), but about the way they defied standard Hollywood conventions. Both films have taken their inspirations from the slapstick and screwball stylings of comedy in the 1940s. They do not subscribe to the sophomoric styles of most current comedies (not that there is anything wrong with that, when done right), rather they call to mind the films of Howard Hawks and Preston Sturges and those of stars like Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Barbara Stanwyck. However, rather than those names we get George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams, and Lee Pace. If you hadn't already guessed, the other film is Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Both of these films come from the old school, evoking thoughts of those older films while still retaining a modern feel. They sidestep expectations to deliver an experience that, while not new, still feels fresh and gives a new audience renewed reason to look into Hollywood's past for the classics of yesteryear.
Another interesting note came to light recently regarding the script, credited to Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly. George Clooney parted ways with the WGA when they declined to give him credit. Clooney claims to have re-written all but two scenes from the original script, which was penned back in 1993. I am not sure if this will have any long-term ramifications, but I found it an interesting piece of news.
Bottom line. This movie was a blast, laugh out loud funny, well acted, well directed, and well written. It lags a little at points, and the climax is not entirely satisfying, but there is absolutely nothing I dislike about it. Leatherheads is a movie to be seen and enjoyed. It is something a little outside the norm and that is always a good thing.
Recommended.
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