Draft Day - 3 smiles

If you can get beyond the fact that “Draft Day” seems like one long commercial for the NFL, then this movie starring Kevin Costner is a lot of fun. It’s a lot like Moneyball in that it’s more about what transpires behind the scenes as opposed to the game on the field. Director Ivan Reitman looks at the 12-hour span immediately preceding the NFL draft, peering into the back rooms of several franchises and exposing their moves and motives from a strategic perspective. The owners and GMs are like generals and they all have their battle plans. Costner plays Cleveland Browns GM Sonny Weaver Jr. This is his third year on the job and his tenure thus far has been rocky. His dad, a Browns legend, died only a week ago and he’s trying to keep his personal feelings at bay while preparing for the draft. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and co-worker, Ali (Jennifer Garner), informs him that she’s pregnant. Adding to the pressure is the team owner, Harvey Molina (Frank Langella), who wants to make a ‘big splash’ at the draft. The guy Sonny wants to draft, Vontae Mack (Chadwick Boseman), may be the difference-maker on defense but he won’t sell tickets. Then comes an opportunity. The Seattle Seahawks own the #1 overall pick that would presumably be used to snare can’t-miss prospect Bo Callahan (Josh Pence). Seattle is willing to make a trade at the right price, which turns out to be a king’s ransom – three consecutive #1 picks – a cost that infuriates Browns’ head coach, Vince Penn (Denis Leary). But under pressure from all sides, Sonny makes the deal – then spends the next eight hours wondering if he did the right thing and trying to figure out if there’s another move he can make.

Costner is perfect for this role. His portrayal of Sonny expresses what one might expect from the NFL general manager. Professionally, he’s driven to win and willing to take risks that might seem insane. Personally, he fumbles with alarming frequency. For example, he obviously loves Ali, but he can’t find the words to express his feelings. Jennifer Garner is strong and it’s nice to see that Ali has more depth than the stereotypical ‘love interest.’ Other notable actors with supporting performances include Denis Leary as a self-centered coach at odds with his GM, Ellen Burstyn as Sonny’s mother, Frank Langella as the publicity-loving owner and Chadwick Boseman as the star linebacker. Without an insider’s perspective, it’s impossible to say how closely the events depicted replicate what really goes on. However, it seems real and I loved the way Sonny is able to manipulate his situation. “Draft Day” kinda makes me wish Los Angeles had a football team. 4/5/14