Kevin Costner is commanding as “Sonny Weaver Jr.”, fictional general manager of the Cleveland Browns football team; he looks the part and imbues it with the proper angst and intelligence. His father, the legendary coach of the Browns has recently died; Sonny’s mission to build a “team of dreams” fumbles, is stymied by catastrophic obstacles blocking his decisions. The owner (Frank Langella) bombastically pressures Sonny to make a huge splash with his first round choice “or else”; coach “Penn”(Denis Leary) threatens to bail if his dictates are not met; pregnant girlfriend “Ali” (saccharine Jennifer Garner) manages the salary caps, and in Stepford fashion supports her man.
“Draft Day” , directed by Ivan Reitman lacks buzz; the football hopefuls are simply one dimensional jocks; split screen technique is dizzyingly unsuccessful; close ups in the structured confines of the managers offices are unpleasantly claustrophobic. The minimal energy generated by the last minute negotiations cannot salvage a concept that holds fascination for many, but in this instance, satisfies far too few.
TWO STARS!!
Peneflix