Draft Day MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella.

FILM SYNOPSIS:  Kevin Costner plays Sonny Weaver, the general manager of the Cleveland Browns NFL football team. He is under extreme pressure to make the right picks after a losing season while following in his legendary, recently deceased father’s footsteps.

This reviewer, who never watches football until the last quarter and didn’t even know draft picks were college players, found Draft Day fascinating. The drama and relationships between Sonny and his staff, players, girlfriend Ali (Jennifer Garner), and mother (Ellyn Burstyn) are believable. The team’s owner (Frank Langella) huffs and puffs at Sonny’s refusal to pick as the clock is ticking, which just adds to the drama. The excitement and significance of NFL’s draft day played out on the big screen may help you understand America’s passion for professional sports.

Sonny’s personal and professional life is in turmoil. His girlfriend Ali is pregnant, Coach Penn (Denis Leary) demands to have some input and has strong feelings about the #1 pick, Bo Callahan (Josh Pence). Sonny confronts the task at hand refusing to give in to all the conflicting demands he faces. While most are looking at the draftees from a physical, past performance aspect, he also investigates their character.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Unfortunately, film writers and producers feel compelled to be “real,” especially with the dialogue. Be prepared for many profanities, obscenities and crude expressions. Draft Day focuses on the intensity and pressure of football team management. This behind-the-scenes movie dramatically reveals how entertainment for sports fans has turned into huge all-consuming corporate giants that breed corruption, gambling and greed. Sonny has a few personal demons, but never wavers from insisting his players are honest and respect each other both on and off the field. When conflicts and pressure become unbearable, Ali is Sonny’s anchor.  In spite of her personal situation she understands his dilemma.  Many years ago a very wise man said that every good story has a Christ-like figure, and I would select Ali in this one.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Summit Entertainment