At the Movies

   If it’s purpose is to be an homage to the lighthearted comedies of the 30’s & 40’s, Leatherheads is an average success, but what it isn’t is a knock-your-socks-off comedy. While the humor in this period piece (it is set in the world of pre-organized professional 1920’s football) is fun it lacks the luster of those golden oldies but not for want of trying. George Clooney (Michae Clayton, O Brother Where Art Thou) takes on the roles of actor and director for this film. Clooney is larger than life, he is the quintessential “movie star” the guy men want to be like and the man women want and when Clooney is off-beat and comedic rather than serious and dramatic he is at his best.
   Renée Zellweger(Chicago, Bridget Jones Diary) brings her quirky demeanor to Leatherheads. The dialogue between her and Clooney is banter reminiscent of the classic quick-witted repartee audiences enjoyed in 1940 with Howard Hawks’ comedy His Girl Friday starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Zellweger has a face that is easily at home in period films so it is no wonder that she was chosen for this role.
   While the cinematography is wonderful and as a color picture it is enjoyable, Leatherheads really needed to be filmed in black and white in order to compete with those early classics. Never-the-less it is still a hoot to take a glimpse back into that by-gone era when America traveled by train, quenched their thirst in a speak-easy and enjoyed their football in the mud, the blood and the beer.