Eclectic Pictures , Evil Twins (I) , Millennium Films,
Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Noah Lomax, Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, James Tupper, Judy Greer, Abella Wyss, Grant Goodman
George (Gerard Butler) used to be a star soccer player. Now he’s fallen upon hard times. He’s renting a guest house and way behind in his rent. He’s trying to move into sports announcing, but not having much luck. Mostly he disappoints his son, Lewis (Noah Lomax) and his ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel). But now he’s trying to be a better Dad and shows up at his son’s loser soccer team with a coach who knows nothing about the game and lots of incorrect instruction. So George volunteers to take over as the coach of these losers and not only makes a hit with the kids, but all the soccer mom’s are giddy with glee to have this guy as their son’s coach. George has to walk the fine line between all the ladies throwing themselves at him while trying to build a relationship with his son, when a few events make it very, very difficult for him.
This is a film that has been done before. I mean, it’s almost directly a copy of the Bad News Bears or The Mighty Ducks except in this film George actually loves soccer and wants to be a coach. But it is a soccer movie which isn’t quite that common, and Gerard Butler is very lovable as the sports star, sidelined by injury, who spirals out of control. Jessica Biel is definitely not the best person for the role of the Mom who isn’t quite done with George, but headed to the altar with her new, stable guy (Hmmm. The Santa Clause anyone?), but the shining star of this film is definitely Noah Lomax who plays the young son trying to find his place. Noah is perfectly cast as Lewis, and he carries the movie. The rest of the cast is also a big plus. Dennis Quaid is really funny as the rich eccentric guy who provides a lot of perks as long as his tone deaf daughter who “sings like an angel” can sing the National Anthem at the games. Uma Thurman is great as his wife who’s as lonely as she is desperate. Judy Greer as the deserted young wife desperate for some attention, and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a small, but very good role for her.
This movie is certainly not perfect, but it is good family fun. The comedy is real, and it has a lot of heart. It has a strong message, yet is very modern turn to the story. I think this is a good rental film and well worth watching.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
