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Apr 14, 2014 By Shawn Hazelett Web Exclusive

We are reminded throughout Draft Day that the Cleveland Browns have had grand total of two winning seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999. It’s a streak of futility that has tortured its loyal fan base, which is nonetheless afforded a few moments of excitement each spring with the arrival of the NFL draft and hopes of glory. That these hopes are tied to a collection of young men barely old enough to drink might render them unrealistic—but tell that to the half dozen General Managers the Browns have cycled through in the past decade.

Here, that unforgiving job belongs to Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner). His father was a Browns coaching legend who has recently passed away, but a 6-10 season has earned Junior the hot seat and the 7^th overall pick in the draft. Needing to make a splash, Sonny is able to procure the #1 overall pick in a deal that would make even the Washington Redskins cry foul. The obvious choice: Bo Callahan, a handsome, strong-armed Midwesterner that would placate owner Anthony Molina (Frank Langella) and provide Browns fans with the franchise quarterback they have long desired. But is Callahan really the winner Sonny wants to build a team around?

Draft Day is a perfectly enjoyable movie with a solid understanding of football and football minds, but tends to lag when focusing on subplots not related to football. One involves Sonny’s secret dalliance with his “salary cap expert” Ali (Jennifer Garner), who has decided to inform him on draft day (of all days) that she is carrying his child. Another involves Sonny’s mother (Ellen Burstyn), who has decided on draft day (of all days) to spread her husband’s ashes along the practice field, and takes offense that Sonny won’t read a Gaelic prayer one hour before the draft. Neither feels terribly inspired nor consequential. Cutting to them only serves to tap the brakes when the narrative should accelerate.

draftdaythemovie.com

Author rating: 6.5/10