Dodge Connelly (George Clooney) is the captain of a struggling professional American football team, the Duluth Bulldogs, in the 1920s. When the team loses its sponsor and the league is on the verge of collapse, Dodge is hell-bent on saving his team and football in general. He convinces a college football star, Carter Rutherford, to join the team, hoping to capitalize on Carter's fame as a decorated hero of the First World War. In addition to this reputation, Carter has extremely good looks and great skill on the field. His presence cause the team and football in general to prosper.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Reporter Lexie Littleton (Rene Zellweger) wins the affections of both men, Dodge and Carter. Lexie has been assigned to find proof Carter's heroics actions are false. Carter admits to her that the surrender of the Germans was merely a lucky accident. Then Carter discovers Lexie's agenda and is doubly hurt when he finds out that Dodge and Lexie have become close. Triggered by the threats of Carter's manager, Lexie runs the story. The story causes a lot of accusations and Carter's manager tries to cover it all up.
Dodge's attempts to legitimize football make the new commissioner formalize the game's rules. He also takes the responsibility to clear up the Carter controversy to set an example for the new direction of professional football.
To expose Carter, Dodge comes up with a ruse. He threatens Carter with confronting his old army mates, claiming they are just outside, eager to congratulate him on his war heroics. In reality, the men are Bulldogs dressed up in borrowed army uniforms. Carter finally admits to the truth. The commissioner orders Carter to say he got too much credit for his war actions, give a big part of his paycheck to the American Legion and bans Carter's manager from football. Carter tells Dodge he is done playing football and he will tell the newspapers the real story. Dodge says America needs heroes and consequently the true story is never told. Dodge and Carter part as friends.
Dodge and Lexie ride into the sunset on his motorbike, discussing humorously the possibilities for their future, including bankruptcy, scandals and jail time. The movie ends with pictures showing Dodge and Lexie getting married, Carter donating $10,000 to the US Military and Carter's former manager with new clients like Babe Ruth.
Best part of story, including ending:
It's a screwball comedy that is carried out very well.
Best scene in story:
Where Dodge meets Lexie for the first time. The snappy conversation between them, like screwball comedies should have.
Opinion about the main character:
George Clooney and Rene Zellweger are always fun to watch. They have great timing for comedy.
