With the new season of Yellowstone, another wave of interest comes in Kevin Costner’s work. It’s not just because the film boasts a fantastic all-star cast and even wide appeal if you aren’t a football fan. The reason to watch the film on the streaming service Max HBO isn’t only the popular films that rank in the top five over the weekend, but also one of Costner’s lesser-known films from Draft Day 2014. That’s why it’s likely why That’s one of his films spiked in interest over the weekend.
Sonny Costner plays the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, a team that pulls off some inexplicable trades in an effort to mix some human drama with entertaining film. Ivan Reitman, the director, gets you a surprisingly entertaining film with fantastic performances, and within a single day – obviously, the NFL Draft Day – the film takes place. They are as hapless in real life as they are in the film.
In the film, the Browns are struggling to compete on the gridiron and are in need of some impactful players in the draft to turn their fortunes around. Sonny Costner’s Kevin wants to make a splash and trade the team’s #7 pick to get the highly-rated quarterback prospect Bo Callahan, who is likely to be the #1 pick in the draft. Additionally, they want to draft some players in the first-round picks for the next two seasons in order to give them a good player. Frank, the team’s owner and an Oscar nominee, is under pressure but wants to make a move that will turn their fortunes around.
Instead, Sonny surprises everyone by selecting a greatly underappreciated player, Vontae Mack (Chadwick Boseman), and harboring reservations about Callahan. Mack’s intangible qualities are admired by Costner, who questions Callahan’s dedication, but this choice upsets his coaching staff and owner, who now desires his dismissal. Subsequently, the remainder of the movie is a whirlwind of ups and downs as Weaver negotiates and maneuvers to rescue the draft, acquire the desired players, secure his employment, and mend his relationship with his girlfriend and family.
The film unfortunately flopped at the box office, earning only $29 million, but it has found a second life through streaming and Blu-ray. Sadly, this would be the final director’s film for Ivan Reitman before his death in 2022, but he still showed his ability to create a great movie, especially when his health was ailing. The film is highly relatable and watchable, thanks to the deft approach of director Ivan Reitman and the great cast. Even if you don’t follow football, the film has plenty of energy-high turns and twists.
Ivan Reitman personally presented the concept, which persuaded Chadwick Boseman to portray another sportsman in this movie, despite his reluctance. Chadwick Boseman, who had recently portrayed Jackie Robinson in 42 the previous year, achieved worldwide recognition as Black Panther.
In the movie, Jennifer Garner (Alias) portrays the character of Ali Parker, the team’s financial restriction expert, who also coincidentally happens to be Sonny’s significant other, and has just revealed her pregnancy to him. Costner’s Weaver and Denis Leary’s Coach Vince Penn have conflicts, but Garner shares a great rapport with Costner and brings a rational perspective to the situation.
Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent/Superman in Smallville for a decade, is not happy about the current quarterback for the Browns, Brian Drew, who plays a rather insignificant role on the team.
Additionally, former NFL legends Deion Sanders, Ray Lewis, Bernie Kosar, and Jim Brown make appearances. This adds a pleasing touch of credibility to the film, with Chris Berman and other ESPN personalities also making appearances, portraying their own selves. Sam Elliott (known for his role in Tombstone) makes cameo-like appearances as the coach of the Wisconsin football team, who later becomes the lead character in the prequel series of Yellowstone, titled 1883.
It may be entertaining to stretch the logic too far when managing Ivan Reitman and Kevin Costner, but it’s a bit of a stretch to come out on top. Some improbable trades make Kevin Costner as the second half of Draft Day, the logic of the fans may nitpick Football.