Kicking off football season with a goofball gridiron film, Meridian Parks & Recreation presents “Leatherheads” for free Outdoor Movie Night at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater Aug. 14

by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

Bosque Film Society Board Member

 

MERIDIAN — With youth already starting extra-curricular activities on campuses around Bosque County in preparation of the 2021-22 school year, let’s face it, summer is over.

But why not enjoy the wonderful, warm evenings while we still have them. Before you know it we’ll be bundling up under the Friday Night Lights for Texas high school football. So why not celebrate the coming of the new football season with a taste of gridiron glory for the monthly free Outdoor Movie Night at the John A. Lomax Amphitheater in Meridian Park featuring the 2008 romantic comedy sports film “Leatherheads” directed by and starring George Clooney along with Renée Zellweger, Jonathan Pryce and John Krasinski on Aug. 14 at 8 p.m.

A romantic comedy set against the backdrop of America’s nascent pro-football league in 1925. Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly, a charming, brash football hero in his waning athletic years, is determined to guide his team from bar brawls to packed stadiums. The humble beginnings of football will get you right in the mood for a new season of great touchdown runs, unbelievable one-hand catches, baffling fumbles and confusing calls by the officials.

Outdoor music in the amphitheater will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a classic Looney Tunes cartoon and previews of upcoming films before the feature film begins at 8:30 p.m. The Meridian Parks & Rec will offer free hot dogs, chips, popcorn and bottled water while supplies last.

Led by the slippery Dodge Connolly, the Duluth Bulldogs play dirty on the delightful dirt (or muddy) fields of the 1925, when football was simple, still resembled rugby, and there was no such thing as padded protection or rules for that matter. Bring on old-school witty dialogue along with down and dirty football fun.

“Leatherheads is a romp with some great chemistry between the leads and enough laughs and surprises to keep you entertained,” Richard Roeper of Ebert & Roeper said.

Clooney combines his acting skills with directing fun film, confessing to “ripping” a lot of the cornball comedy from the Coen Brothers, because they do the tricky timing so well.

To save the Bulldogs from bankruptcy, Dodge recruits Princeton football player and war hero and Carter “The Bullet” Rutherford (John Krasinski from the television sitcom “The Office”). And The Bullet’s name helps sell every seat in the stadium.

The weathered veteran likes to get down and dirty, literally and figuratively, and all for love of the game. But of course the new generation player and rules spoil it for him, as does the love interest – a feisty female journalist no less, with attitude and not afraid to voice her opinion. Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) deliberately ignites the amorous feelings of both Dodge and The Bullet to get close to them for the story scoop, but of course ends up smitten by both of them.

The witty dialogue, delivered with verve and precise timing, especially by Clooney and Zellweger, is the movie’s greatest strength,” Star-Democrat film critic Greg Maki said.

Less glowing reviews came from critics probably expecting a more serious movie from such an excellent director and actor, citing lack of story or depth, calling the movie inconsequential.

For example, Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips said. “Tragically, Leatherheads is just OK, though the film may well find an audience among those eager for a little diversion, what with the nostalgia factor and the George Clooney factor.”

But bear in mind, this is not a serious movie about the history of the pigskin sport. Nor is it a serious study of a complicated love-triangle relationship. It’s just plain, old-fashioned fun with a beautifully recreated nostalgic feel. And isn’t lighthearted entertainment just what we need to relax and enjoy with a free bag of popcorn and other goodies on a warm August Saturday evening?

Join us by getting ready for football season with a goofball gridiron film. And as always, we’d love to see you in the park!