 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Replacements
- Review Date: May 7, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Lightweight but likeable football story.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie includes some salty language, sexual references, and highly suggestive cheerleader moves. There is also substantial violence on and off the field, mostly punching and shoving, and a few mildly gross moments as well. Characters smoke and drink, and there are scenes in bars.
What's the story?
When pro football players go on strike, former coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) is called in to assemble a new team for the Washington Sentinals. The other teams quickly hire professionals, but McGinty focuses on his file of talented players who for one reason or another, have never played pro ball. One had an injured knee, one is in prison, one is deaf, one is a Welsh soccer player, one is a sumo wrestler, and one, Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) was a college superstar who quit after a disastrous showing at the Sugar Bowl. As McGinty says, these guys get "what every athlete dreams of, a second chance." They get to play for the love of the game and the challenge of defeating the other guys and their own demons. Loners get to be a part of a team. Their time on the field may be brief, but they leave forever changed.
Is it any good?
This is definitely a feel-good movie, and even though it asks us to suspend a little disbelief, we get to see "everyday guys" playing in the big league. It is a delicious fantasy and just plain fun to watch. Director Howard Deutch takes no chances, loading up the soundtrack with every classic sports movie standard from "We Will Rock You" to Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll, Part II," and adding in some replacement cheerleaders who come from a strip club for some sizzle.
It all comes together nicely, and there are some very funny spots along the way. The romance between Falco and head cheerleader Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton) is handled nicely, making it clear that it is not until he begins to feel better about himself that he can allow himself to get close to her. The team's growing sense of loyalty and dignity and the coach's faith in them are warmly portrayed. And, when all else fails, the football games are a hoot.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it is that makes people feel good about themselves, how a leader can make all the difference on a team, and whether fame and money hurt professional athletes and sports. Families should also talk about the coach's comment that the difference between a winner and a loser is that a winner gets back on the horse and keeps trying.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
nice movie
good movie i'd let a 7 year old watch.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Funny Football Show
The Replacements is a very funny movie about pro players going on strike and the coach recruiting replacement players. The language is very rough and there is are some sexual references including suggestive dancing from the cheerleaders. There are 2 F-words and otherwise frequent cursing. Funny movie that the family will enjoy with teens.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was a feel good movie!
this movie was really good!!! it did hav some smoking and sexual stuff but it was awesome anyway!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Howard Deutch |
| Cast: | Brooke Langton, Gene Hackman, Keanu Reeves |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Theatrical release date: | August 11, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | November 28, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | language, suggestive dancing, and sexual references |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
