Common Sense Media Review
Lightweight but likable football film has language, smoking.
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Why Age 14+?
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The Replacements
What's the Story?
When pro football players go on strike, former coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) is called in to assemble THE REPLACEMENTS for the Washington Sentinels. 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 players—and their own demons. Their time on the field will be brief, so this is a chance they'll have to seize.
Is It Any Good?
This feel-good movie asks viewers to suspend a little disbelief, but the payoff is that they'll get to see "everyday guys" playing in the big league. It's a delicious fantasy that makes The Replacements 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." He also adds in replacement cheerleaders who come from a strip club, presumably for extra sizzle, though the caricatures of women as sex objects will make some viewers roll their eyes.
Still, it all comes together nicely, and there are some funny spots along the way. The romance between Falco and head cheerleader Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton) is handled without issue, making it clear that it's not until Shane 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Replacements shows leadership. Do you consider Shane Falco a leader? What about Coach McGinty? Why, or why not?
How does the female lead compare to other women in sports films? Does she fall into any stereotypes? Why is it important for women to be portrayed with nuance on screen?
What are some other football movies you can think of? How does The Replacements compare? What are recurring themes, and what sets this one apart?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 11, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : November 28, 2000
- Cast : Keanu Reeves , Gene Hackman , Brooke Langton
- Director : Howard Deutch
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Sports ( Football )
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, suggestive dancing, and sexual references
- Last updated : October 15, 2026
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