Draft Day (I) (2014) User Reviews (205)

The Human Element That Is Draft Day

[AudioFileZ · 7/10 · 4 September 2014]

Give Kevin Costner a good human-interest role and he can bring his unique star power making it both entertaining and compelling. As an adult I've grown less enamored with pro football and in fairness I'm from Alabama where college football is all it can be and pro isn't a factor. That said, it's the corporate money machine mentality that, in my humble opinion, soils the things I fondly remember of the ancient NFC/AFC of the sixties (where loyalty trumped money often for an entire career).

Well, this movie makes that big-business drama work as something much more human. Where the general managers struggle like desperate children for some kind of immediate better future. When even in the last hours those gilded picks are subject to human-error and wild scrambling per last minute decisions and deals. The kind of deals that come not just from statistics, but deeper beliefs. I'd say Draft Day brings this kind of tense drama to the screen with aplomb Is it a true representation? I'd say it doesn't matter because this is a movie and it's a good one.

Underrated

[zackstein-180-87816 · 8/10 · 16 May 2020]

Yes the draft math and fantasy trade scenarios are totally unrealistic, but that's what makes it so fun. It's a well made movie, with brisk pacing and scenes that will make you smile. It's a good time.

Costner's sports movie magic is back & this movie did the impossible. It made you root for a sports executive. I loved it!

[cosmo_tiger · 8/10 · 26 April 2014]

"No one can stop a ticking clock, the great ones always find a way to slow it down." Sonny Weaver Jr. (Costner) is the GM of the Cleveland Browns and is getting ready for today's NFL draft. He isn't in good graces with the Brown's fans but that all changes when he makes a trade for the #1 pick. With pressure from the owner, his new head coach and his mother, Sonny isn't sure if what he wants is the same as what everyone else wants. His choices not only affect his job but everyone around him as well. I am a sucker for sports movies and I really like Kevin Costner so I was really looking forward to seeing this. Almost right away I was sucked in and enjoyed myself the entire time. This is very much like Moneyball so if you liked that movie you will like this as well. Costner is a perfect choice and there is just something about him and sports movies that is perfect. The movie is about the decisions people make when adding a player to their team, it may not seem like it but its exciting and keeps you guessing and wondering the entire time. You really root for Costner the entire time and want him to succeed. Again, it may be because I am a huge sports fan but I loved this movie and I highly recommend this. Overall, if you liked Moneyball you will love this one. I give this an A.

Like NFL Draft Day itself, it starts slow but the payoff works

[TheMovieVlog · 7/10 · 10 April 2014]

Sports films typically have a love/hate relationship with viewers - most never finding that honest middle ground that satisfies everyone's wants and desires. On one hand, you have the preposterous comedies that cap seriousness, sacrificing dramatic acting in exchange for a series of cheap laughs and feel-good moments, like Rookie of the Year, The Waterboy, and Caddyshack. Then, there's the beloved and devote dramas that live on in film infamy, which includes but is not limited to Rocky, The Natural, and Raging Bull. Finally, you have Kevin Costner's greatest hits, like Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, and For the Love of the Game. And, even though Kevin Costner has left the baseball diamond and thrown his last fastball, he clearly has found a memorable position as the GM of an NFL franchise in Draft Day.

The only real complaint about this film is that it doesn't incorporate actual NFL players - at least not in the manner that Moneyball involved them. Players like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are still stars in the Draft Day universe, however, the Cleveland Browns are a team compiled of fictional players - which probably isn't the worst thing since the Browns severely lack star-power now that the former face of their franchise, Trent Richardson, is no longer on the team. However, this is a miniscule problem in the long run, and the plot progression of the fictional players is allotted the proper time to plant their seeds of worth.

Overall, Draft Day takes full advantage of telling an engaging behind-the-scenes tale using the world's most popular league as a vehicle. From the film's trailers, the film might appear to be one giant commercial for the NFL, but thankfully it turns out to be a well-scripted, charming experience. Draft Day is a fun-loving popcorn flick through and through, but it's also exactly the kind of perfectly balanced story that draws people to the movies, incorporating just enough drama, subtly placing humor in stressful situations, and fulfilling its promise to reveal a compelling mystery that will keep everyone on their toes. For anyone that loves football or is interested in the power-play politics that that place behind the proverbial curtain, you'll have an absolute amazing time watching this feature.

First and 10

[Buddy-51 · 7/10 · 21 April 2014]

Hollywood's Mr. Baseball, aka Kevin Costner, walks off the diamond and onto the gridiron (or, more accurately, into pro football's corporate offices) in "Draft Day," Ivan Reitman's entertaining tribute to the wheeling-and-dealing that goes on behind the scenes at the NFL draft.

Costner plays the fictional Sonny Wheeler, Jr., son of the equally fictitious Sonny Wheeler, Sr., who has recently died and in whose shadow Sonny perpetually toils. You see, Wheeler, Sr. was a legend at the Cleveland Browns franchise, and, in his two years as general manager for the team, his son seems to be having a little trouble living up to the old man's reputation. To further complicate Sonny's life, his "down low" girlfriend, Ali (Jennifer Garner), who works as the lawyer responsible for making sure the team doesn't bust through the salary cap, has just announced that she is pregnant with the commitment-phobic Sonny's child. Amid all this personal turmoil, Sonny launches into full negotiator mode, making deals and forming alliances with other general managers in the league while working to assuage the concerns of the team's owner (Frank Langella), its coach (Dennis Leary), an assortment of high strung and disgruntled players (Tom Welling, Chadwick Boseman, Arian Foster) and even his own mother (Ellen Burstyn) who has views of her own that need to be taken into consideration before he can arrive at his final decision.

Although it probably helps to have some familiarity with how the draft pick works in order to fully appreciate some of the finer points of the narrative, writers Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman do a good job clarifying the big picture even for the less sports-oriented members of the audience. The movie proceeds at a breakneck pace as the clock ticks down to the moment of truth for Sonny. Will he accept the Seattle Seahawks' offer of the #1 draft pick, Bo Callahan (Josh Pence), in exchange for the Browns' #1 first-round draft picks for the next three years, or will he reject the offer in favor of some less stellar but still promising players? "Draft Day" is at its best when it's exploring the various and often contradictory interests - of players, coaches and owners, not to mention the millions at stake in salaries and corporate sponsorships - that those in Sonny's position must consider before rendering their final verdicts. Talk about pressure! The filmmakers establish a nice balance between the sports aspects of the tale and the personal moments between Sonny and Ali and Sonny and his mom, never allowing the latter to detract from the former. As a result, we care about the characters without losing our focus on the real reason we've come to this movie.

Reitman has come up with an interesting split-screen technique that helps to weave together a story that takes place over a wide range of geographical locales simultaneously. What might have been a mere gimmick in less capable hands becomes an indispensable narrative device here.

A few weeks back, while writing about "3 Days to Kill," I lamented that Costner desperately needed to find some quality material worthy of his talents to work with, and he seems to have found just that in "Draft Day." Costner has a core of quiet stillness that lends a genuine gravitas to his performances. Because he can appear both confident and insecure in the same moment, he makes us want to root for the character he's playing. He's also blessed with a super supporting cast that includes, in addition to all the aforementioned, Terry Crews, Rosanna Arquette, Sam Elliot, and Sean Combs.

"Draft Day" proves that not all the competitiveness and excitement of professional football takes place on the field.

Entertaining, even if you don't like football movies

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 21 September 2014]

Surprisingly good football movie about Cleveland Browns general manager Kevin Costner on the day of the NFL draft. I say surprisingly because I wasn't expecting much. These sports dramas, particularly the football ones, often bore me. This one started off kind of like that and I was worried at first. But it picked up and I was soon wrapped up in the story. That's in large part due to the fine cast, especially Kevin Costner. You might ask why I watched this if I typically don't like sports dramas. Well the short answer is because Tom Welling from Smallville is in it. My friend was going to watch it for him so I thought "might as well." Turns out his role is pretty small. Anyway, it's a good movie. If you're not into football and you think that might keep you from enjoying this, don't worry. You don't really have to be a football fan to follow along with the plot. It's more about the behind-the-scenes business of football than the game itself.

Draft Day, a Good Movie Pick

[theauntsavant · 8/10 · 19 April 2014]

With the NFL Draft season officially in full swing, if you haven't already, now's a great time to see "Draft Day" the movie! Even if it does stand to reason, foretelling whether or not it would be received more positively by non-football enthusiasts and resonate less with true football fans (as some critics have deduced), is nonetheless a rush to judgment.

In any case, the box office draw doesn't differentiate one over the other. The entertaining sports vehicle about the NFL draft not actual gridiron game play goes against formula.

We've seen football films that keep to standard rough and tumble field action, which fit the bill. However, the focus here in itself, is a good departure as a movie on the managerial side of the sport of interest for either group.

Being a non-fanatical Monday morning quarterback, I enjoyed watching a view from behind-the-scenes for a change of pace, and getting a crash course in the extraneous details of what occurs in a crucial 24-hour period-similar to TV series "24"-leading up to the draft day ceremony.

As for the question of is it realism or Hollywood hype? Co-star and former professional football player now actor Terry Crews, who said he was an 11-round draft pick in 1991, in a pre-release call-in interview to the Steve Harvey Morning Show, stated that "Draft Day" was the first movie endorsed by the NFL.

So would the League sign-off on a film that represents a 'day-in-the-life of' a general manager played by sports cinema veteran Kevin Costner, managing the real-life Cleveland Browns, if it didn't measure up? Most likely not.

Sure, football fans will probably have a better understanding than will others of the evolving events being dramatized on the big screen, but I believe that's meant to give the rest of the audience a microcosmic picture of the high-pressured inner-workings and how it all comes together.

It presents an intimate look at the level of intensity that comes when the selection process rises to fever pitch (forgive the baseball reference) and how the lives of the hopefuls looking to get picked, as well as their families, hinges on the manager's final decision.

The film works well at drawing you into the thought-provoking/judgment-making job of Costner's character Sonny Weaver, while also keeping you glued to the countdown timer. The spliced boiler room frames meld cohesively to sustain moviegoers' heightened curiosity for the anticipated outcome.

Jennifer Garner is low-key as Costner's girlfriend, though a far cry from her starring lead role in TV's "Alias." Hers, along with Ellen Burstyn's portrayal, brings necessary added value to balance out the storyline.

As the father of a potential student draftee, Crews delivers a meaningful, non-comedic performance. The elements put in play, overall, make for a finely crafted sports entertainment feature everyone can enjoy.

Second Round Draft Pick is no Moneyball

[gregsrants · 6/10 · 11 April 2014]

Kevin Costner is no stranger to sports themed movies. The Tin Cup, Bull Durham, For the Love of the Game star has stared in five separate sports films and now rounds that number to an even six with the football themed Draft Day directed by Ghostbuster's helmer Ivan Reitman.

Taking on a role more his age (Costner is a football yard short of 60), Costner plays Sonny Weaver Jr., the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. The action picks on NFL Draft Day, the day in which 200+ young budding stars get drafted by big league teams in a huge televised event taking place in New York City.

Sonny's Cleveland team was a lowly 6-10 the season before – largely due to the injury to their star quarterback. The Browns are given the 7th round draft pick on draft day, but pressures from Brown's team owner (Frank Langella) and an aggressive offer from the Seattle Seahawks to swap the number 1 pick for future options leave Sonny with only hours to think of both his legacy and what is best for the city's revered team.

The film all takes place within the 24 hours on draft day and a running clock that appears a handful of times during the film reminds us that the time is ticking and decisions need to be made. Impeding such forward thinking are the films distractions which come in the form of two female characters with ties to Sonny. Jennifer Garner plays Ali, the love interest of Sonny and the lawyer and number cruncher who is responsible for keeping the Browns under the NFL salary cap. With the film only a few minutes aged, we learn that Ali is pregnant with Sonny's baby – a subplot that was hardly necessary to keep things moving. Also complicating things is Sonny's mother played by Ellen Burstyn. Sonny's father was a former Cleveland Brown's coach (fired by Sonny Jr. the year previous) and has recently passed away. Sonny's mother for reasons that were hard to understand considering she lived a life with football at the core of the family, decides that draft day is the day in which she wants Sonny to spend some time completing his father's last wishes as identified in his will.

Both female stories go nowhere and could easily have ended up on the cutting room floor. Instead, in a weak attempt to connect with a female audience, the two characters are awarded ample screen time to emote and distract Sonny on what is arguably the most difficult and focused day of his career.

When Sonny is not tripping over the estrogen pitfalls, he is struggling with his coach (Dennis Leary) and working the phones discussing trade possibilities with Jacksonville, Buffalo and Kansas City in an attempt to save the city the embarrassment of selling the golden goose for a few magic beans.

It is when Sonny is working his draft magic that the movie is at its best. His calls to and from potential and existing players had an authentic feel and the chaos of draft day is captured with tense complexity and legacy importance.

Draft Day wants to be football's answer to baseball's Moneyball. But the Aaron Sorkin written baseball film starring Brad Pitt had rocket-fire dialogue that catapulted the film to an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay. Draft Day instead is fluff, but it's good fluff. Costner consistently makes every film to which he is involved better than it should be and Reitman is smart to give appropriate cameos (Roger Goodall, Bernie Kozar, Jim Brown), he keeps the spotlight on his star heaving the film on Costner's shoulders in an attempt to score a box office touchdown.

Draft Day was a fun distraction. Browns fans will likely enjoy a fantasy film of their team making right decisions (the Browns have not made the NFL playoffs since 2002), and football fans should find valued entertainment in the behind the scenes peak into the day of a General Manager. But film fans hoping for a Moneyball or something smarter than Draft Day's trailers have revealed should look elsewhere.

Very interesting perspective into the business side of the NFL

[cbsharp42 · 8/10 · 22 April 2014]

First off, I am a huge NFL fan.I love the business aspect and the many different components of the NFL game, such as free agency, the draft, etc. So I knew I had to see this movie.

The movie primarily focuses on the Cleveland Browns and GM Sonny Weaver Jr (played by Kevin Costner), but the movie began in the Seattle Seahawks headquarters, where the GM is hoping to cash in on the #1 pick by suckering some team into giving them a king's ransom for it. He calls up Sonny and gauges his interest in the pick. Initially Sonny isn't interested in trading for it, but after being told by the higher ups of the Browns that they needed to make a splash, Sonny eventually deals the #7 pick in the 2014 draft, as well as their 2015 and 2016 1st round picks to Seattle for the #1 pick, where they are assumed to be taking the hotshot, can't miss prospect, QB Bo Callahan of Wisconsin.

There's a few other draft prospects, however, who make it known they want to be a part of the Cleveland Browns: LB Vontae Mack of Ohio State, and RB Ray Jennings (played by current Houston Texans RB Arian Foster) of Florida State, who is the son of a Cleveland Browns legend. Amid these issues, along with hearing his salary cap manager Ali is pregnant with his child, and the passing of his father just days after he fired him (previously the Browns coach), Sonny has a lot on his plate on this draft day.

At first, Sonny decides to roll with Callahan, which makes Browns fans rejoice, and the current Browns QB on the roster quite angry, so much so that he trashes Sonny's office and demands to be traded. He felt betrayed by Sonny, and pleads with Sonny that he is the guy to lead the franchise to glory, coming back better than ever after a knee injury in the previous season. The move also upsets Mack, who tweets out that it's a bad decision to pick Callahan. Sonny also receives disagreement regarding the overall decision from the new coach, who would rather make a new deal with the Buffalo Bills to acquire a few new players and more draft picks for the future.

After doing some background checking and scouting and such, Sonny finds some character issues with Bo Callahan and changes the pick in the final seconds to Vontae Mack. The collective NFL nation is stunned. Mack is watching the draft at his home with his family and is left speechless after hearing he was the pick. It also causes the current Browns QB to rejoice in knowing he's the guy.

Sonny and the Browns weren't done yet though. After seeing the teams in picks 2-5 pass on Bo Callahan, the GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who own pick #6, calls up Sonny and asks why teams are passing up on Callahan. Sonny dances around the question, but answers that he simply believes Callahan will be a bust and eventually convinces the Jaguars GM to deal the #6 pick to the Browns for 2nd round picks in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Sonny then takes this opportunity to call up the GM of the Seahawks and threaten to take Callahan away from the Seahawks. After some back and forth negotiations, Sonny gets back all the picks he originally traded to Seattle, as well as a punt returner, for pick #6. Seattle gets its man in Callahan, and the Browns pick Ray Jennings with pick #7. Sonny goes from goat to hero in a matter of minutes, and Browns football appears to be headed in a great direction for the future.

There's plenty more going on in the movie. It has its fair share of football and non-football related drama, enough to keep you interested and wanting to see what happens next.

My only complaints about the movie ... well, as an avid NFL fan, most of the trades that occurred in this movie would definitely not happen in today's NFL. The original trade (Cleveland acquires #1 pick, Seattle acquires three 1st rounders) is not too far-fetched, but the other moves are just completely unrealistic. The Jaguars traded away a top 10 1st round pick for three 2nd round picks. That would never happen, and the Jaguars would have been mocked forever for taking a trade like that in today's NFL. Then Seattle trading back those three 1st rounders and an apparently very good punt returner just to move up one spot? That is also foolish, even for a "can't miss" prospect. Of course, that's just nit-picky from someone who is a die-hard NFL fan and knows better.

The other complaint is that the actions of Mack/Jennings as well as the current Browns QB and coach were unrealistic behaviors at certain moments. Mack and Jennings calling Sonny and telling them to draft them? Complaining about potentially not being the guy? That would never ever ever happen. If a prospect did that, he'd probably go completely undrafted, or at least been red-flagged by just about every NFL GM out there. When the current Browns QB got wind of the first trade, he trashed Sonny's office and demanded a trade. Again, that's a move that would get you suspended or "blacklisted" by so many teams. Then the coach having the nerve to mock the GM and repetitively call the GM's moves "boneheaded"? You'd get fired on spot in today's NFL for comments like that.

Again, just some unrealistic things added to the movie to create drama and story lines, which is understandable, and didn't ruin the film for me at all, but true NFL fans will understand that sort of stuff would never happen.

To any football fans, particularly NFL fans, I recommend you see it. I don't know how much it would appeal to those who don't like football, though.

completely unbelievable

[MLDinTN · 6/10 · 9 February 2015]

NFL GMs aren't as dumb as depicted in this movie. Kevin Costner plays, Sonny, the new GM of the Browns, taking over for his deceased father. They have the 7th pick but are interested in a hot shot QB that is expected to go No 1. Now Sonny waits till draft day to do a little digging on the QB. As if a GM would wait till the last minute. Anyways he trades 3 NO 1's to Seattle for the NO 1 pick. There's a running back the coach wants and a linebacker with a heart of gold on Sonny's radar.

The draft starts and Sonny selects the linebacker. Other GMs contact him and want to know what is wrong with the QB. They show the new GM of the Jaguars to be a complete idiot. Sonny trades for their NO 1 pick at 6. He then contacts Seattle and says he'll trade 6 for the rest of their NO 1's back and a punt returner. So Seattle excepts and gets the QB for a cheaper price that Sonny never wanted. Sonny gets the running back at 7 plus the punt returner and all the Brown's picks back. So as you can see no GM is that dumb to get played like that.

FINAL VERDICT: I'd say this is for football fans only. It is rather dull and why did Sonny have to have a pregnant co-worker 30 years his junior as a side plot.

Great movie for all sports fans.

[Shannonschaefer · 10/10 · 10 April 2014]

I really enjoyed Draft Day. Yes I am female and yes I love sports especially football but this is a movie anyone can enjoy. It made me think of the movie Moneyball starring Brad Pitt. A very interesting look at the madness, pressure and inner turmoil that one man has to endure in performing his duty of putting a team together. Kevin Costner gives an outstanding performance as Sonny, Jennifer Garner gives a top performance as well. This movie keeps you engaged the whole time, not for a moment did I feel it dragged or got boring. Some of the backdrop scenes of various cities and stadiums just takes your breath away, very much suited for the big screen, a must see in the theater.

NFL meets Lifetime. It'll make you feel good if you just don't think.

[kingstonhawke · 2/10 · 27 April 2015]

I was tempted to give this movie a 1, but then I bumped it up to 2 because it succeeds as a feel good movie.

My girlfriend is a football fan, and she liked it. So I think that's pretty much who this movie works for. Anyone who isn't so serious about movies that they puke at all the clichés. And also someone who isn't so serious about football that they become enraged at the lack of realism. Unfortunately I'm both of those things...

Where this movie suffers is that it doesn't try to be unique at all. Instead of relying on the actual drama that is the NFL draft, it takes the cheap route and focuses on all this personal nonsense that no one cares about. The characters are thin, and the cast (outside of a few) isn't strong enough to pull off what little they have to work with.

The Browns GM and staff is ridiculously dumb. People are saying that the trade he made was unrealistic, but that's not true. The real life Browns almost traded 3 1st for Andrew Luck, who is what Bo Callaghan is suppose to be a version of. What makes the Browns GM so inept is his lack of communication, his whole staff's lack of preparation (you scout EVERYONE, not just the guy you expect to take), and how indecisive he is...

The ONLY thing that bails him out after he digs himself into this great big hole, you guessed it, conveniently dumber adversaries. They make the Jaguars GM the dumbest human on earth! Not only does he get fleeced (and if you blame it on him being a rookie, the safe pick was taking the QB) but he's so dumb he doesn't just call the Seahawks and cause a bidding war for his pick. The Seahawks GM should've already been on the phone with the Broncos, the Jags, etc if he wanted the QB so badly. No one just waits for a player to fall, all GMs are proactive, it's the nature of the competition. Because there's no telling which one of the other 31 teams will trade up ahead of you. It's not as simple as "the Broncos wont take him because they have a QB" they wont, but they will trade the pick to someone who will. If the kid is valued worth 3 1st, then someone would've offered at least 1 to take him at 4.

Seriously, this movie is just painful if you actually follow the draft... and I'm assuming that's the demographic they were going after when they decided to make a movie about the draft.

I really do hate movies like this. They are fun enough when you're watching them. But as soon as they end and you reflect, it's like swiss cheese, so many holes.

Tightly paced 'Draft Day' comes out a winner

[Fluke_Skywalker · 7/10 · 4 September 2014]

There have been a number of films that have focused on the off the field and locker room drama of big time sports, but not many have taken us behind the curtain of the front office side. With the NFL draft now akin to a national holiday in the United States, the high stakes game behind the scenes is arguably more compelling than the one that takes place between the lines on Sundays.

Kevin Costner leads a solid cast, proving once again that though he may not have the widest range, when he's in his wheelhouse there are few who can touch him. The story is ultimately a complete fairytale, but then again most sports movies are.

Though its tepid romantic subplot feels tacked-on to cover all of the demographical bases, Ivan Reitman's 'Draft Day' still delivers a fast paced and well acted dramedy that should please NFL fans. For others, your mileage may vary.

Me and my movie theatre-working friend enjoyed this depiction of an NFL Draft Day on film

[tavm · 7/10 · 28 April 2014]

Just watched this with my movie theatre-working friend. We both enjoyed this story of a general manager of the Cleveland Browns who is played by Kevin Costner in trying to pick the right trades on the day of the NFL draft picks while also dealing with a pregnant associate (Jennifer Garner) he's in a relationship with, a coach who doesn't always agree with his choices (Dennis Leary), and a late father who was the previous coach that he had to fire beforehand due to age. I'll stop there and say I found much that was pretty funny and occasionally touching stuff about some of the players being considered. And director Ivan Reitman was pretty creative with some of the wipes involved in many scene transitions. So on that note, Draft Day is worth a look.

Taut & Engrossing Sports Tale

[larrys3 · 7/10 · 17 September 2014]

There are some highly implausible and nonsensical plot elements here, yet despite that I found this movie to be a taut and engrossing sports tale and it kept my interest throughout.

Kevin Costner gives another solid performance here as Sonny Weaver, Jr., the beleaguered General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, in the NFL. He has to contend with a meddling owner (Frank Langella), a combative head coach (Denis Leary) and a very angry fan base who are tired of losing. Additionally, his father has just passed away, as he was the former coach of the Browns and fired by Sonny Jr (we find out late in the movie the reason why). Finally, he's in a relationship with the team's capologist (Jennifer Garner), and has just found out she's pregnant with their baby.

With the entire film set on NFL Draft Day, Sonny receives a call from the General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks who hold the #1 pick in the draft, who's expected to be the hot-shot quarterback Bo Callahan (Josh Pence). However, the Seahawks are willing to trade their #1 pick for a very dear price in return.

Under threat of being fired unless he makes a big splash in the draft, Sonny reluctantly agrees to the deal. Thus begins a long series of "wheelings and dealings" by NFL execs, as the start of the draft looms, which I thought was realistically portrayed, although I'm not sure how much non-football fans who don't know the lingo may understand.

It all will culminate in what I thought was quite the dramatic ending. As mentioned, if one can get past the implausible script elements, it can be a good watch.

The acclaimed filmmaker Ivan Reitman handles the direction here, with a screenplay from Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman.

Draft Day is very nearly stunning!

[Robert_duder · 9/10 · 18 April 2014]

Here are a few facts to ponder going into this review. First of all, I'm a HUGE Kevin Costner fan and am thoroughly enjoying his resurgence in theatres already in 2014. Simply because of my love for him I was eagerly anticipating this. Some were comparing it to Moneyball and that made me nervous because frankly I thought Moneyball was a stone cold dud. I am NOT a huge sports fan. I go to the occasional game for fun (Baseball and Hockey preferably) and outside of playing a little football in High School, I am not a football fan by any stretch of the imagination. One IMDb reviewer opened their review by saying that anyone who wasn't interested in football or the draft would find this boring...I couldn't disagree more. Reitman (a brilliant director in my books) has created a film that simply anyone can enjoy. You will find yourself enthralled by these characters and you will feel the amazing tension, the stress, the minute by minute thrill of being amongst these people making vital decisions to their team. It isn't about whether this time is successful (we don't even find that out) its simply about the Draft as the title implies and I was riveted to put it mildly. The script is brilliant, the dialogue is very smart and keeps you watching for each moment as it changes. Regardless of your football knowledge or expertise or lack thereof, you will follow this and just have a great time doing it.

Kevin Costner is charismatic period. He certainly loves his sports film and name one he's done that wasn't good or is considered a "classic" now. Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, Tin Cup, For The Love of The Game...they're all at least very watchable. Draft Day is deserving to sit amongst them but it is a very different sort of "sports movie." Costner's Sonny Weaver is a fascinating character. You will literally see and feel his stress and tension and what he's going through and then you watch the pay off as he casually yells "I LOVE THIS JOB." Costner was bang on. I find it hard to really sink myself into Jennifer Garner as an actress. She's cute and fun but when I see her in films like this that require a certain amount of intensity, seriousness and drama. She comes across almost bored and just doesn't seem to manage the role as deep as she should. She is okay in Draft Day, her chemistry with Costner is decent (and believable given their age difference) and I suppose her subtle performance leaves room for Costner to really shine. Another reason Draft Day is so good is the amazing whose who of character actors in supporting roles. Chadwick Boseman, Patrick St. Esprit, Terry Crews, Frank Langella, Denis Leary, Timothy Simons, Sean Combs and Tom Welling each deserve mention for their respective roles. I handpicked those supporting performances because small or big they each had a moment that was perfect. For most of them it was scenes exchanging dialogue with Costner and it was simply well done to say the least. Welling (whom I am also a big fan of from Smallville days) has literally one significant scene and it was enough for me to go...wow. Josh Pence was a little underwhelming in his role as coveted quarterback Bo. I think the role could have been great but he doesn't put much into it and is quite generic. I also don't quite understand the role played by Griffin Newman who might be some sort of comedic relief but is really expendable and goes nowhere.

Legendary director and producer Ivan Reitman very nearly always tells an incredibly entertaining story. He brings the most out of these characters and makes them so vivid and most importantly has a way of making you feel like you are right there...no matter how ridiculous the concept. Draft Day is obviously very realistic but he deserves such great kudos for crafting a story that I believe anyone can sink themselves into. He didn't disappoint me one bit and my expectations were decently high. Move over Moneyball (I don't care how much critics liked it and the ridiculous Oscar nominations it got) this was superior in every single way. Football fans will enjoy the myriad of NFL'ers playing themselves and the film is laid out in such a way to subtly explain everything to those of us not familiar with the sport. Draft Day is a must see and I guarantee will hold its own in the hall of fame for sports films. An absolute pleasure! 9/10

12 Hours Until the fate of a franchise and a city are determined

[praveer-mishra · 7/10 · 5 May 2014]

The countdown clock is rolling…Sonny Weaver Jr (Kevin Costner) the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns has a decision to make. Sonny has the first pick in the NFL Draft. Whomever he selects, his job, the job of Coach Penn (Denis Leary) not to mention the future of a billion dollar franchise and the hopes and dreams of a city ride on what he decides.

Draft Day is the latest entry in the sports drama from Kevin Costner, no stranger to epic sports films such as Bull Durham and Tin Cup. Draft Day is about the hours leading up to the NFL Draft and the turbulent drama, relationships and chaos enveloping the beleaguered General Manager of the Cleveland Browns…Sonny Weaver Jr. The film opens with Weaver's girlfriend and colleague, Allie (Jennifer Garner) announces to him that she is pregnant with their child. As the day continues Weaver works the phones with various general managers, all of whom try to fleece him for draft positioning. With pressure mounting by owner Anthony Molina (Frank Langella) Weaver succumbs to the rip off deal proposed by the Seattle Seahawks GM to move up to the top pick in the draft. As news of the trade is leaked via the Twittersphere, everybody and their brother is up in arms as the previously expected pick of fearsome linebacker Vontae Mack (Chadwick Boseman) is now thrown into doubt and the projected top pick in the draft, Wisconsin Quarterback and franchise making player Bo Callahan (Josh Pence) is within reach for Sonny.

As the film continues, Weaver investigates the curious Bo Callahan via his head of security who uncovers some bizarre behavior by the top prospect. Meanwhile Weavers mother arrives at Sonny's office to honor her late husband (who died the previous week) Sonny's dad and former coach of the Cleveland Browns…whom Sonny fired. Through the day Weaver is left to resolve his issues with Allie in between screaming matches with his owner, players, coaches and basically any body he makes eye contact with. There are plenty of cameo appearances with real NFL players and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, including a rather pointless appearance by Sean "P-Diddy" Combs as Bo Callahan's agent

THE VERDICT: Draft Day is ultimately a story about choices, their consequences and ultimately redemption set again the wheeling and dealing of what has become an important day for sports fans. Comedy directing legend, Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes) takes a departure into the realm of the sports drama to helm DraftDay. Reitman expertly guides his characters through the standard sport films clichés and keeps the film at a high level so that hardcore sports fans as well as non sports fans can appreciate the film. The film is a well paced whirlwind drama that makes for an enjoyable outing at the movies.

See more of my reviews at www.silverscreened.com

Not Your Typical Sports Film

[Sygourney · 8/10 · 6 June 2014]

On April 11, treat yourself to a nearly perfect film: Draft Day. Ivan Reitman directs a star- studded cast led by Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Dennis Leary. I scored tickets to a special pre-screening of the film and I haven't seen Costner this good since 1989's Field of Dreams. Draft Day is an amazing story for anyone who enjoys America's gladiator sport. It is also a brilliant hook for the NFL to use to attract new fans. In particular, those who have never seen the battles fought on the business side of the multibillion dollar franchise will find the story difficult to resist.

Several stories are told through characters who are all connected by one of the sport's holiest of days: NFL Draft Day. We see the worry experienced by a veteran quarterback who may lose his job if the press is right. We see a touching story of a son who wants to join the team his father played for. We see the conflict of a rookie torn between what is right and what is lucrative. We see a love story born from a mutual love and respect for football that clashes with a son's duty to his mother and the memory of his father.

No other film has ever looked so beautiful while capturing the excitement of football without centering on action sequences on the field. The beauty of this film is in the chemistry between Costner and Leary as they fight for control of the destiny of the Cleveland Browns, the looks exchanged and words unsaid between Costner and Garner as he struggles to be the man he wants to become, and in the struggle between Costner and Ellen Burstyn who is struggling to be the mother he needs.

Throughout the film we are privileged to see performances worthy of any prize yet the most surprising is that of Griffin Newman as Rick, the intern. He learns faster and bonds with more characters than any other cast member. He is simply brilliant and is officially on my list of actors to watch in the coming year.

Draft Day is everything we wish American football will be. We want the struggle, the fight, and the triumph of Draft Day. I only hope a sequel is coming soon because after watching what these characters endure just to make it to the draft, I desperately want to see how their first season ends.

Kevin Costner rules

[videodrome1234 · 7/10 · 22 May 2014]

In general I like sports films and I like Kevin Costner sports films, Field of Dreams and For Love of the Game are great, but in this film our little wolf dancer's film is about American football and not baseball. The film was written by a new script writing pair and Ivan Reitman is in the director's chair. It's interesting Ivan Reitman was one of the biggest starts in the 80s, with directing films like Ghostbusters and Twins, then he disappeared for a few years and the Reitman name is mostly known now because of his son. Because of all this this is typically the type of film that had me thinking I would be pleased, but I wasn't really expecting too much. And what did I get? It's interesting. Imagine an action flick about American football where we never see a ball once, and the whole thing is like an ad, with a genius main actor. That's Draft Day. So let's talk about the story: On the day of the fictionalized 2014 NFL Draft, the consensus number one pick is a University of Wisconsin quarterback, Bo Callahan, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Cleveland Browns General Manager Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner), whose father coached the Browns and was fired by his son and passed away a week before the draft, are holding the seventh overall pick. He is given the opportunity to trade for the 1st overall draft pick, held by a fictionalized version of the Seattle Seahawks and his boss and owner. Weaver is also recently aware of the pregnancy of his girlfriend Ali Parker (Jennifer Garner) with his child. Parker also works for the Browns as a lawyer concerned with ensuring the integrity of the Browns' salary cap, and their relationship is intended to be secret from the rest of the Browns staff. The truth is, that the story just shows us what a Draft is in a split screen action film. I kept thinking about two things during the film. Moneyball, and kids sitting around trading baseball cards and talking about players. That's all. Is that enough for a film? It is … but… The film is quick, it doesn't get boring and the actors are good. Especially Costner and Dennis Leary. And anyone who likes AFL will find it interesting and I think will enjoy it. The problem to me starts with the fact that there is no back story beside the action. Or I should say nothing too deep. Just think about For Love of the Game, it was just about baseball, but oh the story line behind the game… A whole life. What's the story here? Nothing. It didn't make the film bad, it just could have been so much more, maybe seeing more of Costner's character's private life, his tragedies, but alas. I thought the storyline was the biggest problem. The script is written well, it's just the story that wasn't really worked out fully and you can feel it, with a little more work it could have been a fantastic sports film. All in all because I like sports films, and AFL and Kevin Costner I liked this film, but in my humble opinion if someone isn't really interested in the intrigue of the behind the scenes of the AFL, specifically the way the draft works I don't think they'll like this film. It would just be a boring film about things they don't really understand. That's why I give it a 6/10, but it would be less if I was an impartial viewer.

Go see it......

[NSweetRock · 9/10 · 17 April 2014]

It is a great flick! I love football and was thrilled to see a couple of my Favorite teams portrayed in this movie.... KC and Seattle! There are several NFL teams in this movie. I saw a special screening of it before it was released. I took my friend who does NOT like football and she actually really enjoyed it. It is more about the draft process of the teams than any actual football being played. I liked the story line really well and it was a good paced movie, never boring. I recommend the movie whether you are a football fan or not. Give it a shot and go see it. I am actually going to buy the DVD when it comes out. I think Kevin Costner did a great job! S

Not for the Europeans...

[Dr_Sagan · 25 July 2016]

First of all don't confuse this for a "Sports" movie.

It revolves around the NFL Draft, an annual event where the NFL managers are selecting players to join their teams.

It is a USA football thing, so if you are living in another continent, it is rather difficult to understand the rules and even more the point of this whole charade.

About the rules is something of a Poker game. At least as it looks in this picture. The manager of team A is on the phone with the manager of team B and they talk things like "I am giving you 2 of my first picks of the second round to give me your first pick for the next 2 years..." and so on.

Again, this is NOT about who wins a game or a trophy. This is merely about picking players whom you think they might be useful to your team. In the actual games they may proved to be bad choices, or injured or whatever, and despite being happy about your choices in the NFL draft, eventually to lose games and the season.

Now as movie "Draft Day" is carefully designed.

The direction and editing are trying to be "edgy" with unique split screen effects during the numerous phone-calls between the team managers. You can see for example Kevin Costner (who plays the lead role as an experienced yet unconventional manager) in a split screen walking into the other side of the frame where the manager of the other team is.

The music has a certain triumphant feeling without being to much in your face and the whole production is carefully designed.

I point that out because in this movie you have constantly the feeling that you are seeing great things taking place. Like every little decision is something that could change the world. But in reality all these "decisions" are something of a micromanagement. In the end and if you actually pay attention, what is happening and what the characters are talking about is totally uninteresting...

...and for the rest of the world, outside the US, confusing and pointless.

That's Pure Roethlisberger

[CowherPowerForever · 7/10 · 3 September 2014]

With another season of the National Football League about to get underway, I thought it would be the perfect time to sit down and watch the Kevin Costner film, Draft Day. The plot isn't anything special here but, it does give a nice look at what might be going on behind the scenes during these drafts. This is my review of Draft Day.

The story here is fairly basic as it follows Cleveland Browns General Manager, Sonny Weaver Jr.(Kevin Costner) as he is testing the waters in the NFL(Nation Football League) draft. Some trades and exchanges happen throughout the lead up the their pick in the draft, and some twist and turns happen throughout the story. There is some boring downtime in the film but, with the run time being fairly small, it doesn't hurt the film all that much. This story was written by Scott Rothman and Rajiv Joseph. While this is the first writing credit for Rothman, Joseph has done some writing on a couple television shows like Nurse Jackie. Sure its a completely different story than what he is use to writing but, it seems both gentleman got the basics of the game locked down. For the sake of a good story some of the General Managers are made to look completely dumb, not to say all General Mangers in the NFL are smart. With a fairly basic story and nothing glaring in terms of this story, both Rothman and Joseph get a barely above average grade for their work on this film.

The film was directed by Ivan Reitman who is a legendary director known for the classic Ghostbuster films. While his efforts haven't been so successful in recent memory, this film is a nice addition to a solid overall filmography. With some high rise shots of major cities like Seattle, Buffalo, Cleveland, and others, Reitman brings an enjoyable atmosphere that is the NFL draft. With a different type of film like this it can be hard to know how it will turn out and received by the fans. Without legendary actor Kevin Costner, I really don't know how well the film would have been portrayed. With a lot of secondary actors popping up for smaller roles, there is a lot to focus on but, with the script being otherwise barely above average, and Reitman not bringing much in way of helping the script, it doesn't leave us with a great film by any means. With this film being different as it follows the events of the NFL, it can be a good film for fans like myself but, those who do not follow the NFL likely won't get much from this film. Reitman does a manageable job directing this film, and since the acting is nothing special, and minus some nice shots from Reitman, this was not one of his best outings as a director.

In closing, fans of the NFL will likely watch this film and mostly enjoy it. Those who really don't follow the league or the sport that much should likely just pass on this film for the time being. Maybe a rental or stream down the road is the best option but, there is no need to rush and watch this film. If you are an NFL fan, this might be a good watch as the new season starts this upcoming weekend.

7/10

Terry Crews and Sean Combs couldn't save this

[Michael-s-dugan · 1/10 · 30 January 2015]

I will start with the things I found accurate in this movie. I find it very believable that the Browns would have an owner that is a twit and would be willing to make silly transactions to get a QB in the 1st round that is destined to be a bust. I found it wildly believable that the Browns would trade 3 years of first rounders to take a guy they could have gotten had they done nothing or (gasp) still have gotten had they even traded back a few spots. I find it incredibly believable that Jacksonville would have a GM that is totally clueless and panics like Dewey is loose in the coliseum. Dewey loves sugar!

Nothing else in this movie was believable or likable.

The script was terrible from the perspectives of character development, NFL knowledge, conversation, tension, and plot development. There are no characters in this movie to which you want to develop an attachment. All are flat and two dimensional. Several characters are in the movie for no reason other than distraction like Mom, girlfriend, ex wife, intern, etc. The NFL stuff, where to even begin? I won't get in to it. If you are an NFL wonk you see all the stupidity. If you don't care about football you won't care about the lack of realism.

For the rest of the script where is the central conflict? Is the conflict sticking with a decision you had already made while your mom is in the building? Perhaps the conflict was how did the Browns owner get from midtown to Teeterborough, catch a flight to Cleveland and then drive to his office in a matter of 20-40 minutes of real time? Perhaps he was having a gun battle with angry fans along the way? Perhaps I just wrote the script for Transporter 8?

To go with the bad script the direction and acting were stiff and formulaic. Granted what can you expect when you cast Crash Davis in the lead? And I refuse to believe Ivan Reitman directed this. I believe he took the check and then sent the neighbour kids out to direct.

Don't waste your time on this. If you need to see a football movie that then throw in The Program.

Movie presented a rough draft day of a General Manager. Yet the story could had been told better. Movie was just alright.

[ironhorse_iv · 7/10 · 21 May 2014]

This movie was no touchdown. Honestly, the movie could had work, better, if the producers retouch in some areas in the script to make it more entertaining. As a huge football fan, I found it to be a bit boring. Even some NFL fans, don't bother watching the Draft due to its confusing nature, and how dull & long, it can last. You would think a movie directed by Ivan Reitman, who known for his comical movies would at less make Draft Day, a bit funny or fun to watch, but this movie is void of humor and action. I'm not saying, this movie is bad film, it was just disappointing to me. The premise of the film revolves around the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) whom is trying to decide what is best for his team, for the upcoming NFL Draft pick. I think the movie is indeed a poor man's version of 2011's Money Ball with its similar premise. While, Moneyball was based on real events and was captivating. This movie was so fictionalized that none of it, really matters in the end. Yes, the trade that Cleveland makes in the movie is similar to the real-life trade made in the 2012 NFL Draft where the Washington Redskins traded their 2012 #6 overall pick, 2012 2nd Round selection, 2013 1st Round selection and 2014 1st Round selection for the 2012 #2 overall pick in order to select the star, they wanted, but it didn't help Washington win the Super Bowl that year. Honestly, we, as the audience don't even see the results of what the draft in the film did for the team for Cleveland Brown, or the film antagonist, the Seattle Seahawks. If the movie show them, winning or getting somewhere, maybe we can call the draft, a success or a bust, but the film doesn't do that for us. They don't even play a game in the movie. So, what was the point? I feel bad for Cleveland Browns and football fans, because there is little football action in a football movie. I don't get how the film need to dumb down the movie, for the audience mostly made out for hardcore NFL fans. Does the movie really need to explain what NFL team play for what city? It's pointless, because most likely non-NFL fans are not going to bother, watching this movie, anyways! I love wheeling and dealing backstage thing, but it wasn't tense, enough. The first half of the movie was really slow and had horrible pacing. Lot of filler scenes with the sub-plots of Sonny's secret girlfriend Ali Parker, (Jennifer Garner) being pregnancy that has little to do with the main plot. While, the movie did have a timer, it felt that the only good part in the film were the last 10 minutes, when the deals were going through. It was pretty realistic and accurate, plus a good watch. Why couldn't the movie just be about that? I think, this movie concept would have work better as a documentary like ESPN 30 for 30 film series. Why couldn't this movie be based on the documentary, 'Elway to Marino" an in-depth examination of the 1983 NFL Draft that was highlighted by a record six quarterbacks being taken in the first round, including future Hall of Famers John Elway and Dan Marino. Now, that was an interesting landmark draft. If not that, the infamous 1998's NFL Draft, where teams fought over Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. I love to see a movie that had some great draft bust and draft steals, which this movie sadly was missing. The acting is alright, but the movie mostly focus on the main character, so the film lacks development supporting characters. They are harden noticeable. I do like the cameos of real football stars like Arian Foster and legend Jim Brown. I give Arian Foster, some props. He can act. A lot of people might not like Kevin Costner's acting chops, but for me being a huge fan of Kevin Costner's early work, I have to say that, I find his acting in this film OK. Still, I think he was a bit typecast. I really don't know what the movie was going with his character. It felt like it was written for a much younger actor, and Kevin's presence make the film seem old and tiresome. Another thing, bothering me is the awful swap and cross cuts. The movie really went overboard with the transitions and it did become a bit repeatable. Lots of dialogue, but none of them were very noticeable. Give the audience more rocket-fire witty dialogue. I would pass on this movie at theaters or buying the DVD, and interception for a DVD rental price or wait into it aired on TV. Tackle it, if you really want to watch it, but just note, that while, it's describe as a football movie. There is little of it, in the end. Still, a very thought-provoking perspective into the business side of the NFL.