Any Given Sunday (1999)

Any Given Sunday, Oliver Stone's salute-cum-exposé of pro football, belabors some pretty obvious points for nigh onto three hours; but between the frenetic editing, the pounding rap-music beats, and several flashy performances, it's certainly never dull. Al Pacino, coach of the fictional Miami Sharks (the NFL declined involvement in this production), struggles with the most time-honored of sports movie dilemmas: what to do with the old friend who's past his prime and the young hotshot who could save the franchise but first has to learn what being a team player is all about. Comedian Jamie Foxx does a marvelous dramatic turn as the rookie quarterback whose ego and talent are equally impressive, while Pacino seems more at ease in Oliver Stone Land than any actor since regular James Woods (on hand as well as a sleazy team doctor). Prowling the sidelines, shouting spittle-flecked orders, seizing up in almost physical pain when a play goes the wrong way, Pacino is as unashamedly--and entertainingly--hyperbolic as Stone's whirling montages of boiling storm clouds, bloodthirsty fans, and players smashed into the mud. (Once again football, perhaps the most sophisticated of team sports, is viewed cinematically as a bunch of guys hitting each other in slow motion.) Unfortunately, all the self-conscious mythologizing and pumped-up macho posturing that Stone can muster doesn't conceal a clichéd, slapped-together script, whose few good ideas (mostly about race in America) jostle about with several hoary, terrible ones--including a too-literal analogy of football players as modern gladiators. (To drive the point home, Stone includes Charlton Heston--the aging Ben-Hur--in one of many star-powered cameos.) All in all, Any Given Sunday is never dull, but never very enjoyable, either. --Bruce Reid Amazon.com

A misunderstood film......

I am not a football fan however I did find this film entertaining. As you'll read here this film draws mixed emotions from many here who have seen it. Being an Oliver Stone production I guess other felt this film should have had more depth due to him being the Director however my opinion was that maybe Stone for once didn't want to push the whole "message" thing he normally does and instead focused more on entertainment with the flamboyant actors who did fit with what I believe this film tried to project.

On the negative side however I wish they did add to the backstory of Cameron Diaz' character as I feel her role left questions unanswered and more about her character was needed to make sense of her actions. If you pay attention to the subtle background conversations and chatter you'll discover Cameron's character was making some bad calls like losing 3 draft picks for unknown reasons and her secret deal to move the franchise as well as the financial issues of needing a new stadium. Had these things been more thoroughly explained, Cameron Diaz would not have been outshined by LL and LT as an actor as she was in this film. LT for example had a simpler role in this film but outshined Cameron Diaz solely because his character fit him better.

Overall this was a very entertaining film and could be enjoyed provided you accept these weaknesses in the plot and instead enjoy the film for what I believe it's intention was; to be a fast paced action movie with subtle life lessons mixed in. Also, I wouldn't suggest this film for young children as some of the adult content may be disturbing. If not taken seriously, it's a fun film. June 10, 2008

One of my favorite football films

Any Given Sunday is a film that everyone love if you're a football fan or not. Oliver Stone direction of the games and actors is some of the best since North Dallas Forty. The cinematography by Andrezj Bartchowizk is very good also. Al Pacnio as the coach and Cameronz Diaz as the team owner both gave oscar worthy performances as do Jamoe Foxx and LL Cool as the quarter back and wide receiver. March 25, 2008

A Must See for Football Fans

A film about a failing pro football teams, the Miami Sharks, and the politics of the players, coaches, and management. It's a long film about an aging quarterback and the young hot shot who wants his place. Al Pacino is passionate as a veteren coach whose passed over when the team owner dies in favor of the surviving daughter. Like many of Stone's films, thisis intense and full of detail while getting into lots of the characters lives and motivations. This is a movie for die hard football fans. Otherwise, viewers may get lost in all the information. February 18, 2008

All you need to know

All you need to know about this movie is:

Immensely talented cast (except for the always-horrible Cameron Diaz) wasted by incapable director in making the worst sports movie ever. February 18, 2008

Great Sports Movie

This one is a classic. Buy it to see Jamie Foxx become the actor he is now. February 12, 2008

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