Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.

I’m excited about this one. I’ve heard that Clooney considers this the better of his two films this fall, and considering how solid MICHAEL CLAYTON is, that’s high praise indeed.

Hey Harry,

Call me Atredies

I hope this review ain't too late, but last night I caught the preview screening of George Clooney's latest opus, Leatherheads. There are already a couple of so-so reviews about the cut that was screened in New Jersey last night. I also noticed that some of them were just off the mark about the film.... that it takes place during the Depression or what have you.

The movie takes place in 1925, four years before it went all down hill so this movie not only celebrates the beginnings of pro football (in the way Clooney directs it) but also the decadence of that time during Prohibition.

Flappers, bar fights, and lots of that crazy new urban sound called Jazz.

All around it's a good movie but there is need for improvement in terms of the exact tone of the film. Is it a farce, a romantic comedy, or an homage to everything that was good about that time period?

Parts come off quite melodramatic as Clooney tries to reinforce the loss of freedom that comes about when football turns from a bunch of guys just playing it for the hell of it into a professional sport with rules and regulations or the callous scheming by John Krasinski's manager the always tact and dry Jonathan Pryce.

However, the film also jumps into a witty homage to those romantic movies of the past. This is especially true in the scenes with Clooney and Zellweger and their chemistry. Between the banter and one particular "speakeasy" sequence this is what will sell the movie to the ladies.

Krasinski does his best and comes off both as a smug A-hole and a kid over his head due to some undeserved national appreciation.

The supporting cast was all rock solid and I can see why this movie can be pitched as I paraphrase "The Bad News Bears meets Cinderella Man".

Musical tracks were obviously borrowed as the last few minutes of the climactic football game between *SPOILER* Clooney and Krasinski is taken from Rudy.

The movie has a Coen Brothers flair to it and come December this might be the Winter hit. Not a great movie but sure as hell an entertaining one.

It’s interesting that almost everyone who’s seen this one so far pulls out that Coen Bros. reference. Makes perfect sense. Clooney may have starred in one of my least-favorite Coen films, but even so, it seems like he really bonded with them, and that he responded to the way they work. If you’re going to learn from a collaborator, then there probably aren’t many collaborators better to learn from.

I’m also glad to see that Clooney and Zellweger have finally worked together. I remember when I had an early screener copy of NURSE BETTY on tape (those were the days, eh?) and took it over to watch with a friend of Clooney’s. She took it from me and gave it to George, and I heard later that he was totally blown away by it, and by her in particular. I’m guessing he’s been looking for the right film for the two of them to do together ever since, and it sounds like this one might have been worth the wait.

saw a screening of LETTERHEADS by George Clooney tonight in Edgewater, NJ.

Its really good.

I thought at the outset that a period football flick would be a total bore but after 10 mins I figured out this is a Coen Bros. movie and totally fell for it- this thing rules!!!!

Most important its got Clooney and Zellwegger as a romantic team...which is a LONG TIME COMING BEYATCHES!!!

They are so fluid, so meant to be togther....that once the movie focuses on them its its own clever thing,
She's in Chicago phase...he's in O BRother - its snarkiness at its charmingly douchiest best -- like GOODBY MR. CHIPS meets MAME - kinda classic and I loved it.

If nothing else Clooney paces and places well.

John Krasinski is good as the reluctant hunk with a secret.

I bet this thing gives Zelwegger Best Actress and Clooney Best Screenplay at least...this thing is a cult classic waiting to be had!!!!

PHILOFTHEFUTURE