“Draft Day,” Grade B-: Makers of the Kevin Costner film are banking that rabid NFL fans will have as much interest in a fictional version of the annual draft as they do in the real one. Director Ivan Reitman rips back the curtain to show the process coaches and executives go through to select college football prospects for their teams.
Just in case there’s not enough drama-and comedy-as last-second deals are being made, Reitman’s sprinkled in a few human interest stories. The combination isn’t a touchdown, but it does score a few points.
Where the film fumbles is the mix of reality and fantasy. The NFL gave the filmmakers unprecedented access to NFL facilities-even filming the real draft. It’s understandable that the names of the players being discussed in this fictional story wouldn’t be real, but there are still some jarring moments. It’s hard to look at Super Bowl XLVIII winner Seattle having the first pick-the spot reserved for the worst team in the NFL.
“Mom’s Night Out,” Grade C-: Dads are forced to take care of the children while the moms enjoy a night out.
It’s always painful to knock a family, faith-based movie because there are so few films made in the genre. But a review isn’t based on good intentions; it has to look at the execution.
The big problem is that none of the moms are interesting. Patricia Heaton sleepwalks her way through the role of Sondra, the preacher’s wife with a shady past, while Andrea Logan White’s portrayal of the nerdish Izzy is so dull she would make a wallflower look exciting. Abbie Cobb is supposed to play the bad girl of the group, Bridget, but she’s got little to do except run around and shout, “Where’s my baby?”
It’s judgment day for “Mom’s Night Out.” The family-friendly film starts out with promise but never comes through.
Also new on DVD Sept. 2:
“The World Wars”: History channel series that looks at three decades of 20th Century world war.
“They Came Together”: It is hate at first sight for a couple. Paul Rudd stars.
“Bonanza: The Official Seventh Season-Volumes One and Two”: Michael Landon, Dan Blocker and Lorne Greene star in this TV western.
“Night Moves”: Three radical environmentalists try to execute an epic protest.
“Line of Duty, Series 2”: Keeley Hawes plays a member of AC12, a police anti-corruption unit, charged with investigating an ambush of a police convoy.
“Leave the World Behind”: Electronic dance group Swedish House Mafia decides to end the group in order to save their friendship.
“Heavenly Sword”: Nariko is the guardian of a very special sword.
“Lovejoy, Series 2”: Ian McShane plays an antiques dealer in this whodunit.
“For No Good Reason”: Provides an in-depth look at one of the trailblazers of the “Gonzo” movement.
“The Originals: The Complete First Season”: CW series about the battle for New Orleans between vampires and witches.
“Midsomer Murders, Series 10 and Series 11”: John Nettles plays the savvy DCI Barnaby.
“Person of Interest: The Complete Third Season”: The team suffers a devastating loss in this CBS series.
“Cabin Fever: Patient Zero”: Bachelor weekend becomes a nightmare.
“Baby Blues”: Young couple finds a mysterious doll in their new home.
“Looney Tues Platinum Collection Volume 3”: Includes 50 cartoons from the 1930s to the 1960s.
“From the Rough”: Taraji P. Henson plays the first woman to coach a college men’s golf team.
“Duck Dynasty: Quack or Treat”: Phil, Willie, Si and Jase Robertson get their costumes ready to do some serious pumpkin carving.
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