The Replacements (2000)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Brooke Langton, Jon Favreau, Rhys Ifans, Jack Warden

Director: Howard Deutch

Time: 118 mins

There are certain films that aim at a certain demographic, and The Replacements is one of them. While ostensibly another sports movie about a bunch of misfit underdogs who rise above themselves in the climactic game/match/bout, etc. (a theme explored time and again in films like Rocky and The Karate Kid), The Replacements is so blatant in its targeting of teenaged and 20-something males that it should carry a warning for people who are not part of that socio-economic group. There is a liberal sprinkling of comedy (of the sort that would appeal to young males), plenty of sports action (with all its associated fast editing and pulsating music), and a gratuitously excessive number of shots of female cheerleaders in sexy dance moves and poses. Is this film targeting young males? You be the judge.

The plot for this type of redemption-through-sports movie is stock-standard, of course. When professional footballers go on strike, coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) assembles a group of rough and tough men to play for the Washington Sentinels. These players include ex-SWAT member Daniel Bateman (Jon Favreau), Welsh super kicker Nigel Gruff (Rhys Ifans) and failed college quarterback Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves). Not only do these misfits have to deal with their own differences, they have to contend with a group of jealous striking players and several fierce opposing teams. Meanwhile, Falco strikes up a romance with cheerleader Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton), while trying to come to terms with his fear of failing on the field again. When the opportunity to make the play-offs arises, it is up to Falco to unite his team and turn them into winners.

The Replacements is entertaining in a forgettable way, with lots of larger-than-life characters and silly but funny situations. The humour is there, certainly, but it's not of the intelligent variety. Where else would you find a cheerleading troupe filled with strippers? Or a football team with a sumo wrestler? Or someone released from prison for the express purpose of playing for the team? The football action is decently choreographed, but never really rises to the exciting heights of, say, Rocky. Indeed, the meant-to-be-rousing finale is fairly bland. The romantic portion is almost unnecessary, but is there to fill in the bits between the on-field action. And the overabundant snippets of cheerleading routines during the final ten minutes almost borders on overkill, however visually appealing they may be (this is speaking from a male point of view, of course).

The main actors seem to be here for the pay cheque. Hackman is a consummate actor, but there's nothing in the script or film to suggest he's a double Academy Award winner. Reeves, who can be quite effective when playing within his range (such as in Speed), has probably the most serious character in the film. Thankfully he only has to redeem himself, and not have to "live up to his father" (is this storyline a cliche yet?). The other "footballers" are funny caricatures, with Rhys Ifans, who was so memorable in Notting Hill, imported from Britain to reprise virtually the same role. As for the female characters, Brooke Langton and the rest of the cheerleaders don't have much to do except to show some cleavage and plenty of skin.

The Replacements has no pretence about what its aim is. The story is light and breezy, there's a bit of sport here, some laughter there, and tightly dressed girls everywhere. Sounds like a lazy day at the beach, really (no wonder it was released at the tail end of the North American summer!). It's not meant to be a thought-provoking film, which is fine if all you're after is entertainment. You probably won't remember much of it after a few days, but for a relaxing, mind-resting two hours, The Replacements may be worth a viewing. Provided you're a young male, of course.

(c) Joe Wong (8 November 2000)