Fantasy Football tells the story of a daughter who can control her 11 year veteran NFL player father on the football field by playing with him virtually in Madden on XBox.
First I will say as big Atlanta Falcons fan - I had to watch this movie but I am clearly not the demographic they are going for. This film is very family friendly touching on themes of teamwork, family, empathy, being humble and self confidence. In fact it really isn't about football what-so-ever other than that's the medium this story is told. The core of the story is the father and daughter's relationship and how he deals with her growing up and wanting to like her own life. The football elements are notability weak and some of the big moments found in other sports movies are completely skipped over.
The acting is hit and miss to put it lightly. The lead Marsai Martin is very good as the daughter. She is sweet and intelligent and she's played terrifically. 48 year old Omari Hardwick as the dad feels very mis-cast to me. He looks too old for a young 30s running back and I never once get the athlete vibe from him. Rome Flynn plays the "antagonist" as the running back who loses his job to Hardwick, and I also think he feels miscast. He's snotty, one demential and intentionally not likable. I did love seeing the best tight end of all time Tony Gonzalez as the head coach- I am not sure he is believe either but I loved seeing him on screen, unlike many other characters.
The end of the movie is sweet and satisfying but the middle is frustrating and just drags. It's very clear where this story is going- heck even the kids can probably guess- and it chugs along at a snail's pace. I nearly didn't finish because of this , though I was ultimately glad I finished it.
So I have probably already put more serious thought into this film than the film makers ever intended anyone to do. It's a good background spirt of football and family type film- but it's not exactly new or compelling. It isn't for hardcore fans , but if you want something uplifting with good themes- you could do worse.
