George (Gerard Butler) is a washed up soccer star. Oh, there was a time when he had it all, a beautiful wife, Stacy (Jessica Beil),a darling son, Lewis (Noah Lomax) and a jet-setting career. But, once he retired, he foolishly lost it all, through skirt-chasing, bad investments, and lousy parenting. Stacy lives in the DC area, with new fiancé, Matt (James Tupper) and her growing son and, after years of wandering, that's where George has rented a small carriage house near a larger mansion. Although he is trying to make it as a television broadcaster, his present job situation is "iffy". Nevertheless, the aging has-been makes it clear to his ex that he is keen to develop a better relationship with his son and is "sticking around". This throws Stacy into a tizzy, as it was much easier for her to write him out of her life in absentia. As Lewis is a member of a local little league soccer team, George shows up to watch his son play. All too soon it becomes obvious that the present coach is too busy with work calls to give his full attention to the kids. Subtly, George gives out advice and, before long, the parents, especially Karl (Dennis Quaid) wants George to run the show. Then, too, Karl's gorgeous wife, Patti (Uma Thurman),an attractive divorcée, Denise (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and an insecure single mother, Barb (Judy Greer) also are glad to have a handsome man like George in close proximity. With women at his heels and fathers handing him cash and cars, will this distract George from his real "goal", which is to win Stacy back? What a very enjoyable film this is, a real keeper, combining fun, glamour, and serious issues. Butler does a great job as the man who is just learning to act like an adult while Biel gives a sensitive, low-key performance as Stacy. Wow, does Thurman, Z-Jones, and Greer look sensational as they give fine support! Lomax is a cute, talented child star while Quaid has the obnoxious, rich mogul act down pat. Only Tupper's "nice guys have no lines" role is disappointing, for he deserves more. Also, the Virginia setting is lovely, while the costumes, script, and studied direction do well in enhancing the story. So, dear ladies and truly anyone who wants a break from superheroes, vampires, zombies, gangsters or action movies, this flick has a evening of delight waiting for you. Buy tickets soon.
Playing for Keeps
2012
Action / Comedy / Romance / Sport
Playing for Keeps
2012
Action / Comedy / Romance / Sport
Plot summary
George is a former professional soccer star who's moved to Virginia to be close to his ex-wife and son. He's broke, jobless, without a plan, and a constant source of disappointment to his son. When he takes over as his son's soccer coach, he has a new connection to the lad. He also gets the attention of three of the players' moms as well as the glad hand of a wealthy dad. His ex-wife's getting married, he has a lead on a sportscasting job, and he finds new ways to disappoint his son. Is there any way he can sort things out?
Uploaded by: OTTO
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A real keeper, so its very discouraging to see national critics slam sweet films like this
I can't root for George
George (Gerard Butler) is a former soccer star who is trying to reconnect with his son. He's broke, and unemployed. When he gets talked into coaching the kid's soccer team, he gets the attention of many of the soccer moms. His ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel) is about to marry nice guy Matt (James Tupper). His life is a mess that could destroy more than just himself.
The biggest problem is that Matt seems like such a nice guy. There isn't any reason to root for George to get back with Stacie. In fact, I mostly rooted against them together. And nothing he did persuaded me otherwise. Everything he did only reinforced my fear for the return of George. None of it is funny. So there really isn't anything I like about George other than his relationship with his son. I was hoping it concentrate more on that part of his life. When you have a whole bunch of beautiful women in front of Gerard Butler, the temptation is too great.
Having a ball
Gerard Butler plays an ex professional footballer trying to kick-start his life in America by becoming a sports presenter and be near his son.
Butler plays George Fryer, who played for Celtic, Liverpool (he was there 'at that famous night in Istanbul') and also played for his national team, Scotland before playing soccer in the USA.
A bit like George Best he has lived the good life and is now short of cash and in order to get closer with his son, he coaches the kids soccer team which means all the soccer moms wants to bed him. Butler still carries a torch for his ex wife who is planning to marry someone else.
Butler enjoys playing a footballer who is a babe magnet much to puzzlement of his landlord who is always chasing him for the rent. Butler displays an easy charm but there is very little original in a story where the women are shown to be shallow and vapid.