In the heartwarming narrative of "Brady's 80," we dive into the world of a 80-year-old former NFL star (Tom Brady, who also served as the film's producer and director), now living his golden years with undying passion for football, music, and romance.
Powerhouse actresses Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda (both following the success of "Grace and Frankie"), Rita Moreno, and Sally Field round out the star-studded cast. This crew of vivacious seniors embark on a whimsical adventure filled with comedic twists and poignant life reflections.
As Lou (Tomlin) prepares for the Super Bowl 2017, an ingenious idea pops into her mind: a road trip to Houston to witness the game in person, hoping to score tickets through a local radio show. The journey veers from Sitcom-type shenanigans to heartfelt conversations touching on age, mortality, and resilience.
Directed by Kyle Marvin, the film is based on a screenplay penned by the "Booksmart" duo - Sarah Haskins and Emily Halpern. The greatest challenge lies in crafting a captivating tale that fills these zany weekend exploits, punctuated by a touch of politur, sweetly switching between laughter and satire.
Taking viewers on a ride of culinary competitions, high-stakes poker games, to Latin lovers with Tampa Bay Buccaneers veterans, the plot unfolds a series of intriguing episodes.
Note: This film is chock-full of nostalgic Super Bowl clips and authentic commentary delivered by Rob Corddry and Alex Moffat from "Saturday Night Live", as they hilariously struggle to stay afloat in their recalcitrant radio roles.
Catching glimpses of Brady's charisma on and off the field, you can't help but appreciate his courage to embrace acting, evident in this jovial, human drama.
As Lou looks back, filled with tender nostalgia at the young Quarterback's zest, her admiration for him radiates, blurring the lines of professional respect.
Sadly, the film's charm and originality are whittled away by cliches, as the narrative relentlessly evolves into a Hollywood stereotype, leaving only the title intact. Regardless, it celebrates the spirit of this legendary footballer with genuine admiration.
Embracing the longstanding tradition of Hollywood ageism, a film as daring as this one, teeming with an ensemble as extraordinary as this, is worthy of attention – although it may come off as an unconventional, cinematic afternoon or dinner play.
In its most authentic form, "Brady's 80" serves as a heartfelt tribute to an NFL icon, with fans likely appreciating the opportunity to revisit the old Super Bowl days.
Premiere date: 3rd February in US theaters. Rated PG-13.
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