It’s only April and Kevin Costner has already starred in three movies this year.  I’ve only seen one, however, which is his latest effort, Draft Day.  No one is more closely associated with sports movies than Costner, and this project casts him as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, trying to improve the team through a few magic moves on the title day in question.

Ivan Reitman’s movie is generally sharp and polished, with a compelling script that explores the administrative side of professional football with aplomb.  It also details the sticky personal life of its protagonist Sonny Weaver, Jr. (Costner), and in that regard it isn’t nearly as successful.  Weaver is carrying on with the team’s financial statistical analyst Ali (Jennifer Garner) and trying to come to grips with the recent death of his father.  All of this personal turmoil comes to a head on the day of the draft, as the team’s owner (Frank Langella) pressures Weaver to make a splash.

The situation involving the draft is cleanly established and instantly rewarding, at least for sports fans.  Weaver’s moves are, and should be, second guessed not only by the other characters, but viewers, too, as the pressure rises throughout the day. Things get a little crazy at the end, which climaxes in a way that only a movie ever would, yet the ride is worthwhile.  The characters and situations ring true, and the movie earns its honest emotional payoff.  And I love the fact that everything hinges on a little piece of paper that Weaver keeps with him.

There’s plenty of verisimilitude in Draft Day, with real ESPN commentators and local radio hosts dissecting the draft and Weaver’s moves all day long.  Much of the film’s milieu depends on media perception, which adds tremendous scrutiny — and fear of failure — to every team as they try to better themselves.  Non-sports fans may grow tired of all the football emphasis, yet the office politics and character interaction are universal.  Draft Day may not be a touchdown from kickoff, but it’s at least a field goal from the 50-yard line.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  17 April 2014.