The Replacements Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Pain heals, Chicks dig scars... Glory lasts for ever
Pros on strike. Everyday guys get to play.
Throw the ball. Catch the girl. Keep it simple.
Hit hard
A comedy based on the 1987 professional football players' strike. Gene Hackman plays the coach of the team, Jack Warden is the owner, Brett Cullen is the All-Pro quarterback that goes on strike and Keanu Reeves is the "scab" who replaces the star QB.
| Keanu Reeves | Shane Falco |
| Gene Hackman | Jimmy McGinty |
| Brooke Langton | Annabelle Farrell |
| Orlando Jones | Clifford Franklin |
| Faizon Love | Jamal Jackson |
| Michael Taliferro | Andre Jackson |
| Ace Yonamine | Jumbo |
| Troy Winbush | Walter Cochran |
| David Denman | Brian Murphy |
| Jon Favreau | Daniel Bateman |
| Michael Jace | Earl Wilkinson/Ray Smith |
| Rhys Ifans | Nigel 'The Leg' Gruff |
| Gailard Sartain | Pilachowski |
| Art LaFleur | Banes |
| Brett Cullen | Eddie Martel |
| Howard Deutch |
6.10 out of 10 (11774 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Expected storyline, but completely unexpected hilarity
posted on 31 Jul 2009To work, comedy has to be unexpected. And that is just what makes "The Replacements" work so well. Oh, not that the storyline is unexpected, for from it. But the actual comedy embedded in that plot is often delightfully quirky and quite unusual in this extremely good-natured and entertaining film. The very first scene, for example, takes place in a completely unexpected setting and proceeds in a really odd-ball way.As it is most times, Keanu Reeves acting is subtle. In this film you have to watch those eyes that are so eloquent when he's discouraged and listen to those little expelled breaths that convey so well (and so humorously) his state of mind when he's near the girl he's finds attractive. It's all there, and more, if you watch closely. Reeves is completely believable as a man who needs a second chance to do something he loves--play football. It's like he's a different person on and off the field--and that's exactly what the movie was trying to convey. The development (redemption is only too slightly strong a word) of Reeves' character is excellently portrayed. That struggle to overcome provides a good solid center around which all the hilarity revolves and becomes funnier in contrast.Gene Hackman and the rest of this ensemble cast did a great job--everyone has his or her moments. If the movie has a weakness, it's the romance. Not that Brook Langton and Reeves aren't good in the clinches--they have a definite chemistry. But it seems like there should have just been one scene between them with some real substance."The Replacements" also succeeds well as a football movie. The great photography and sound; the inventiveness of the script in dreaming up unusual and funny, yet still plausible, game events; and the evident attention to training for and depicting the physical moves, all add up to a movie which sports fans will relish. And yet, the football plays, are presented so clearly that even someone who's not a knowledgeable football fan can understand everything that's happening, even the first time.Comedy is tough--it's quite an achievement to have folks in the theater laughing for most of two hours. And that's certainly what the audience did when I saw "The Replacements." As well as cheering out loud for the "home team," clapping at the end, and coming out feeling like dancing to "I Will Survive" like they did in the movie. As well as feeling like we can survive and be ourselves--just like those scrappy, eccentric replacements.
What a Hoot!
posted on 25 Jul 2009This film is amazing and really showcases the very excellent KEANU REEVES [as 'Shane Falco'] in a great way. This guy is so dedicated to his craft and really makes a realistic 'Quarterback Hunk' in my opinion. He's FALCOTASTIC!!According to the DVD special features it really was him out there making the plays and getting 'hit' as well. GO FALCO!!I also love the ensemble cast and they are really great characters and you can tell they had fun making this movie. I especially love ORLANDO JONES as 'Clifford Franklin'. He has a great talent for comedy and mostly improvised.The DVD of this movie is first rate and highly recommended. The soundtrack is excellent too, so go and buy...GOOD WORK MR DEUTCH!
Loved IT!!!
posted on 21 Jul 2009This movie was absolutely fun. It didn't have any raunchy humor or repeated sex jokes that seems to be the norm lately. I am not a sports fan at all, but all through the movie, I was laughing very hard. The ending is a tad predictable, but oh well. It was a funny, feel good movie and definitely worth seeing! The sound track absolutely ROCKS and it makes you realize how vital music can be to a movie.
Everyone I know loves it; critics hated it
posted on 21 Jul 2009Once in a while a little film comes along that gets panned by critics and instantly disappears into the dust. Then it pops up on TV and becomes a favorite with a lot of viewers.I managed to not even notice the 2000 release of The Replacements - it came and went that quickly. But I did catch it on cable recently and found that while it does follow the usual clichés of sports/comedy movies - inspirational coach, washed up player becomes the hero, romantic sub-plot - it has some very very funny moments, and overall, is an extremely enjoyable film. I've talked to other people who have all said, "Oh yeah, I loved that movie, really funny." I won't rehash plot and details - there's too many other reviews that have done that already. What makes this movie fun to watch are the truly goofy, off the wall scenes that you don't find in other sports movies - loved the jailhouse line dancing scene - the memorable characters and their interaction with each other, and the bone crunching game sequences. The comic characters don't seem cartooney, like they did in Major League. They play off each other and seem like slightly broader versions of real people. The out-of-shape chain-smoking Scotsman with the kicking leg of steel, the sumo wrestler, the ex-con, the cop with anger issues, the butterfingered comedian - they are goofy and hilarious, but at the same time completely believable.Keanu Reeves' stoic face and delivery works to great effect here - he is a guy who has repressed a lot of fear and humiliation, but responds to the looseness and friendship of his teammates. Gene Hackman, who of course is always great, plays it perfectly. He has the clichéd role of the inspirational coach, but he always has a twinkle in his eye, like he appreciates both the absurdity of his job and the issues that have kept all his players from achieving success in the past.This is a very fun film that - surprisingly - actually delves into some deeper issues. What keeps us from becoming successful if we have all the tools? How do we regain will to succeed, inner drive and belief in ourselves once we have lost it? What makes a team a team? It is to this film's credit that these underlying themes don't keep it from being entertaining and laugh out loud funny at times.If you know and love football, you will enjoy this movie.
Okay, but this time the "Keanu" effect fits. . .
posted on 07 Jul 2009In this movie Keanu is in full blown "I know kung fu" mode, but it was okay to me this time. You know why? Because it FIT this movie. And if it fits, then it doesn't bother me that much.
Football and movies are my two favorite things. The football is pulled off very well visually in this movie, from the uniforms down to the players movements. It doesn't look that staged, even though we all know that it is.
Having someone like John Madden in the film also helps in the football credibility department, and I just love that he and Pat don't have a problem making fun of themselves. Orlando and Jon are extremely funny and Brooke Langton is extremely gorgeous in this film, and I'll never ever forget the infamous cheerleader scene with Heather, Dawn and all of their stripper friends. Classic.
Um, what am I missing? Oh Yeah! The acting? Doesn't really matter in this movie. It's good. Check it out.
Excelent movie for laughs without being total fluff
posted on 05 Jul 2009Sure this piece isn't the deepest thing that ever entered the theaters but hey, before you judge a film on it's moral implications and deeper meanings, think of this "What genre is it?" and "What is this movie intended to do?" The movie is quite cute, and very well done. I am generally not that big on Gene Hackman (he's a good actor I just don't always care for his films) but was pleased by the light air of amusement he brought to the role. Keanu Reeves may not be the world's most expressive actor (and being a guy I don't worry about whether he's "cute" or not) but he just seems to fit the bill a lot of the time. Anthony Hopkins is a tremendous actor, but that doesn't mean he'd make a good quarterback (well, you never know with him), but Keanu Reeves just plays it quite naturally, athletes can often be a little stiff, especially one who is slightly alienated. The supporting cast was great, and each brought that little bit of zeal to their role instead of resting on the laurels of being famous. Think of this, how many successful movies made stars instead of used them (In a word Star Wars). This has light comedy, an undertone about the snobbish attitudes of modern athletes, without worrying about any kind of specific finger (all the teams are fictional). It had classy humour (no fart gags and other crass things meant to be humour) and not-so-classy humor for those who need that sort of thing (in a word, Cheerleaders). So overall you didn't come away a greater person for the effort but really, all that matters is did it entertain and did you come out a HAPPIER person.
Two thumbs up - it'll hold your attention and make you laugh.
posted on 21 Jun 2009Having seen a lot of sports movies, I wasn't sure if this film was going to be different or not. On some levels it was, and on other levels, it was formulaic and (somewhat) predictable. This didn't make it any less enjoyable, as it held my attention for the full length of the film. Since all the other reviews detail the plot, I'll dispense with a plot synopsis and tell you that it was a good film, even with the excessive language. I took my 12 year old son with me to see it (PG-13) and it's every bit a PG-13 film. The Puke scene in the huddle had us laughing as only a kid watching a puke scene could laugh! If you take "The Longest Yard", "The Bad News Bears", and a couple of other good sports flicks, you have "The Replacments". The comedy kept us laughing, and you find yourself rooting for these wannabe professional football players. I found myself tapping my foot with the soundtrack music (BTO - "Takin' Care of Business" appropriately came blasting out when the team finally started clicking as a team). It is entertaining, and I found myself wincing at some of the hits on the field. "Scary Movie"? FORGET IT. This film is a much, much better way to spend a couple of hours. Pony up your money to see it. Out of 10 I'd give it a solid 8.
A Football Players Delight!
posted on 21 Jun 2009Score one for the anti-statistics sports fan. This movie should be played in every locker room of every football team at the beginning of every season. Yes I am (or was) a football player and I still love to watch the game because I can tell you the outcome most of the time according to the spirit of the team - You've got to have heart! - a reference to Cole Porter from 'Anything Goes' - 'Miles and miles and miles of heart!' is the message of the movie.You don't get to be a professional player without top skills and top conditioning but you don't win games without a damn good reason: 'winning one for the Gipper' - 'get into the playoffs' - 'They hurt us last time' - whatever.But aside from the message, this is just good fun. Strip-tease cheerleaders, John Madden comments, romance. If you like football at all, don't miss this movie. Oh, and by the way, if you are a John Favreau fan at all, like I am, you really must see it.
Very funny, if not terribly original.
posted on 09 Jun 2009Boy, there are a lot of good actors in this movie. Obviously Keanu isn't one of them but he's in the movie anyway. He does a good job of being opaque (wooden?), and it's OK because his character calls for him to be a washed-up jock and to play football, so it's not important that he can't convey subtle emotions. As usual Orlando Jones is very funny, as is Rhys Ifans (previously seen in Notting Hill as basically the same character, except this time he's an athlete instead of a couch potato). The whole replacement team is full of amusing characters, and the cheerleaders are *really* funny. Lots of individual original jokes and situations but the plot follows the typical underdog sports movie storyline. A great rental.
Odd Over-Achiever.
posted on 18 May 2009Films like "The Replacements" are not supposed to be good, but this is a major exception to the rule. Gene Hackman stars as a professional head football coach who must bring a rag-tag bunch of players together to win during a players' strike. The film is somewhat based on the NFL Strike which took place in 1987 when replacements suited up for three weeks. The ensemble cast is good as Keanu Reeves and a very attractive Brooke Langton make stand-out performances. Orlando Jones (the guy from the 7-Up commercials) adds a load of laughs as well. An enjoyable little film. 4 stars out of 5.
Probably not the worst film I've seen this year
posted on 14 May 2009Mediocre is my recollection of it. I'm amazed that it is so popular with you all, so I'm gonna have to watch it again to make sure. so many people can't be wrong, surely. Maybe it's coz I'm not American so all the pomp and ceremony over that (to me) sporadic and ridiculous game is lost on me. Anyway, i'll give it another chance. In any event, maybe screwball American comedy isn't my genre. I really don't want to talk about that movie any more so the 10 line rule IMDb have is a bit of a nuisance really. I started to going to the gym about 2 months ago and I never had any problem with eating whatever food I liked without putting on weight but now I can't look at a chocolate bar without my gut popping out. I also think that people who go to the gym have prematurely ageing skin. There, 10 lines at least.
de ja vu
posted on 26 Apr 2009I think I've seen this movie before. I can't remember the title, but it might have been Wildcats, Necessary Roughness, Major League, Teen Wolf, Teen Wolf Too, or The Mighty Ducks. You'd never expect professional football players to miss plays because they're watching the unexpectedly sexy cheerleaders. And yet, apparently it happens.
A fun movie, but not as good as the team it's based on.
posted on 29 Mar 2009I enjoyed The Replacements. It's pretty silly but still a lot of fun. Gene Hackman, as the coach, is good -- as he always is. Keanu Reeves is just right as the replacement quarterback, and Brooke Langton is terrific as the beautiful, sexy-but-wholesome head cheerleader. The fact that she and Reeves' character fall in love is predictable but nice.I would like to note, however, that this movie is very-loosely based on a real replacement team that played for the Washington Redskins during an NFL players' strike. Despite the fact that the real Redskins were the only NFL team that did not have a single player who crossed the picket line during the strike, their replacements won all three of their games and helped the Redskins make the playoffs where they ultimately won the Superbowl. The Redskins' replacements finest game was their last one -- an improbable victory over a Dallas Cowboys team many of whose regular players had crossed the picket line.So enjoy The Replacements as a comedy, but please don't forget what the Redskins' replacements actually accomplished in real life.
Pretty Cool
posted on 23 Mar 2009Some people aren't giving this movie enough credit. Yes it is another football movie. But with style. The jokes are funny and not repeated, a little bit of action and of course Keanu Reeves. I really don't enjoy the game of football that much. But this movie was quite a nice change of pass.A loose take off on the 1987 football strike. when football players decided that they don't play unless they get paid, replacement players are brought in. Yes the movie is predictable and can't be compared to other movies, but it's light hearted and doesn't take much to think about. Definitely worth see."I will survive"
A fun and enjoyable film
posted on 11 Feb 2009Finally a football movie that gives the viewer what they want, football.
Yes, "The Replacements" is a stupid, unrealistic movie, but it's not meant to be taken that seriously. It's a comedy overall, but also features some great football action with hilarious performances by John Favreau and Ryhs Ifans. The thing that surprised me is that it's actually pretty well written. For a film that doesn't try to achieve any kind of social commentary, it's screenplay doesn't dip into the melodrama of "Any Given Sunday," or the cheesy themes of "Rudy." Of course, there is a love story involved, but by making the woman not just a cheerleader but actually very knowledgeable about football, it allows her to interact in the story and not just be the token babe. Keanu Reeves, who I normally ridicule relentlessly, is at his dunderheaded best in a role that seems to suit him almost as well as his character in "The Matrix" did. I was surprised/delighted to see Gene Hackman in this film; he gives it a center of gravity around which all the other characters revolve. Overall, not taking itself too seriously is the greatest asset to this movie. Just having this quality, from which many other films could benefit, gives it a light-hearted feel that's just plain fun to watch.
Very entertaining feel-good comedy
posted on 28 Jan 2009"The Replacements" is everything "Any Given Sunday" could have been, but wasn't. The casting is excellent -- Gene Hackman gives his best performance in years, and the Keanu Reaves role is one that he can do, the ever-popular "loser with a heart of gold." Even my wife, who hates football, loves this movie. 'Nuff said.
A wake up call for professional sports
posted on 29 Dec 2008This movie was terrific. I dunno how people could pan it, as it was a well done movie. Based on the underdog taglines like it's predecessors of ROCKY, RUDY, and Mystery, Alaska it proves that anyone can have a shot if they had the desire. But the movie is more than that. The biggest point of it, was to shed light on the greed of professional players. To often, they forget where they come from and only desire the material things. This movie was a wake up call to all professional sports, as it shows that there are people out there that would play for nothing because they (Quote Jimmy McGinty) "Have heart, and the love of the game to just play." A great movie for anyone that loves triumph. 10 out of 10
Major League Meets Football
posted on 19 Dec 2008If you liked Major League then you'll like The Replacements. This movie was much better than I thought it would be. It had a lot more humor than I was expecting. The movie is helped a lot by Gene Hackman. Even in roles that are not demanding he comes through with a fine performances. There are no roles in this movie that demands anything of anyone. It appeared to me that everyone had a good time making this film. There are no deep messages here but it is fun and entertaining. You won't be bored watching it. An entertaining film.
Needs Replacing
posted on 11 Dec 2008How horrible when you see good talent wasted. But I suppose the percentages are against always doing well.Here's the 4th most common hackneyed plot: ragtag sports team makes good. But why Hackman and Reeves?My theory: there really aren't that many good projects for actors like this: they are good working actors, who can deliver the goods, but they are not box office openers. So they can stay busy, but none of the choices are driven by their preferences. They do some serious projects, some that promise better pay, and some like this that just look like fun.Reeves and Hackman walk through this, I hope having their fun. Perhaps only three weeks' commitment was needed. I hope it was worth it for them. It wasn't for me.
Not original in the slightest sense of the word, but good acting and entertaining comedy make this weak story at least a little bit better.
posted on 14 Aug 2009The Replacements, as I am sure hundreds of people have noted already, is yet another football movie. There have been only a few football movies which were very well made and resulted in quality films (Unnecessary Roughness was fairly well-done, and especially The Program, probably one of the best), but it seemed that The Replacements was an effort to either revive that genre (which is pretty much worn out) or to cash in on its past success. The story is loosely based on and an updated version of the 1987 pro-football strike (I doubt that the bullet riddled Porsche was a 1987 model), but the majority of the film is made up of an unimaginative story about "replacement players." Almost the entire movie was put together using scenes that were disturbingly familiar to scenes from other films. For example, the actual replacement players were introduced exactly the same way that the 'replacement astronauts' were introduced in Armageddon. The actual football scenes require no imagination at all, and could have come from anywhere, and the cheerleaders were a tasteless element of the film in the tradition of BASEketball. Besides that, how about the ending? (spoilers) The team needs "heart" in order to win the big game, coach McGinty (Gene Hackman) says to the television reporter. He is obviously sending out a message specifically to Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), the team's 'star' replacement quarterback. How touching. Needless to say, Falco decides to head down to the stadium to save the day, and boot the pro quarterback who had recently re-joined the team. Falco walks into the locker room at half time, everyone cheers, they go on to win the game. Does that sound familiar at all ("Remember when B-Bobby Boucher showed up and the M-M-Mud Dogs won the Bourbon Bowl, do ya?")? Yeah, so Falco saved the day in true Waterboy form, and the movie ends just like every other football film ever made has ended.Despite the lacking story and the many unlikely events that take place ("Is that your ride?" "Yeah." BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM!!!), The Replacements was barely saved by some surprisingly good acting. I was sick and tired of Keanu Reeves (until I saw The Matrix, where he delivered an excellent performance), and I expected a disappointing turn from The Matrix to a routine football film, but he was very convincing as the disillusioned quarterback who is suddenly faced with the chance to reverse his shabby reputation. Even Brooke Langton provides a good depiction of the only original cheerleader who is suddenly surrounded by strip club airheads and has some pretty good on-screen chemistry with the monotonous Keanu. The Replacements is a fairly good football film which doesn't really do anything that hasn't been done before, but at least it wasn't as terrible as Varsity Blues. It is worth watching to see the underdogs beat the odds and come out on top (yet again), but don't expect any plot twists. If you've ever seen a sports movie, you know the basic structure that they follow, and you'll know what's going to happen from the very beginning.