The Replacements is entertaining in a forgettable way, with lots of larger-than-life characters and silly but funny situations. The humour is there, certainly, but it's not of the intelligent variety. Where else would you find a cheerleading troupe filled with strippers? Or a football team with a sumo wrestler? Or someone released from prison for the express purpose of playing for the team? The football action is decently choreographed, but never really rises to the exciting heights of, say, Rocky. Indeed, the meant-to-be-rousing finale is fairly bland. The romantic portion is almost unnecessary, but is there to fill in the bits between the on-field action. And the overabundant snippets of cheerleading routines during the final ten minutes almost borders on overkill, however visually appealing they may be (this is speaking from a male point of view, of course).
The main actors seem to be here for the pay cheque. Hackman is a consummate actor, but there's nothing in the script or film to suggest he's a double Academy Award winner. Reeves, who can be quite effective when playing within his range (such as in Speed), has probably the most serious character in the film. Thankfully he only has to redeem himself, and not have to "live up to his father" (is this storyline a cliche yet?). The other "footballers" are funny caricatures, with Rhys Ifans, who was so memorable in Notting Hill, imported from Britain to reprise virtually the same role. As for the female characters, Brooke Langton and the rest of the cheerleaders don't have much to do except to show some cleavage and plenty of skin.
The Replacements has no pretence about what its aim is. The story is light and breezy, there's a bit of sport here, some laughter there, and tightly dressed girls everywhere. Sounds like a lazy day at the beach, really (no wonder it was released at the tail end of the North American summer!). It's not meant to be a thought-provoking film, which is fine if all you're after is entertainment. You probably won't remember much of it after a few days, but for a relaxing, mind-resting two hours, The Replacements may be worth a viewing. Provided you're a young male, of course.
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