80 for Brady review: 'Middle America' controversy fails to dampen Tom Brady magic
Tom Brady may have hung up his cleats, but the former quarterback hasn't yet completely abandoned the screen. 80 for Brady is now in theatres as a de facto final sendoff for the quarterback's playing career.
Of course, many have trepidation about the quarterback's acting chops and the premise of making a movie about football fans, but did they pull it off?
Going in, the movie had an uphill battle as it was revealed by Variety that 20 minutes of footage were cut, including a gay kiss between two actors. Fans were perturbed by the choice to cut what could be the only LGBTQ representation in the entire movie. However, how well did the (leaner) final product come together?
Let's start with the good. The best parts of the movie for football fans come near the end of the film with plenty of cameos by football players - some Patriots, some from other teams.
However, it serves as the dessert of a three-course meal. Much of the movie centres around the aged fans and their journey to the Super Bowl and what happens before the Big Game.
Will Tom Brady be featured in another football movie about his career?
However, it isn't a case of grinding through filler to get to the good stuff. There are some funny jokes and interesting plot twists, but above all, this is a comedy about four older ladies trying to get to the Super Bowl.
Many of the jokes fell flat, but as someone who sat in a busy theatre, at least one person seemed to laugh at every joke.
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Put simply, if one goes into the movie with tempered expectations and knowledge that this isn't a movie about Tom Brady or football, they'll have a good time. If they go in expecting a biopic about No. 12's journey to Super Bowl LI, they're going to be disappointed.
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However, one of the most interesting parts of the movie at a movie theatre is seeing the NFL on a screen likely bigger than the one seen by fans before. Tom Brady, the shield and clips from the game blown up to the size of a building is an interesting experience worth seeing for the price of admission alone.
80 for Brady: Final verdict - 7/10
Overall, the movie is a fun experience that is far from devoid of cringe moments, but is also better than what the most cynical viewers would think going into the theatre.
How much is Tom Brady in the movie? (Spoilers)
This may spoil some aspects of the movie. If you don't want to know anything specific, turn back.
The biggest question for fans going into the movie is just how much of No. 12 the fans will be seeing. In total, he might be in the movie for about five minutes and most of that comes at the end. There are some teases early on, but the quarterback doesn't get more than a line or two until the final act.