Playing the Field

Watch Playing the Field

"This holiday season, what do you really want?"
  • PG-13
  • 2012
  • 1 hr 45 min
  • 5.7  (31,083)
  • 27

Playing the Field is a romantic comedy that was released back in 2012, directed by Gabriele Muccino, known for his works such as The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, and Dennis Quaid. The movie follows the story of a former professional soccer player named George Dryer, played by Gerard Butler, who has retired after getting injured. He now leads a fairly mundane life, separated from his wife and living with his son Lewis. After volunteering to coach Lewis's soccer team, he comes across several soccer moms, including Patti, played by Uma Thurman, Denise, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Barb, played by Judy Greer. George, who is still quite a ladies' man, starts to have feelings for several of these moms and finds himself in a whirlwind of affairs, risking his already damaged relationships with his family.

The main storyline of the movie revolves around George trying to navigate his complicated love life while also trying to be there for his son, who misses his mother. Meanwhile, George's ex-wife Stacie, played by Jessica Biel, prepares for her wedding to her new boyfriend, Matt, played by James Tupper. George starts to realize how much he has let go of and tries to make things right with his family, but it might be too late.

The movie has been criticized for being a formulaic romantic comedy, but it does have its share of delightful moments. Gerard Butler, who is known for his roles in action movies, has a charming presence, making it easy to root for his character, despite his numerous flaws. The actresses who play the soccer moms also put in strong performances. One standout is Catherine Zeta-Jones, who plays the role of the seductive Denise with great charisma.

Dennis Quaid plays the role of Carl, Patti’s husband, who is jealous of George's popularity among the soccer moms. He sees George as a threat to his marriage and tries to sabotage him at all costs. His character adds some comic relief to the movie, and his performance clearly shows how much fun he is having playing this role.

The movie does not just focus on the romantic side but also highlights the importance of family values and the bond between a father and his son. The relationship between George and Lewis is quite heartwarming, and it is evident that the two have a great bond. The movie also shows how challenging it is to co-parent after a divorce and how one's actions can have a massive impact on their children.

Playing the Field might not be the most innovative movie, but it is a romantic comedy that has a lot of heart. The movie has several excellent performances, particularly from Gerard Butler and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Additionally, the movie has a notable soundtrack, featuring music from various artists, including The Who, David Bowie, and INXS.

In conclusion, Playing the Field is a well-acted romantic comedy with strong performances from its talented cast. The movie emphasizes the importance of family and highlights the challenges of co-parenting after a divorce. Although the movie follows a predictable storyline, it still manages to deliver several delightful moments, making it an enjoyable movie to watch.

Playing the Field
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Description
  • Release Date
    2012
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 45 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (31,083)
  • Metascore
    27