166. 80 For Brady; movie review

 

80 FOR BRADY

Cert 12A

98 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate sex references, drug references, infrequent strong language

Oh, groan. 80 For Brady is a stain on the record of fine actresses and one of the best American footballers to play the game.

Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Rita Moreno have all had stellar careers. They surely don't need the money.

But, sadly, Kyle Marvin's film is precisely what I feared when I watched its trailer - it is corny to the point of cringe-worthy.

I struggled to understand at whom it is aimed - not even my octogenarian parents would have been interested in it.

Anyway, the thrust is that best friends Lou (Tomlin), Trish (Fonda), Maura (Moreno) and Betty (Field) are all armchair fans of the New England Patriots.

They have their own in-season rituals and their favourite player is Tom Brady.

He has helped propel their team to the Superbowl final in Houston and, secretly fearing that cancer may have returned to her, Lou insists they should go to the game.

Never mind, that gaining tickets is almost impossible or that Maura is in an old folks' home or that Betty would have to leave a husband who can't remember to put his trousers on.

Anyway, the ladies get to Houston and they have one heck of a Superbowl party with scenes which become more and more far-fetched as the film progresses.

Perhaps, it would work for me if I had any love for American football but I doubt it because the gags in 80 For Brady are so lame.

And, dare I say, the actresses no longer have the comic timing which might have tickled funnybones.

Instead, I just ended up feeling a bit sorry for them and as if I had wasted my time.

Reasons to watch: Famous cast

Reasons to avoid: Lame gags

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 3/10

Did you know? Tom Brady retired in February 2023 after 22 seasons, seven Super Bowl victories, and three NFL Most Valuable Player awards. 

The final word. Sally Field: "He just was Tom Brady. He was a completely lovely human. He told me, 'I'm so nervous.' He felt like he didn't know where to put his feet. But he was a natural. Athletes get the same kind of adrenaline, except most actors aren't worried that their limbs will be ripped off." People

Share this post