So I’ve been away for a while. Mounds of work plus a holiday on top? That amounts to about three weeks between this post and my last. It’s highly doubtful that anyone’s even noticed, since I basically write this blog for myself rather than anyone else, but if anyone has noticed, hello! Here I am. And I’m back with the film of the year, no less.
That’s not even sarcasm: 80 for Brady is pure joy in film form. Starring four screen legends and the undisputed G.O.A.T of the NFL (although it pains me to admit it), this is a comedy with a bunch of heart. It tells the partially true story of four elderly friends who once knew nothing of American football, but when Lily Tomlin‘s Lou starts her recovery from cancer, the group find solace in meeting up every week to watch Tom Brady and the New England Patriots fight for another Lombardi trophy. As time goes by, they have the brilliant idea to actually go to Super Bowl LI, since they may never get the chance again.
Anyway, like I said: FILM OF THE YEAR. PEAK CINEMA. I thought I might change my mind when I saw Across the Spider-Verse, but I’m dead serious. I’ve not had this much fun with a movie in the year 2023. Of course, I’ve only seen 45 new movies so far, but whatever. Being the most fun out of 45 is not bad going.
The crux of what makes this so feel-good to me personally? Lily Tomlin. Jane Fonda. Rita Moreno. Sally Field. The NFL. Could this be any more catered to me? I can see why others wouldn’t be so into it, I really can, but for me, these people and this topic is literally all I ever want in a movie. You know I already love sports movies, but cross these iconic actresses with American football? It’s a 5 star movie for me. I will hear no criticism. I’d take six sequels of this one, that’s for sure.
Sure, it gets a little bit too cheesy in the third act. Lily Tomlin talking to Tom Brady through his green dotted helmet? Not only is it corny but it would absolutely never happen. But listen, Tomlin does some incredible acting in this movie. It’s all fun and games until her cancer storyline crops up, and despite being flawless at comedy, her dramatic turns are what gives this movie its beating heart. When all 4 main actors are the MVP, Tomlin proves herself as the Super-MVP and that’s no mean feat.
Based on a true story, 80 For Brady has so much to like in terms of plot. Sure, the filmmaking is exactly what you’d expect and it’s all pretty standard, but you don’t need fancy here. I’ve actually seen people complain that it was “too long and boring”, which is insane. It runs at a smooth 98 minutes and it’s one of the rare times I wished a movie was longer. And I never think that.
I simply do not understand how you could dislike this one. It’s just a bit of fun, after all, yet it seems that a lot of people were looking for some epic blockbuster. For what it is, this is a perfect film. 10/10, no notes. Drop the mic.
80 for Brady is currently available to rent on Amazon for £3.49.
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