Unless you’ve been living under a (or smoking) rock, you should be well aware that Super Bowl 51 is scheduled to be played this Sunday night. In preparation for the NFL Championship, it’s encouraged that every fan get in the proper mindset. There’s no better way to do that then with a classic football flick. Check out the list of five best pro football or Super Bowl-related movies to watch this weekend.
*Note: I say pro football to narrow down the selection. You won’t find any collegiate-based football movies on my list, such as, The Program or Rudy. Sorry, Cavi.
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Draft Day (2014)
Kevin Costner stars as the Cleveland Browns’ general manager, Sonny Weaver. After trading for the number one pick, on draft day, he must choose between a hyped quarterback and a lower-ranked linebacker. The decision will impact the organization for years to come.
Typically, the Cleveland Browns wouldn’t make any “top” lists besides, “Top NFL Teams to be the Worst Next Year,” but Draft Day is a great movie and a must-see for all fans of the game.
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Jerry Maguire (1996)
Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. star in this 90s blockbuster hit. After having it all as a successful sports agent, Maguire (Cruise) has an epiphany and walks away from it with only one faithful client remaining, NFL superstar, Rod Tidwell (Gooding Jr.). Now he must face the impossible task of rebuilding everything he once had.
Renee Zellweger and that kid with the spiked hair and glasses also star in Jerry Maguire which gave us the famous quotes, “You complete me,” “You had me at hello,” and, of course, “Show me the money!”
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The Replacements (2000)
When professional football players go on strike, a group of misfit replacement players are called to finish the last four games of the season. Gene Hackman stars as coach, Jimmy McGinty, for the (fake) NFL team, the Washington Sentinels, and Keanu Reeves as former All-Pro quarterback, Shane Falco.
Underrated and fun, The Replacements is a great Saturday-afternoon-before-you-go-out flick.
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Any Given Sunday (1999)
Al Pacino stars as head coach, Tony D’Amato, who must manage headstrong team owner, played by Cameron Diaz, and the ego of new star quarterback, played by Jamie Foxx.
Any Given Sunday is considered to be the most recognized and arguably best film made about the game of football. It could have easily been my number one pick as top movie to watch this weekend. If you haven’t checked it out in a while, now is a great time to do so!
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Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Days before the Super Bowl, Miami’s loveable dolphin mascot, Snowflake, is kidnapped by a group of criminals. There is no one more qualified to take this case than pet detective, Ace Venture.
The role that launched Jim Carrey into superstardom tops my list. If you haven’t seen this movie, I…I…am speechless and would likely not call you to hang out anytime soon. Just as goofy and memorable as Dumb & Dumber (and much less played out), Ace Ventura provides classic quotes, like, “Finkle is Einhorn,” Carrey’s famous, “All righty then,” my favorite, “If I’m not back in 5 minutes…just wait longer,” along with countless others.
However, there is one thing that has always bothered me about the movie…
Ace Ventura is set in Miami which is hosting the Super Bowl at old Joe Robbie Stadium. The home team, Miami Dolphins, are in the Super Bowl and playing the Philadelphia Eagles. The game is shown at the end of the movie when Dan Marino returns at halftime. The game is being played in the middle of the day with the sun shining. When has the Super Bowl ever been played during the day? Even if it started early enough to have sunshine, by halftime, it would likely be dark.
Aside from that goof, I insist you watch Ace this weekend. You’ll laugh your keister off until kickoff Sunday night
@Eddie_ThePAS