Draft Day

Kevin Costner brings easy charm to yet another movie about US sport in this watchable American football drama from Ghost Busters director Ivan Reitman. However, don't expect any on-pitch action; this is all about the back-room machinations of draft day, when teams in the NFL get their pick of the best rookies on offer - like the Premier League's transfer deadline day, only fairer and with more razzmatazz. Costner dominates as the under-the-cosh manager of the Cleveland Browns, who's attempting to pull off the best deal while trying to avoid the sack from the owner (Frank Langella) and flack from his acerbic head coach (Denis Leary). In the Costner sporting canon, it's no Bull Durham, Field of Dreams or Tin Cup, but the star is a rock-solid presence and is well supported by a cast chock-full of recognisable faces (Jennifer Garner as his colleague-cum-girlfriend, Ellen Burstyn as his recently widowed mum, Sam Elliott as a rival coach). However, at nearly two hours in length, it could be a bit of a drag if your knowledge of the game is basic.