‘Leatherheads’ safe, stale comedy

George Clooney's third directorial effort, “Leatherheads” attempts the humor of a light-hearted 1920s romp, and for the most part, it succeeds.

The film stars Clooney as Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly, an aging professional football player attempting to keep the fledgling sport alive. After he lures star college player Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) onto his team, pro football experiences newfound popularity. But when journalist Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) investigates Rutherford's war record, she threatens Rutherford's war hero reputation and the sport itself.

Clooney and Zellweger establish a comedic rapport early, setting the pace for the duration of the film. Similar to his brash, goofy style of humor in “Intolerable Cruelty” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou,” Clooney uses his quick wit to combat the Zellweger’s sassy Littleton. With the misogyny of a world before the women's liberation movement, the spunky journalist's voice races as she sometimes overcompensates, building walls between herself and others. However, Clooney and Zellweger's verbal sparring is hilarious at times because of appropriate comedic timing.

With the movie, Krasinski takes another step further into the limelight of the silver screen. Since Clooney and Zellweger handle much of the comedy, Krasinski is able to play the straight man, a role he has proven adept at in “The Office.” However, he does join in on the funny in a slapstick fight with Clooney. Admirably, Krasinski holds his own onscreen with the Oscar winner. Krasinski is particularly suited for the role of young breakout sports star with his tall, stocky frame and All-American attitude.

Visually, “Leatherheads” looks authentic in recapturing the ’20s. Traveling from town to town by train, football players sport the brown, padded helmets of a bygone era. The movie's soundtrack, full of music from the roaring ‘20s, only adds to the effect.

As a period piece, “Leatherheads” solely relies on the slapstick and wit retort of old-style comedy, a style that has long since passed. As much as Clooney and Zellweger mesh as a comedy duo, even the funniest jokes of the movie only elicit chuckles. As a comedy, how much can the film appeal to modern audiences? The film achieves its goal to be a silly ’20s homage, but unfortunately, is also handicapped by it.

Rating: Four out of five stars.