Movie Review # 582: 80 For Brady (2023)

Well, everyone, as we all know, the Super Bowl occurred as of recently! So, in celebration of that being the case, it would seem as if Paramount Pictures decided to release a film that revolved around a year in which the Super Bowl took place in the past. So now, let’s discuss 80 For Brady (wow, kind of a mouthful, eh?).

Plot: Set in the year 2017, it’s discovered that Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots have won so many games, and are now in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, a group of four women (played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) win four tickets to go to the Super Bowl. Now, once they go there, will they develop relationships that last a lifetime, or will they end up having the worst times of their lives while there?

Okay, so just be aware that even though this film was set in a more recent year like 2017, this film is NOT based on a true story. This film is still a fictional one. That being said, is this film still good? Absolutely. Granted, when it comes to some of the jokes, older people in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, and beyond might get, and appreciate those a little more than those in their younger years. Still, this movie is very funny at times. Also, how could we not appreciate the fact that people like Tom Brady, Guy Fieri, and other real people end up making cameo appearances in this film? Again, people who are really big football fans will appreciate that all the more. Even then, those who are not football fans even quite nearly as much may probably still enjoy seeing those cameo appearances in this film. As for the acting, wow, it is great. From start to finish, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and especially Sally Field deliver, and really put themselves into the shoes of these characters really well. Also, who doesn’t enjoy a film especially with Sally Field? That is considering other roles that she’s been in like Mrs. Doubtfire, Amazing Spider-Man, the voice of Sassy in the two Homeward Bound films, and others, you know? The other three female actors are hilarious as well, especially Lily Tomlin during some of the scenes that she’s in. Next, there is the score by John Debney. Okay, his score may not be Oscar worthy, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still fun nonetheless. Oh, on that subject as well, I was surprised to hear that Debney not only scored in films like this film, but also in films like 1997’s Liar Liar, 2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove, 2002’s Snow Dogs, and quite a few other films as well. He definitely knows how to make situations more epic, or simply to make situations more calm, jazzy, or whatever else. Even though he may not get nominated for Best Original Score for this film, Debney should for sure get nominated, and maybe even win one of these years. He certainly seems to be an underrated music composer. This film seems to be one of many films to serve proof of that. Additionally, there is the story as well. Granted there are some cliches in this film that could have probably been handled a little better. Still, the movie does work overall. I mean not only does the story work for the most part, but the characters are likable as well. Even some of the underdeveloped characters seem to be even a little bit memorable. Yeah, definitely saying a lot, wouldn’t you say? Not only that, but in a day, and age where a lot of films seem to have immoral scenes, convoluted messages, and scenes that are really inappropriate, it is also nice to have a movie like this one that has a nice story, likable characters, scenes that are appropriate for the most part, and things like those. Oh, and there are some very good messages in this film as well. Honestly, the only downside may be that there are one, or two characters that seem slightly underdeveloped, but not my a whole lot.

And that’s my review for 80 For Brady. Although there are some scenes that may not be the best, at least they’re not inappropriate to the point of being vulgar, or even unbearable for that matter. I mean with some other films that have had some vulgar stuff in more recent years, or even months, at least we can be grateful that 80 For Brady is one of those films that you can basically enjoy without having to cringe at any given point. The film may have a slight flaw, but it’s still very good overall. If you want to see a movie about football, one in which people enjoy that sport, along with events like the Super Bowl, likable characters, and a film with much more clean humor, then all the more reason to see this film. Not to mention that the cast for this film seemed perfect. Well, I’ll just say go see 80 For Brady! You’ll have a fun time with it, I’m sure.

Final Grade: A