From the impressive musical score by Randy Newman and stunning cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel at the film’s start, LEATHERHEADS promises another quality product from George Clooney.  In his latest offering, Clooney is in lighter mode as he tackles screwball romantic comedy.  The setting is prohibition professional football of 1920’s which allows Clooney plenty of opportunity to show off his sporting, fighting, drinking and romantic skills.

The story concerns footballer Dodge Connolly (Clooney) leading his team to capture the country’s attention.  He brings in a younger WWI hero, Carter (John Krasinki from THE OFFICE) but newspaperwoman, Lexie (Renee Zellweger) is out to prove that Carter is no hero or great player.  Surprise, surprise – both men fall for Lexie (why, one should really wonder) but Dodge gets the girl only because it is Clooney’s movie.

Clooney is no Preston Sturges – that is for sure.  LEATHERHEADS is only mildly funny despite Clooney’s attempt at comedic precision timing to invoke laughter.  As for the romance, Clooney and Zellweger (sucking an invisible lemon throughout the movie) make an acceptable couple.  The problem is that running close to two hours, Clooney’s film leads nowhere fast.  Though his film looks gorgeous on screen (even the muddy stadium looks inviting), all the audience is left with is an empty shell of a screwed up period not-so-funny comedy.