Second String (2002)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

** mild spoilers within **Your level of enjoyment in watching this film will depend to a large degree on how you watch it. The casual football fan who has not seen too many underdog sports films will probably find it enjoyable. As someone who has seen many of the countless similarly-themed films, I thought it was OK, but nothing new (and nothing that had not been done better elsewhere).Someone who follows the Bills and knows their history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory may be amused by the way the plot line overlaps with some of the more angst-ridden moments in Bills history (everything but O.J.). Scott Norwood and the Music City Miracle both come in to play.One ironic component of the film is that the Bills (and Doug Flutie) qualify to play the Chargers in the playoffs. In the off-season after the movie was shot, Flutie left the Bills for the Chargers, and a lot of bad blood flowed between the teams as the result of some back-office dealings.The script contained holes that were obvious to someone with a more than casual interest in the game. There were some subtle and not-so-subtle flaws in the way the games played out--some decisions just would not have been made as they were in the film. There was also a shocking lack of media hype surrounding the NFL post-season (not that there's anything wrong with that, but it takes away from the realism). Any athlete in Heller's shoes would be surrounded by reporters at every turn (which would have provided an opportunity to explore his ambivalence and growth through the film).My main problem with the film is that the story line reflects a less than thorough understanding of the game. The subtle flaws and relentless plays on Bills historical references pulled me out of the mood and flow of the story. There was very little original content, and since the plot was pretty predictable, the way the story moves from point A to point B should be cleaner.Overall, the film was watchable, but nothing special. I saw it in the middle of a sports film marathon on cable, though, and I found most of the other movies more compelling.

Craptastic! This movie is as wonderfully predictable as it is cheesy. Primarily because the characters are fairly enjoyable. Set your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.This is not a rip-off of "The Replacements" it is far superior. Instead of watching a bunch scabs, (the lowest life form on the planet-read Jack London's definition of a scab), the audience is treated to a much more inventive, though highly improbable, reason as to why the the starting squad is not available to play football. The story takes you away with groans and yeah rights. Chances are you will laugh out loud at the contrivances and trickery.On an added note of actual production value. The cinematography is actually pretty awesome during the game play, especially since the budget was far less than an actual feature film.Not worth renting, not worth planning to watch, but definitely worth your time. I would have much rather seen this whilst trapped on a plane than The Replacements.

Well intended and interesting, especially for football fans. The Buffalo Bill's offensive starters are side lined by food poisoning. It is now up to the bench warmers to take the team to the play offs. A glory hound coach(Jon Voight)is not thrilled with his replacement quarterback(Gil Bellows)a former NFL star relegated to selling life insurance. Bellows not only has his former coach to contend with, but also an egotistical free agent quarterback(George Eades). Bellows takes the bench jockeys and meshes them into a contending team. Supporting cast:Richard T. Jones, Lamont Johnson,Teri Polo and Evan Dexter Parke. Very entertaining trick plays keeps this daydream between the lines. This is fun to watch.

For a made for TV movie I thought that it was a great popcorn movie - don't expect anything to be very accurate and don't expect any award winners in this bunch but I do recommend this for a TV type version somewhat like "The Replacements". Look for cameos from real NFL players & officials.