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Playing for Keeps

PG-13 Released Dec 7, 2012 1h 45m Romance Comedy List
5% Tomatometer 92 Reviews 41% Audience Score 10,000+ Ratings
Long past his soccer-playing heyday, George Dryer (Gerard Butler) is struggling financially and failing in his attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife, Stacie (Jessica Biel), and young son, Lewis (Noah Lomax). When Lewis' soccer team has an opening for a coach, George steps up. Not only is George a big hit with the children, but he also attracts lots of attention from some of the players' single and unhappily married mothers (Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones). Read More Read Less
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Playing for Keeps

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Witless, unfocused, and arguably misogynistic, Playing for Keeps is a dispiriting, lowest-common-denominator Hollywood rom-com.

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Critics Reviews

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Noah Berlatsky The Atlantic Playing for Keeps recycles tired, flawed lessons about masculinity. Aug 28, 2019 Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard The comedy has its moments but they are few, and a high-powered cast, which also includes Judy Greer and Dennis Quaid, give mostly low-powered performances. Rated: 2/5 Jan 4, 2013 Full Review Anna Smith Time Out Everyone involved deserves a script with more wit, originality and sense of purpose. Rated: 2/5 Dec 26, 2012 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …a flawed movie that’s still an agreeable enough watch for those who dig Butler’s brand of charm… Rated: 3/5 Jun 24, 2023 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Biel, despite being left with insipid material and dialogue, at least tries to keep things afloat. Rated: 1.0/4.0 Sep 20, 2020 Full Review Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News Despite a cast full of recognizable -- and in some cases talented -- people, this is a predictable piece of romantic comedy fluff that just goes through the motions. There is not one moment that you can't see coming well in advance. Apr 11, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Facetiouslyinsolent This movie was not made to win awards, it's a Rom-com. Does it check all the boxes for the reason it was made, absolutely. I'm a movie lover and think the so called "Critics" are pathetic. They give the StepUp movie a 45% and this movie a 5%. Do yourself a favor and give the movie your own review by watching it and deciding for yourself. I'm a Gerard Butler fan and think his performance in this was believable. It's a realistic story for the most part and if you want to have fun with a (Chick-flick) give this one a try. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/28/23 Full Review Huid H Boring.. Whith such talented actors you'd expect more. After five minutes you know the plot Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Not the best story, but it was entertaining. I’ve been wanting to watch it again Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/21/21 Full Review Audience Member Playing for keeps has a great cast and a few laughs but overall it’s a predictable by the book romantic comedy. It’s a little over long and except for a few jokes the dialogue just isn’t there. The story doesn’t really go anywhere. Performances are pretty much phoned in. There’s a lot of talent behind the camera but it’s a waste it on something so forgettable. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/21 Full Review Audience Member Typical rom com, passes the time. Lots of plot holes. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review steve d I always like Butler and this time his supporting staff is just as good. Cute film, far more likable than the reviews would have you believe. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Playing for Keeps

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Movie Info

Synopsis Long past his soccer-playing heyday, George Dryer (Gerard Butler) is struggling financially and failing in his attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife, Stacie (Jessica Biel), and young son, Lewis (Noah Lomax). When Lewis' soccer team has an opening for a coach, George steps up. Not only is George a big hit with the children, but he also attracts lots of attention from some of the players' single and unhappily married mothers (Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones).
Director
Gabriele Muccino
Producer
Jonathan Mostow, Kevin Misher, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Heidi Jo Markel, John Thompson
Screenwriter
Robbie Fox
Distributor
FilmDistrict
Production Co
Millenium Media Group, Gerard Butler Alan Siegel Entertainment, Misher Films, Eclectic Pictures, York Square Productions, Nu Image
Rating
PG-13 (Language|A Brief Intense Image|Some Sexual Situations)
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 7, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 5, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$13.1M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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