Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football tells the story of a daughter who can control her 11 year veteran NFL player father on the football field by playing with him virtually in Madden on XBox.

First I will say as big Atlanta Falcons fan - I had to watch this movie but I am clearly not the demographic they are going for. This film is very family friendly touching on themes of teamwork, family, empathy, being humble and self confidence. In fact it really isn't about football what-so-ever other than that's the medium this story is told. The core of the story is the father and daughter's relationship and how he deals with her growing up and wanting to like her own life. The football elements are notability weak and some of the big moments found in other sports movies are completely skipped over.

The acting is hit and miss to put it lightly. The lead Marsai Martin is very good as the daughter. She is sweet and intelligent and she's played terrifically. 48 year old Omari Hardwick as the dad feels very mis-cast to me. He looks too old for a young 30s running back and I never once get the athlete vibe from him. Rome Flynn plays the "antagonist" as the running back who loses his job to Hardwick, and I also think he feels miscast. He's snotty, one demential and intentionally not likable. I did love seeing the best tight end of all time Tony Gonzalez as the head coach- I am not sure he is believe either but I loved seeing him on screen, unlike many other characters.

The end of the movie is sweet and satisfying but the middle is frustrating and just drags. It's very clear where this story is going- heck even the kids can probably guess- and it chugs along at a snail's pace. I nearly didn't finish because of this , though I was ultimately glad I finished it.

So I have probably already put more serious thought into this film than the film makers ever intended anyone to do. It's a good background spirt of football and family type film- but it's not exactly new or compelling. It isn't for hardcore fans , but if you want something uplifting with good themes- you could do worse.

Fantasy Football is a film that has the potential to become a favorite. Since American football is one of the most popular sports in the world, what could be better than to combine a seasoned cast with beloved sport in a new movie?

The storyline follows Bobby Coleman (Omari Hardwick), an NFL running back constantly hit with misfortune on the field. As his life fills with questions, he and his daughter Callie (Marsai Martin) argue and Callie's discovers she can control Bobby's playing through a video game. You have to watch the film to find out if Bobby is able to use this to his advantage, or if it creates more trouble for everyone.

Fantasy Football is a comical, family friendly movie. Bobby's big problem is that he cannot keep the football in his hands long enough to land himself a starting spot or make a positive impact on any team. Although actual NFL players may not be in the exact same circumstance as Bobby, this movie nicely represents what their real experiences may be like. For me, it was fascinating to see what the life of a professional athlete might look like. The actors express multiple emotions, and their ability to drop hilarious lines and make faces that catch the audience's attention is what makes this so much fun. The dynamics and banter between Bobby and Anderson (Rome Flynn) helps carry the movie, and make it one that I would watch more than once. Led by Sekinah Brown, the costume designs display dedication and attention to detail. The uniforms that Bobby and the players wear look identical to actual Atlanta Falcons' uniforms.

The message of Fantasy Football is that nothing worth having comes easy. Bobby has had the worst luck in the NFL, after not breaking the rushing record, but all of his struggles become worth it when he finally gets his opportunity to shine.

I give Fantasy Football 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Fantasy Football is available now on Paramount+. Make sure you check this out! By Maica N., KIDS FIRST!

This is a really cute and age appropriate movie for families and anyone of all ages. This movie is Perfect for family movie time. I loved the characters and I loved the personalities of all the characters. There is definitely a transition on how family movies used to be compared to how family movies are now in this time and age. The transition was smooth and it's definitely a modern day movie. All of the characters did phenomenal and they did an amazing job at bringing the story to life. It's really easy to understand and know what is going on throughout the movie but that is what makes it the perfect family movie.

I actually liked the cast; Marsai is always great. I think they cast had a good chemistry and a lot of parts were funny. The movie dragged at some parts to the or falling action or resolution but I would watch it again. At certain parts the acting was a little cringe but all in all I think every one did okay. It was a light hearted movie that symbolized the importance of family, teamwork, friendship, selflessness and being considerate of others. I think the targeted demographics (pre-teens and teen) would definitely understand the message that they could take with them into their day today life.

Fantasy Football has an intriguing concept that initially caught my interest. The idea of blending sports with fantastical elements has potential, and I appreciate the film's attempt to explore this unique premise. Some performances are genuinely enjoyable, and there are moments when the visuals manage to captivate, offering a glimpse of what could have been a more engaging experience.

However, the film falls short in several crucial areas. The execution of the concept is poorly handled, leading to a narrative that feels both disjointed and underdeveloped. The jokes, meant to provide humor and lightheartedness, often miss the mark, falling flat and failing to elicit the laughs they aim for. The CGI, while ambitious, frequently comes off as lackluster and unconvincing, detracting from the overall enjoyment and immersion.

In summary, while Fantasy Football boasts a promising concept and some commendable performances, it struggles with poor execution and lackluster visuals. The film's attempt at humor and special effects doesn't quite hit the mark, leaving it feeling more like a missed opportunity than a fully realized entertainment piece.