Leaf

Saw this movie in the village in New York. The film is about a real life has been named Ryan Leaf. Maybe it's more like a never-was named Ryan Leaf. I'll be honest I wasn't expecting much. Afterall a movie about Ryan Leaf isn't necessarily academy award worthy. The movie came in at a lean one hour and about twenty minutes. It did keep moving and didn't lull at any time. The filmmakers aren't necessarily Oliver Stone. It was a story told about the rise and fall of a spoiled twenty something athlete told as a sort of documentary. The main role was played by Tim Carr who also wrote and directed. About an hour into the movie I turned to my wife and said 'I can't believe I feel pity for Ryan Leaf'. She agreed. I've seen so many movies where young actors cared more about looking pretty than playing the part and one positive thing for this film is Carr didn't hold back. His character was physically heavy and pale and angry. But when he was on screen, my wife compared his performance to a few years ago when we saw Colin Farrell in 'Tigerland'. It was that raw performance many actors wish for. A few get and most of them screw up. Carr appears to have talent and he appears to have charisma but after seeing him up close at the screening, we couldn't decide if he was a nice guy or if he's the type of spoiled twenty something actor who would make the tabloid magazines. He could be something to watch for in the future. Or he could be someone I'd see on the front page at a club misbehaving next to Mischa Barton. This is an interesting movie with some interesting moments.The budget seemed low and would have benefited with extra budget for bigger football scenes. Carr has a real opportunity to go on to big things from here. I hope he stays smart and doesn't screw it up like so much of young Hollywood does.