‘Draft Day’
As an actor who consistently makes interesting choices, Kevin Costner is always worth watching. Case in point: Ivan Reitman’s criminally ignored Draft Day. Costner plays Sonny Weaver Jr, the Cleveland Browns’ GM, who is forced to make a big move in the NFL draft to appease owner Anthony Molina (Frank Langella)—all while dealing with his mother (Ellen Burstyn), who is grieving over the death of his father, and with his newly pregnant girlfriend/salary cap analyst, Ali (Jennifer Garner). With strong supporting performances from Denis Leary, Chadwick Boseman and Sam Elliot, this fast-talking, compelling sports drama manages to make the draft accessible to non-sports fans with the help of a smart script by playwright Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman.