Loosely based on a true story, 80 For Brady stars Lily Tomlin as Lou, Jane Fonda as Trish, Rita Moreno as Maura and Sally Field as Betty. They are, or are approaching 80 years of age, and big fans of the New England Patriots* and in particular, their star quarterback Tom Brady. When the team reach another Super Bowl in 2017, the four friends decide to attend.
If ever a film was made for an American audience, this is it. Despite heavy marketing, American Football has not broken through here and Brady could walk down the street with little notice. Based on the very sparsely attended showing I was at, I don’t think will make much impact in this country. The film is a little clunky and, with the exception of the excellent Sally Field who shines in the standout scene speaking to her husband, played by the wonderful Bob Balaban, on the phone, none of the main cast seem entirely comfortable in their roles. There is also a lot of talent in the supporting cast. Harry Hamlin and Glynn Turman fare the best with Sara Gilbert and Jimmy O. Yang given far too little to do. Brady, though, and Diners Drive Ins and Dives Guy Fieri should stick to their day jobs.
There are just enough laughs to keep things afloat until the sentimental last 20 minutes or so that become a bit embarrassing, as Lou basically wins the game for the Patriots.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
*Bizarrely, we are shown at the end, that, within a few years, all four had become Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans because Brady had moved there.