Playing for Keeps: A Kick About the Mundane

Ah, “Playing for Keeps,” where Gerard Butler charms his way into a soccer mom’s heart, but let’s be real, it’s nothing spectacular. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film dances somewhere awkwardly between romcom and drama. We’ve seen Butler smolder in “300”, but here he’s just kicking a soccer ball and dissolving ex-wives’ defenses. Jessica Biel plays that very ex with her usual grace, and we can’t forget Uma Thurman—I mean, when was the last time she wasn’t captivating on screen?

The story is simple. Too simple, I think. An ex-soccer star, played by Butler, attempts to mend fences with his son by coaching his soccer team. It’s like “Bend It Like Beckham” but with less heart and way too much predictable romance. I mean, how many times do we need the “I’m a bad dad trying to do right” storyline?

When watching it, I felt like I was back at Midsommar celebrations, surrounded by families insisting on drinking coffee in the rain. Kinda like trying to have a serious kickabout when there’s a cloudburst—just messy and not as fun as it should be.

One moment I did enjoy, though, was seeing Dennis Quaid going wild on screen. He plays a rich dad, and let’s just say his “enthusiastic” performance wasn’t lost on me. I was half-expecting someone to yell, “Lugna ner dig, Dennis!”

But, you know, despite its faults, the film did manage to touch on that universal theme of wanting connection—something us Swedes can surely appreciate over a fika. Just don’t set your expectations too high for this one. It’s like lukewarm coffee; not gripping, but it’ll do if that’s the only pot on.

Check the trailer below