Release Date: December 22, 1999 (US)
Director: Oliver Stone
Writters: Oliver Stone, Daniel Pyne, John Logan
Jamie Foxx as: “Steamin” Willie Beamen
Co-Stars: Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diaz, LL Cool J
Runtime: 150 min | 156 min (director’s cut)
Genres: Drama, Sport
Rated: R for strong language and some nudity/sexuality
Production budget: $55 million (estimated)
Box office: $100 million
Links: Imdb
Plot Summary
When a devastating hit knocks a professional football legend and quarterback Cap Rooney (Dennis Quaid) out of the game, a young, unknown third-stringer is called in to replace him. Having ridden the bench for years because of a string of bad luck stories and perhaps insufficient character, Willie Beaman (Jamie Foxx) seizes what may be his last chance, and lights up the field with a raw display of athletic prowess. His stunning performance over several games is so outstanding and fresh it seems to augur a new era in the history of this Miami franchise, and forces aging coach Tony D’Amato (Al Pacino) to reevaluate his time-tested values and strategies and begin to confront the fact that the game, as well as post-modern life may be passing him by. Adding to the pressure on D’Amato to win at any cost is the aggressive young President/Co-owner of the team, Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz), now coming into her own after her father’s death.
Photos
More pictures here!
Trivia
- Comedian Chris Tucker turned down Jamie Foxx’s role in the film.
- According to Cuba Gooding Jr., he met with Oliver Stone about playing the role of Willie Beamen but Stone turned Gooding down because he had already played a football player in Jerry Maguire.
- The film was shot in Miami, FL and Irving, TX.
- Shark Stadium, where the fictitious Miami Sharks play, is actually the Orange Bowl Stadium, in Miami, Florida.
Trailer
Reviews
There’s scarcely a scene in which the actors, action and sound track aren’t cranked up to maximum intensity. – Chicago Tribune
Features convincing, often soaring, performances by a savvy cast that must have gotten adrenaline shots administered by Stone himself. – San Francisco Chronicle