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Playing for Keeps

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Playing for Keeps

PG-13

Released Dec 7, 2012

1h 45m

Romance

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

6%

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90 Reviews

41%

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10,000+ Ratings

Long past his soccer-playing heyday, George Dryer (Gerard Butler) is struggling financially and failing in his attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife, Stacie (Jessica Biel), and young son, Lewis (Noah Lomax). When Lewis' soccer team has an opening for a coach, George steps up. Not only is George a big hit with the children, but he also attracts lots of attention from some of the players' single and unhappily married mothers (Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones).

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Critics Consensus

Witless, unfocused, and arguably misogynistic, Playing for Keeps is a dispiriting, lowest-common-denominator Hollywood rom-com.

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Noah Berlatsky

The Atlantic

Playing for Keeps recycles tired, flawed lessons about masculinity.

Aug 28, 2019

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

The comedy has its moments but they are few, and a high-powered cast, which also includes Judy Greer and Dennis Quaid, give mostly low-powered performances.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 4, 2013

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Anna Smith

Time Out

Everyone involved deserves a script with more wit, originality and sense of purpose.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 26, 2012

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a flawed movie that’s still an agreeable enough watch for those who dig Butler’s brand of charm…

Rated: 3/5

Jun 24, 2023

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Biel, despite being left with insipid material and dialogue, at least tries to keep things afloat.

Rated: 1.0/4.0

Sep 20, 2020

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Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

Despite a cast full of recognizable -- and in some cases talented -- people, this is a predictable piece of romantic comedy fluff that just goes through the motions. There is not one moment that you can't see coming well in advance.

Apr 11, 2019

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eliza H

Sinks to new lows - appalling waste of film reel. And as you might say: there's two hours I won't get back.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

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Facetiouslyinsolent

This movie was not made to win awards, it's a Rom-com. Does it check all the boxes for the reason it was made, absolutely. I'm a movie lover and think the so called "Critics" are pathetic. They give the StepUp movie a 45% and this movie a 5%. Do yourself a favor and give the movie your own review by watching it and deciding for yourself. I'm a Gerard Butler fan and think his performance in this was believable. It's a realistic story for the most part and if you want to have fun with a (Chick-flick) give this one a try.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

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Huid H

Boring.. Whith such talented actors you'd expect more. After five minutes you know the plot

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

Not the best story, but it was entertaining. I’ve been wanting to watch it again

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/21/21

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Audience Member

Playing for keeps has a great cast and a few laughs but overall it’s a predictable by the book romantic comedy. It’s a little over long and except for a few jokes the dialogue just isn’t there. The story doesn’t really go anywhere. Performances are pretty much phoned in. There’s a lot of talent behind the camera but it’s a waste it on something so forgettable.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/21

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Audience Member

Typical rom com, passes the time. Lots of plot holes.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

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Gabriele Muccino

Director

Gerard Butler

George

Jessica Biel

Stacie

Uma Thurman

Patti

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Denise

Dennis Quaid

Carl

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Synopsis

Long past his soccer-playing heyday, George Dryer (Gerard Butler) is struggling financially and failing in his attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife, Stacie (Jessica Biel), and young son, Lewis (Noah Lomax). When Lewis' soccer team has an opening for a coach, George steps up. Not only is George a big hit with the children, but he also attracts lots of attention from some of the players' single and unhappily married mothers (Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Director: Gabriele Muccino
Producer: Jonathan Mostow, Kevin Misher, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Heidi Jo Markel, John Thompson
Screenwriter: Robbie Fox
Distributor: FilmDistrict
Production Co: Millenium Media Group, Eclectic Pictures, Nu Image, York Square Productions, Misher Films, Gerard Butler Alan Siegel Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Language|A Brief Intense Image|Some Sexual Situations)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 7, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.1M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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