It is easy to see why Gerard Butler accepted the role of a former star soccer player now trying to put his life back together in rural Virginia.  Not only is it a nice role that blends athleticism with comedy and drama, but he gets to romance Jessica Biel, Judy Greer, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Uma Thurman.  Lucky guy.

Gabriele Muccino’s movie presents Butler as a charmer who has wasted away his fame and desperately wants to reconnect with his son (Noah Lomax) and ex-wife (Biel), who is soon to marry again.  The tale unfolds without many surprises, as he is recruited to coach his son’s soccer team and the soccer moms go gaga for him.  Yet while the plotting is by the numbers, due to Butler’s charm and some good writing it manages to retain a good feeling throughout.  It becomes a bit labored by the time everything is sorted out, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

It’s nice to find a movie that is generally realistic, without gimmicks or superheroes, that depends on telling a character-driven story.  Other than a couple of logic gaffes and the annoying presence of Dennis Quaid — who is supposed to be irritating — I recommend Playing for Keeps as the kind of mild, feel-good movie that Hollywood used to make.  I think you’ll enjoy it.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  26 December 2012.