Four legendary actresses combine their talent for director Kyle Marvin in 80 For Brady from Paramount Pictures. Sarah Haskins and Emily Halpern pen the film's screenplay, which takes inspiration from a true story of best friends and New England Patriots fans who take a life-changing trip to Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.
Lou (Lily Tomlin), Trish (Jane Fonda), Betty (Sally Field), and Maura (Rita Moreno) are lifelong friends whose bond deepened when they discovered the talents of Tom Brady during his rookie years with the Patriots. Lou was battling cancer at the time, and something in Tom's story just struck a chord with her. Sixteen seasons later, the Patriots clutch the 2017 AFC Playoff win; Lou asks her friends to join her for an unforgettable adventure to Super Bowl LI. For the next 100 minutes, we go on a journey with these ladies, and it's harmless fun.
I am by no means a Tom Brady fan. However, I do respect his fantastic story and winning story. That said, 80 For Brady could have come off as a narcissistic vanity piece since Mr. Brady produced the film, but instead, it's a heartwarming story about the power of friendship. Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Sally Field could all do a role like this in their sleep, and the script allows them to have fun.
Naturally, some of the jokes are routine (the trailer spoils a few of them), but I was so busy watching these legends have a ball I was willing to let it pass. Despite some charming moments from Harry Hamlin and Glynn Turman, the supporting cast that pops up is just there to move the plot along. Billy Porter shows up as Lady Gagas' choreographer for a few laughs, while Guy Fieri and Rob Gronkowski have memorable cameos. As for Tom Brady, he does show a commendable screen presence portraying himself. While I'm not a fan, you can't help but smile at the moment he shares with Lou.
Despite a few implausible scenarios that require suspension of disbelief, 80 For Brady is a harmless comedy worth a one-time watch.
Final Grade: B
80 For Brady is in theaters now