Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- breezy
- witty
- sincere
- lazy sunday
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film unfocused and witless, criticizing its lowest-common-denominator romantic comedy and misogynistic elements despite some praise for Jessica Biel's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
George is a former professional soccer star whose unemployment, romantic attention, and parenting failures all converge on his effort to become dependable.
George takes over his son's soccer team, making the field the central setting for his renewed connection with his child.
George's move to Virginia places him among his ex-wife, his son's teammates, several interested mothers, and a wealthy parent who may help his career.
George's former soccer fame contrasts with his current financial instability, joblessness, and disappointment of his son.
Films like Playing for Keeps, and why
The Rebound
Both are sports-centered romantic comedies about an immature former athlete trying to repair family relationships while navigating romantic complications.
Kicking & Screaming
Both combine soccer or athletic ambition with parent-child reconciliation, romantic missteps, and a broadly accessible feel-good structure.
Hope Springs
Both are relationship comedies focused on second chances, family tensions, and an emotionally stalled adult attempting to become more responsible.
Movie Details
- Director
- Gabriele Muccino
- Release Date
- 2012-11-29
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (737)
Cast
- Gerard Butler
- Jessica Biel
- Noah Lomax
- Dennis Quaid
- Uma Thurman
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- James Tupper
- Judy Greer
- Abella Wyss
- Grant Goodman
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Playing for Keeps about?
- A fallen soccer celebrity juggles coaching, career uncertainty, romantic distractions, and the difficult work of becoming a reliable father.
- What is Playing for Keeps like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Playing for Keeps as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Playing for Keeps violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Playing for Keeps.
- What did critics think of Playing for Keeps?
- Critics broadly found the film unfocused and witless, criticizing its lowest-common-denominator romantic comedy and misogynistic elements despite some praise for Jessica Biel's performance.
- Which films are like Playing for Keeps?
- Films with a similar feel include The Rebound, Kicking & Screaming, and Hope Springs.
- How long is Playing for Keeps?
- Playing for Keeps runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Playing for Keeps?
- In United States, Playing for Keeps is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
