80 for Brady (2023) * * *

Directed by:  Kyle Marvin

Starring:  Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Tom Brady, Bob Balaban, Glynn Turman, Guy Fieri, Billy Porter, Rob Gronkowski, Harry Hamlin

There are a combined five Academy Awards between the four leading ladies of 80 for Brady and many more nominations on top of those.   Tom Brady has seven Superbowl championships, Billy Porter has an Emmy win, and Rob Gronkowski has four Superbowl rings himself.   While 80 for Brady won't net anyone associated with it any more awards season hardware, it is nonetheless a spirited film with its stars having a ball.   Their joy is infectious even as the material veers into occasional silliness.  

Lou (Tomlin), Betty (Field), Trish (Fonda), and Maura (Moreno) are longtime friends who became instant Tom Brady devotees after leading the Patriots to their first of six Superbowl titles in 2002.   That season's title aided Lou in her battle with cancer by providing hope and something to look forward to for her.   Fast forward to Superbowl LI (51 for those Roman numerically challenged), with Lou proposing they actually attend the game in Houston in person.   No one can afford it, but Lou and company enter a podcast contest trying to win free tickets.

Lou announces the four have won the tickets and head to Houston for a weekend of NFL Experience, Superbowl parties, and Betty entering a spicy food eating contest hosted by famed chef Guy Fieri.   80 for Brady is based on a true story, although I strongly doubt the subplots which occur here actually happened.  Such as Betty losing the tickets, causing she and the others to have to pretend to be in a dance troupe in order to enter the stadium.   Or what happens when they actually sit down to watch the game.  I won't dream of giving away what happens with the foursome, although the game itself contains the biggest Superbowl comeback with the Patriots overcoming a 28-3 deficit (or the Falcons choking away a 28-3 lead, depending on how you look at it).  If the movie is to be believed, Lou played a huge part in inspiring Brady and the Pats come back.  

80 for Brady isn't a movie that is meant to be believed.  It provides us with entertaining performances in a lightweight movie that puts smiles on people's faces and not a lot of analysis is necessary, although I give you some anyway.   You're welcome.