IMDb 5.7 2012 HD

Playing for Keeps

Playing for Keeps

2012
Comedy Romance
106 min PG-13 USA
5.7 / 10
5.7 IMDB

A former sports star who's fallen on hard times starts coaching his son's soccer team in an attempt to get his life together.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Gabriele Muccino
Starring
Gerard Butler / Jessica Biel / Uma Thurman / Catherine Zeta-Jones / Iqbal Theba / Sean O'Bryan / Dennis Quaid / Judy Greer

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

predictable earnest charming sentimental light dramatic relatable conventional warm competent struggling familiar

Reviews

W
Willow Ainsworth
Apr 26, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

‘Playing for Keeps’ offers a familiar narrative arc: a troubled ex-athlete, played by Gerard Butler, seeks redemption through coaching his son's soccer team. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, featuring Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones,…

J
Julian Croft
Apr 26, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is a character piece that leans heavily on the charisma of its lead, Gerard Butler, as a former sports hero navigating a personal crisis. His turn as a reluctant soccer coach for his son's team is engaging,…

S
Seraphina Bellweather
Apr 26, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

‘Playing for Keeps’ presents a rather by-the-numbers story of a washed-up sportsman, Gerard Butler, attempting to salvage his life by coaching his son's soccer team. The film is populated by an impressive roster of actresses, including Jessica Biel,…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 26, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

In 'Playing for Keeps', Gerard Butler tackles the role of a former athlete seeking a second chance with a commendable, if somewhat earnest, effort. The film’s strength lies in its assembly of talented actresses – Jessica Biel, Uma…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 26, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

Gerard Butler anchors 'Playing for Keeps' with a performance that navigates the tricky terrain between gruff charm and genuine regret. The film attempts a feel-good narrative about a fallen sports star trying to mend his life by coaching…

FAQs

The film appears to blend elements of drama with potentially lighter, more comedic moments, often found in the interactions surrounding a youth sports team. The central narrative of a man seeking redemption suggests a tone that is earnest and hopeful, though the presence of a star-studded cast hints at potentially sharp character interplay and emotional depth.