by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

George Clooney first tried his hand at directing in 2002 with "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." In 2005, "Good Night, and Good Luck," which he directed, was nominated for six Academy Awards, including achievement in directing and best picture. Now he's behind the camera again in the new film "Leatherheads," in which he also stars.

All three films are period pieces and have a raw quality that reflects the era in which they take place. Clooney is known for taking on these kinds of projects and I hope he continues to do so.

"Leatherheads" is charming, not only because of Clooney's on-screen presence, but because the style in which it is filmed is refreshing. This movie actually feels like it is from the 1920s, which could also be its downfall in the end. In the film world today, movies are fast-paced with lots of action. "Leatherheads" moves slower and is more about story than about football. However, the football does provide most of the action.

Clooney is this generation's Clark Gable, and he definitely fits into the persona of a 1925 football player. Renee Zellweger also seems to have found her niche in period films. Since her role as Roxie Hart in "Chicago," I have wanted to see her play a character from the same era. Clooney and Zellweger make a nearly perfect on-screen couple and the banter between characters was wonderful.

There are moments in "Leatherheads" where I felt it moved a little too slowly, but those were outweighed by all of the funny and heartfelt moments. The script is well-written by Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly. The addition of John Krasinski -- yes, that is Jim from TV show "The Office" -- as a star college football player and war hero is a definite plus, making the film well rounded.

In "Leatherheads," college football is where the attraction is, and everyone wants to watch the college stars. The professional football players, however, are left to play in terrible conditions without many rules, fans or money. Dodge Connelly (Clooney) wants to bring pro football up to the standard of the college game, and he does so by recruiting Carter Rutherford (Krasinski).

Reporter Lexie Littleton (Zellweger) is assigned to find the true story of Carter's war history. In the meantime, she finds herself falling for Carter while trying to crack his secret. But, Dodge also finds Lexie to be attractive, intriguing and intelligent. She's also an anomaly as a female sports reporter in the 1920s.

Eventually, Lexie gets the story of a lifetime when Carter tells her that his war hero past is nothing but a hoax. She prints the story that starts the spiral of what professional football is today -- a game with rules.

"Leatherheads" is a very good movie. Though not as good as "Good Night, and Good Luck" stylistically, it's definitely worth seeing. Women may find this so-called football movie more appealing than they expected, while men will want more action and less storyline.

missy@tooeletranscript.com

Grade: B

Rated: PG-13

Time: 114 minutes

Opens Friday