DVD Review: Monday Night Mayhem (B)

Monday Night Mayhem (2002)
Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson
Starring John Turturro, John Heard and Kevin Anderson
MPAA: UR
Grade: B

Review by Bobby Nashville

I can remember watching Monday Night Football as a young kid and getting hooked on the drama of sports. Howard Cosell was simply amazing, calling the game with elaborate phrases and a style that was truly his own. The players and the drama of live athletic competition really came to life through the play by play of Howard Cosell.

Monday Night Mayhem is a look back at the rise and fall of Howard Cosell, more specifically his years as announcer of ABC's Monday Night Football. Before MNF, football was broadcast in a cold, rather clinical style. Howard Cosell changed all of that with his bold play by play style. Producer Roone Arledge brought in lots of glamor and glitz via more cameras (including on field cameras) and splashy graphics. Monday Night Football was a huge hit and it remains one of the most popular shows on TV today.

John Turturro (one of my favorite actors) is fantastic as the moody, slightly paranoid Howard Cosell. John Heard is brilliant as Roone Arledge, the groundbreaking head of sports (and later News) for ABC. Kevin Anderson seems a little miscast as Frank Gifford but he does what he can with a rather stiff character.

If you remember Howard Cosell fondly then you will love Monday Night Mayhem, a fascinating look at the early years of Monday Night Football.

Buy Monday Night Mayhem On DVD From Amazon.com