The Replacements has got to be considered one of the greatest football films of all time. This is a movie for every fan of the game -- and most of the comedy buffs.

When the players strike with four games left in the season, the owner of the Washington Sentinels decides to use replacement players. If they can win three of the four games, they will make the playoffs. He hires coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman).

McGinty gets a contract that says he can hire any players he wants and can run the team without any interference. He explains to his assistant coaches that he has selected a group that have all played the game, though maybe not professionally. They all have something unique to bring to the game. He says that even if they don't win, they'll sure be fun to watch.

He selects a Gulf War veteran and hardcore SWAT team member, a soccer kicking champ, a former player who's currently serving prison time, a sumo wrestler, a pair of gangstas and a deaf tight-end ... among others.

The quarterback, Shane "Footsteps" Falco (Keanu Reeves), is a guy known for choking when the game is on the line. Everybody blames him for his horrendous loss at the Sugar Bowl before he dropped out of sight. All eyes are on him as the spectators question if he can lead this team any better than he led the last one.

Things aren't any easier with the replacement cheerleaders. Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton) quickly decides to seek dancers from the Pussycat Club. And football may never be the same!

The little things in this movie matter and are what really make it great. For example, you might not pay any attention to the team owner's wife sitting beside him working a crossword puzzle while the professional players are on the field. But when the replacement cheerleaders are dancing, you'll definitely notice her shaking her chest, too. Those two tiny scenes make an enormous statement without that actress ever uttering a word in either scene.

The acting is fantastic. Every person is totally convincing, and they seem to rotate turns at standing out from the pack with their individual performances. It is one of few films to place each actor in the spotlight and to showcase their talent independently, then as a combined unit. Usually you only see a few of the cast in the spotlight and the minor players never really the opportunity to show you their talent. I was really impressed with this movie for being able to pull off such a gutsy move. It worked fabulously.

The photography was also of the highest caliber. Football is not an easy sport to cover with a camera, but these guys did outstanding work. It is spectacular.

John Madden and Pat Summerall guest star in their real-life roles as sportscasters, which gives this movie an air of reality. That was one heck of a smart move on the part of the casting agency.

If The Replacements doesn't make you laugh, you must be a way-too-serious person who needs to lighten up. I must have watched this movie at least a hundred times and I still laugh at it. It is one of the funniest movies ever made, yet it rings all too true. If you like comedy or football, you should own this movie. It's a mint!