Draft Day is not a good movie that has clear potential. It almost feels like the film is targeted toward women rather than men with the annoying love story between then age 59, Kevin Costner, and then age 42, Jennifer Garner, and somehow we're supposed to believe in that love interest, and she's pregnant? Get out of here with that bull crap. But because they obtained the rights to use the NFL teams, they were able to get men semi-attentive to the movie, but if you take out the NFL part of the movie and make Kevin Costner's character some generic business tycoon, no man in the world is going to see this movie. I swear, each time I watch Draft Day, the worse it gets, and I realize how much better it could have been had they made the movie similar to "The Big Short."

‍

‍

To make the movie "Draft Day" better by incorporating elements from "The Big Short," you could introduce a more complex and engaging narrative structure, enhance the character development, and delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the football industry. Here's my hypothetical approach to blending the two movies and making Draft Day significantly more watchable:

‍

Multiple Storylines: Like "The Big Short," "Draft Day" could incorporate multiple storylines to explore different perspectives and interconnected narratives. These storylines could follow various characters involved in the NFL draft, with not just the general manager being the focal point but also the team owner, player agent, and a talented college player hoping to get drafted. I've observed movies and television series with multiple key characters, and they tend to be more successful with the audience.  

‍

‍

Detailed Explanations: "The Big Short" excelled at breaking down complex financial concepts for the audience. Similarly, "Draft Day" could have introduced detailed explanations of the strategies, tactics, and calculations involved in evaluating potential draft picks. This would provide a deeper understanding of the decision-making processes and add an educational aspect to the film. I found it unrealistic that no franchise felt comfortable drafting Bo Calahan because no teammate went to the kid's 21st birthday party. 

‍

Flawed Characters: "The Big Short" showcased flawed, compelling, and relatable characters. In "Draft Day," it could have developed flawed but fascinating characters, such as a general manager with a personal agenda or a player agent struggling with ethical dilemmas. I understand they attempted to do this with the Cleveland Browns GM threatening to be fired by the team owner had he not drafted a player with some buzz, but this was glossed over in the final cut. These character arcs would add depth and emotional resonance to the story in the improved version.

‍

Realism and Authenticity: "The Big Short" was praised for its attention to detail and realism. "Draft Day" was far from real or authentic. I don't consider myself smart, but I know a sh*t deal when I see one, and for the Seahawk's general manager to give up all three future 1st round draft picks while knowing Cleveland was not going to draft Bo Callahan was just too off the rails in the end. Tom Michaels should have been fired on the spot after that deal. The emphasis on the authenticity of the football industry by exploring the pressures, politics, and rivalries behind closed doors would have greatly benefited the quality of the film. This would give the audience a more accurate portrayal of the NFL draft process.

‍

‍

Critical Analysis: When comparing the two movies, "The Big Short" critically analyzes the financial crisis, offering social commentary on the system and the individuals involved. There could have been a similar use of critical analysis in "Draft Day," focusing on the exploitative aspects of the NFL draft system, the impact on players' lives, and the ethical questions surrounding the commodification of athletes.  

‍

Breaking the Fourth Wall: To further enhance the storytelling, "Draft Day" could break the fourth wall occasionally, allowing characters to directly address the audience, share their thoughts, or explain the complexities of the draft process. "Draft Day" could have done this with Hall of Fame players or current stars by addressing the audience with a detailed but simplistic explanation of what was occurring in the scene. This approach would create an immersive experience and engage viewers more actively.

‍

‍

By incorporating these elements from "The Big Short," "Draft Day" would transform into a more thought-provoking film that entertains, educates, and challenges the audience's perception of the football industry and the draft process. But then again, maybe this is something the NFL doesn't want the public to know or see.  

‍