Players

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 14, 2024

Genre
Romantic Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Gina Rodriguez as Mackenzie “Mack”
• Damon Wayans Jr. as Adam
• Tom Ellis as Nick Russell
• Augustus Prew as Brannagan
• Joel Courtney as Little
• Liza Koshy as Ashley
• Ego Nwodim as Claire
• Marin Hinkle as Karen Kirk
• Brock O’Hurn as Brady Stratton

Director
Trish Sie

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)
• Step Up All In (2014)
• The Sleepover (2020)

Producer
Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Gina Rodriguez

Writers
Whit Anderson

Budget
N/A

Production Company
Marc Platt Productions, Campfire Studios

Running Time
112 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Sexual content
• Mild language
• Adult themes

Movie Story
Players is a 2024 American romantic comedy that follows Mackenzie “Mack” (Gina Rodriguez), a 33-year-old sports journalist living in New York City. Known for her intricate and clever ‘plays’—elaborate schemes designed to help herself and her friends find romantic hook-ups—Mack leads a seemingly fun-filled life, though deep down, she yearns for a serious relationship.

Mack sees a chance for something deeper when she meets Nick Russell (Tom Ellis), a sophisticated war correspondent who recently joined her newspaper. After their first night together, Mack is disappointed to find that Nick views their encounter as nothing more than a one-night stand. Determined to win him over, Mack enlists the help of her best friend Adam (Damon Wayans Jr.), along with her co-worker Brannagan (Augustus Prew), his brother Little (Joel Courtney), and the newspaper’s secretary Ashley (Liza Koshy).

The group devises a plan, dubbed ‘The Flurry,’ to capture Nick’s interest. The plan involves Mack strategically running into Nick but playing hard to get, which successfully grabs his attention. When they discover that Nick is planning a third date with another woman, the group executes another plan to disrupt the date, allowing Mack to take her place. As Mack and Nick start dating, Adam begins to date a new girl named Claire (Ego Nwodim), though Mack and Adam’s undeniable chemistry begins to cause friction.

The tension comes to a head when Mack asks both Adam and Nick to review a feature she’s writing about New Yorkers’ favorite sports memories. While Adam is quick to offer positive feedback, Nick delays, and later reveals that he has rewritten her piece entirely. At a gala event where Nick receives a humanitarian award, Mack confronts Nick about his changes to her article. The confrontation reveals deeper issues, leading to their breakup. Despite the setback, Mack submits her original version of the story, which is well-received by her editor, earning her a high-profile assignment covering a Yankees game.

As Mack celebrates her professional success with friends—minus Adam—they discover that Claire has ended her relationship with Adam, citing his obvious feelings for Mack. Mack eventually comes to terms with her own feelings for Adam, but he avoids her. When Adam agrees to help Ashley surprise Little with tickets to the Yankees-Red Sox game, he is shocked to find himself the target of a ‘play’—Mack’s elaborate confession of love. The film culminates with a romantic kiss between Mack and Adam before she heads off to cover the game.

Special Effects
Players relies on the dynamics between characters and witty dialogue rather than heavy special effects. The film’s visual style is bright and vibrant, perfectly capturing the bustling energy of New York City.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix release on Valentine’s Day, Players is expected to perform well, particularly among fans of romantic comedies. Its release date, combined with a strong cast and an engaging plot, positions it to be a popular streaming choice.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You can run a perfect play, but you can’t always control the game.” – Mack
• “Sometimes, love isn’t about finding the right play, but about playing it right.” – Adam
• “The heart wants what it wants, even when it’s not part of the plan.” – Nick Russell

Behind-the-Scenes
Filming for Players took place in New York City from July to September 2021. The production focused on capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere, essential to the film’s romantic and comedic tone. The cast, led by Gina Rodriguez and Damon Wayans Jr., brought their chemistry to life with the help of director Trish Sie, known for her work on musical and dance films.

Final Verdict
Players is a charming and witty romantic comedy that brings together an ensemble cast in a story about love, friendship, and the complexities of modern relationships. With strong performances from Gina Rodriguez, Damon Wayans Jr., and Tom Ellis, the film is a delightful watch for fans of the genre. Its playful yet heartfelt narrative makes it a perfect pick for a cozy movie night.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10

Image Source: Netflix