George Clooney's 'The Boys in the Boat' delivers a nostalgic sports drama

George Clooney's film "The Boys in the Boat" is a stodgy and sententious varsity-sports underdog drama set in the Depression era. Based on a true story, it follows a crew of nine guys from the University of Washington as they battle Ivy League snobs and Nazi cheats to compete for Olympic rowing gold in 1936. The film's overall effect is sturdy but unsubtle, with strong racing scenes and weak dialogue scenes. Despite its potential, the film falls short of Clooney's capabilities and feels like an animatronic museum display.