Playing for Keeps centers on George Dryer, a former professional soccer player trying to rebuild his relationship with his young son and ex-wife by coaching the boy's team. The job puts him back in the community but also exposes the charm and shortcuts that have kept him from becoming a dependable parent, giving the romantic comedy a family-repair arc rather than a simple dating contest.
Gabriele Muccino directed Robbie Fox's screenplay, with Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Quaid, and Judy Greer in the ensemble. AFI records Los Angeles and New York openings on December 7, 2012 and a 105-minute theatrical runtime; current digital catalogs commonly label the movie as 106 minutes. As of October 30, 2026, U.S. listings offer only per-title rentals and purchases, so no subscription or free AVOD offer meets the strict inclusion rule.