MIKE BASSETT: ENGLAND MANAGER

Starring: Ricky Tomlinson, Amanda Redman, Bradley Walsh and Phil Jupitus
Director: Steve Barron
Running Time: 92 mins

Available to buy on DVD 18th March

When the current England Manager has a heart attack and it unable to continue in the job, the FA have to find a replacement. After scouring the whole of Europe and most of the Premier League they are greeted with rejection after rejection. As a last resort they turn to Division 1 and Mike Bassett (Tomlinson), the current boss of Norwich City, who have just won a very minor trophy. To the great displeasure of the press and the supporters, he takes the job and ushers in a new start for England by promptly losing his first game in charge against Poland.

A British movie that isn't based around criminals makes a very pleasant change, but the problem is they have chosen Football instead. Football movies are rarely very good, with only Escape to Victory coming to mind as one you'd really want to watch again.

This film does give it a really good crack though. Set in a documentary style, similar to the Graham Taylor series during the 1994 World Cup Qualification, this is very tongue in check and quite well written. Football fans will appreciate the many in-jokes and pick up on whom many of the players are supposed to represent. There are also many cameos from people associated with the game, including Pele. The cast are good but it is Tomlinson that really shines as the manager out of his depth.

The problem is that you really have to like Football to enjoy the movie, as it is written by football fans for football fans, making its appeal limited. Still it is the best footy movie in a long while and makes a change for us not having to see a sports film has features an American sport.

Audio commentary from director Steve Barron, Deleted scenes, Alternative ending, Interactive menu & Scene access


The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

The Usher 2001