Review of Looking for Eric (2009) by Simon C — 09 Aug 2009
On the plus side: * Eric Cantona, both in archival match footage and in person. *He can actually act now (though he still mumbles). * Very accurate portrayal of United supporters, chants etc. *Doesn't over-explain things or insult your intelligence (e.g. the scene with the FC United supporter; one of Little Eric's stepsons being black, one white). * Loach is a pretty damn good director. * The characters are real people, not bimbos. * There's a message, but it isn't over-egged: Eric C: "my greatest moment was a pass" Little Eric: "yes, yes to Dennis Irwin...but what if he had missed?" Eric C: "you must trust your teammates. Always.".
Less good: *The storyline is very, very well-worn. Loser (but decent guy) has problems; deus* ex machina turns up to solve them; loser learns that all along the power to solve his problems was inside him. It almost felt like an adult version of There's Only One Jimmy Grimble. Except with visions of Eric Cantona standing in for magic boots. And with the right team winning, obviously ;-).
Decent acting, some drama, rambling stoned philosophy from the greatest centre forward that the world has ever seen. What more could you want?
*Literally, given what United fans called Cantona.
This review of Looking for Eric (2009) was written by Simon C on 09 Aug 2009.
Looking for Eric has generally received positive reviews.
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