Review of The Football Factory (2004) by Rob F — 25 Feb 2013

Firstly, I have to say, that while I am a big football fan, I'm aware of the History in England, and I do hate the fans of some other clubs with a passion, I don't like the message that this type of film is putting out. I live abroad and people have often asked me about the hooliganism in England. I tell them the truth, it's been mostly non-existent since the 80s, much to their surprise. Films like this are adored by the hooligan gangs of Eastern Europe who look up to the English hooligans as leading the way. Then, when we attend international events, everyone wants to take on the English mob, who are probably no more than a bunch of dads taking their kids to see England overseas. This happens because of films and books like this, I'm sure.

Judging this as a movie though, I have done a bit of a U-turn when it comes to Danny Dyer, the bloke was hilarious on 8 out of 10 cats the other night and I see him a bit differently now, which is why I decided to re-watch this. It's quite well made and has a splendid soundtrack, the dream sequences are a bit unnecessary and the whole "take a look at yerself" message is deemed pointless by the very last line of the film. It hasn't got Elijah Wood in it, so one nil to the football factory there.