Mean Machine (2001)

A soccer star jailed for assault leads a group of inmates in a match against prison guards.

Director:

Barry Skolnick

Writers:

Tracy Keenan Wynn (earlier screenplay "The Longest Yard"), Charlie Fletcher (screenplay),

Stars:

Vinnie Jones, David Kelly, David Hemmings

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Vinnie Jones	...	Danny Meehan
David Kelly	...	Doc
David Hemmings	...	Governor
Ralph Brown	...	Burton
Vas Blackwood	...	Massive
Robbie Gee	...	Trojan
Geoff Bell	...	Ratchett
John Forgeham	...	Charlie Sykes
Sally Phillips	...	Tracey
Danny Dyer	...	Billy the Limpet
Jason Flemyng	...	Bob Likely
Jason Statham	...	Monk
Martin Wimbush	...	Z
David Reid	...	Barman
David Cropman	...	Second Barman

Storyline

Disgraced ex-England captain (Danny 'Mean Machine' Meehan) is thrown in jail for assaulting two police officers. Whilst in jail, he doesn't recieve any favours because of his celebrity status in the outside world. He is out numbered and many prisoners constantly barrage him with insults for letting down his country in a crucial World Cup game. He keeps his head down and has the opportunity to forget everything and change the lives of the prisoners. These prisoners have the chance to put one over the evil guards. The prisoners are lead by Danny and the whole of the prison, guards aside, are behind them. Game on......

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Plot Keywords:

prison guard | prison | soccer | inmate | soccer star | 

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Taglines:

Not Your Usual Suspects

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 December 2001 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Máquina

Box Office

Budget:

£2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$16,870 (USA) (22 February 2002)

Gross:

$92,191 (USA) (3 May 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Ruddy Morgan Productions, Brad Grey Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Kelly replaced Warren Mitchell.

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Goofs

When 'Nitro' is bundled into the back of a prison van, he knocks a guard's hat off. As the prison van doors are slammed shut, the guard's hat is still firmly on his head.

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Quotes

Danny Meehan: I'll tell you something, I didn't start off out as a youngster looking to sell my country out.
Massive: None of us planned to be here, mate.
Chiv: But you're forgetting one thing. You're a hero in Scotland.

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Connections

References Escape to Victory (1981)

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Soundtracks

"Baggy Trousers"
Written by Chris Foreman (as Christopher Foreman) and 'Graham 'Suggs' McPherson' (as Graham McPherson)
Performed by Madness

User Reviews

The Longest Yard Redux

I really enjoyed this flick. Perhaps because I always enjoy sports related flicks, or because I am a huge fan of Vinnie Jones, thanks to Guy Richie, or maybe because I am in love with Jason Statham, also thanks to Guy.

But why I watched it in the first place was because I had always enjoyed The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds, in fact the only flick of his I enjoyed, and was very happy to see a British version of the football classic. I loved the characters, the seamless transition from American football to European football, and the accents. Vinnie Jones gives yet another great performance, and it was nice to see so many characters return from Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels as well as Snatch (great flicks!).

I give this flick 4 1/2 stars, only because it didn't showcase "Monk" enough for my tastes.