I hired this film from my local library having run out of decent films to watch and absolutely loved it! Yes, it's stupid, no, we don't know what she sees in him, of course bowls is the most boring game in the world. However the one liners (I'm sorry but the moment before the matrix mention is inspired) the marching band and the leopard print bra speak for themselves. The amazing talent that kept popping up was fabulous and the tension build at the end incredible (especially given the subject). It's a fantastic feel-good movie with romance, champagne, porn, cheerleaders, decorators, rebels and, of course, bowls. I'm going to go and watch it again whilst you all sulk!
52 Reviews
Very broad and basic but still energetic enough and amusing
bob the moo13 March 2004
Cliff Starkey comes from the rough end of Torquay but is a master bowls player considering that he refuses to set foot onto the snobbish green of Ray Speight's bowling club. When he hears that Australia's hottest young bowlers are coming to England to play England's county champions, Cliff competes and wins - but an insult to Ray gets him a ban. Things look bleak until an American sports agent steps in and makes Cliff the all new bad boy of bowls - the hottest new sport in the UK.
Despite the average reviews for this film and the fact that British comedies are often a very low standard of humour, I decided to watch this film. I was once a bowler myself as a teenager but that played no part in my relative enjoyment of this film. The plot is daft of course but that shouldn't matter as the laughs should make it easy watching; this is sort of the case, but nowhere near enough. The comedy is very broad, which isn't a problem for me; what is a problem is that I wasn't laughing anywhere near enough to support this type of humour. I did laugh but it was inconsistent.
Despite this, the film still has enough rough energy to cover it even when it isn't drawing actual laughs. It is amusing in a very basic way and I found it just about did enough to justify watching. The script could really have done more to up the humour - the dialogue is too basic whereas I really think it could have done with being more off the wall and hilarious. As it was I think it relied too heavily on the daftness of the plot and it's energy to get laughs.
In terms of energy though, Kaye does well. He is quite good but he has a problem brought about by the fact that his character is an unsympathetic idiot from start to finish. This was an issue as you really need an audience on the side of the main character if we are eventually meant to root for him. Vegas is a very funny man - but here he really needed those `off the wall' lines I referred to before; he is still funny here but only by his appearance. God knows why Vaughan did this film but his was the best character simply because it was off the wall and fun; not his best performance but enjoyably silly. Cromwell adds a bit of weight but does seem too good for this. The support cast is full of British comedians - Cribbins, Staunton, Reeves, McNeice are all good and Tony Slattery is given a silly wig and just let loose. Small roles also for Mark Little and Jon Snow.
Overall this is amusing but never really hilarious. It has a few laughs but generally it gets by on raucous energy alone. It is broad and silly but it is worth seeing if you are in a silly mood and not too demanding.
Despite the average reviews for this film and the fact that British comedies are often a very low standard of humour, I decided to watch this film. I was once a bowler myself as a teenager but that played no part in my relative enjoyment of this film. The plot is daft of course but that shouldn't matter as the laughs should make it easy watching; this is sort of the case, but nowhere near enough. The comedy is very broad, which isn't a problem for me; what is a problem is that I wasn't laughing anywhere near enough to support this type of humour. I did laugh but it was inconsistent.
Despite this, the film still has enough rough energy to cover it even when it isn't drawing actual laughs. It is amusing in a very basic way and I found it just about did enough to justify watching. The script could really have done more to up the humour - the dialogue is too basic whereas I really think it could have done with being more off the wall and hilarious. As it was I think it relied too heavily on the daftness of the plot and it's energy to get laughs.
In terms of energy though, Kaye does well. He is quite good but he has a problem brought about by the fact that his character is an unsympathetic idiot from start to finish. This was an issue as you really need an audience on the side of the main character if we are eventually meant to root for him. Vegas is a very funny man - but here he really needed those `off the wall' lines I referred to before; he is still funny here but only by his appearance. God knows why Vaughan did this film but his was the best character simply because it was off the wall and fun; not his best performance but enjoyably silly. Cromwell adds a bit of weight but does seem too good for this. The support cast is full of British comedians - Cribbins, Staunton, Reeves, McNeice are all good and Tony Slattery is given a silly wig and just let loose. Small roles also for Mark Little and Jon Snow.
Overall this is amusing but never really hilarious. It has a few laughs but generally it gets by on raucous energy alone. It is broad and silly but it is worth seeing if you are in a silly mood and not too demanding.
Gentle comedy that we Brits do so well
wrenster5 September 2003
Ok, so this isn't going to be hailed the new The Full Monty, and doesn't have the romantic edge of Four Weddings And A Funeral, and it may not even have the charm of Bend It Like Beckham, but Blackball is an amusing, sometimes laugh-out-loud tale of the underdog winning through in the end.
Paul Kaye (more famous for his role of Dennis Pennis) plays Cliff, a guy living on a run-down estate but who has a talent for Crown Green Bowls, a sport more recognised for the older generation. But when a team from Australia are storming in the bowls arena, Cliff decides that his only way of getting to play them, is to win a bowls contest for the County Championship, a competition won 23 times in a row by Roy (James Cromwell). Of course he wins, but loses the championship and the chance to bowl for 15 years in professional competition due to a rule that Cliff broke.
The rise to fame is helped by a sleazy sports agent (Vince Vaughn) and Cliff becomes the bad boy of bowls. He also falls for Roy's daughter (Alice Evan s) and in his rise to the big time, almost loses everything that he holds dear to him, from his Grandad (Bernard Cribbins), his best friend (Johnny Vegas) and his girl.
This isn't going to win any major awards and may be forgotten about six months down the road, but it's an undemanding piece of comedy cinema that will have you chuckling all the way through. Nice performances from all involved, and a great soundtrack too.
Paul Kaye (more famous for his role of Dennis Pennis) plays Cliff, a guy living on a run-down estate but who has a talent for Crown Green Bowls, a sport more recognised for the older generation. But when a team from Australia are storming in the bowls arena, Cliff decides that his only way of getting to play them, is to win a bowls contest for the County Championship, a competition won 23 times in a row by Roy (James Cromwell). Of course he wins, but loses the championship and the chance to bowl for 15 years in professional competition due to a rule that Cliff broke.
The rise to fame is helped by a sleazy sports agent (Vince Vaughn) and Cliff becomes the bad boy of bowls. He also falls for Roy's daughter (Alice Evan s) and in his rise to the big time, almost loses everything that he holds dear to him, from his Grandad (Bernard Cribbins), his best friend (Johnny Vegas) and his girl.
This isn't going to win any major awards and may be forgotten about six months down the road, but it's an undemanding piece of comedy cinema that will have you chuckling all the way through. Nice performances from all involved, and a great soundtrack too.
The Happy Gilmore Of Bowls.
BigHardcoreRed22 March 2005
I think it is fair to say that National Lampoon's Blackball borrows heavily from the whole concept that made Happy Gilmore the success it was. While this was not as good or nearly as popular, it is far better than many of the recent movies National Lampoon has released lately, most recently Holiday Reunion.
Cliff Starkey (Paul Kaye) is a renegade bowler with a natural talent to make the balls do pretty much whatever he needs. He knows the trick shots and knows the game inside and out. Due to some childish pranks on his part, he is suspended from the game for 15 years so is reduced to playing only exhibitions. Thanks to Rick Schwartz (Vince Vaughn), who is something of an agent, he builds up Starkey's name as an attraction while at the same time, gets him the endorsements and appearances. Basically, he makes him famous. This is where the bowling league decides they are missing out on a lot of cash by not having him.
The movie moves towards teaming Cliff with his arch enemy in the bowling field, Ray Speight (James Cromwell) against Australia's baddest bowlers, Kyle and Mark Doohan (Mark Dymond & Mark Little). The English team of Starkey and Speight are having problems getting their heads in the game due to Starkey's press coverage of himself with Speight's daughter, Kerry (Alice Evans).
Blackball was by no means as good as Happy Gilmore was, if you are into these types of films, but it is definitely the same genre. The renegade bad boy is bringing new fans and more money to an otherwise dull sport. It is not too high on the list of great comedies, but if you like this type of humor, or National Lampoon for that matter, then it is one of their better efforts since they stopped making the Vacation movies. 6.5/10
Cliff Starkey (Paul Kaye) is a renegade bowler with a natural talent to make the balls do pretty much whatever he needs. He knows the trick shots and knows the game inside and out. Due to some childish pranks on his part, he is suspended from the game for 15 years so is reduced to playing only exhibitions. Thanks to Rick Schwartz (Vince Vaughn), who is something of an agent, he builds up Starkey's name as an attraction while at the same time, gets him the endorsements and appearances. Basically, he makes him famous. This is where the bowling league decides they are missing out on a lot of cash by not having him.
The movie moves towards teaming Cliff with his arch enemy in the bowling field, Ray Speight (James Cromwell) against Australia's baddest bowlers, Kyle and Mark Doohan (Mark Dymond & Mark Little). The English team of Starkey and Speight are having problems getting their heads in the game due to Starkey's press coverage of himself with Speight's daughter, Kerry (Alice Evans).
Blackball was by no means as good as Happy Gilmore was, if you are into these types of films, but it is definitely the same genre. The renegade bad boy is bringing new fans and more money to an otherwise dull sport. It is not too high on the list of great comedies, but if you like this type of humor, or National Lampoon for that matter, then it is one of their better efforts since they stopped making the Vacation movies. 6.5/10
funny unknown comedy that is a joy to watch every year
photoshop-expert7 August 2017
I can say I wasn't expecting much from this film and British comedies can be a bit hit and miss, but this was perfection, you could see also that it had gone under the radar and that not many people had seen it, but here it is now 14 years later after seeing it at the cinema watching it with my now fully grown son and enjoying it as much as the first time. its just a downright naughty and full on funny film. if you haven't seen it, then you are missing out
Nice surprise
james-rand17 January 2005
Well I was looking in my video shop for a 7 day rental (ie all those old films people don't want to watch any more), and was feeling quite hungover, so I didn't want to waste too much time. I grabbed this because I've always liked Paul Kaye, and can honestly say its one of the funniest films I've seen in years. I'm not usually a fan of British comedies, they tend to be a bit cheesy I think, but this was top class, I'm really surprised that no-one I know has mentioned it before.
If your a fan of bowls, then this might not be for you, as it does take the mickey out of this age old sport. I was surprised to learn that it was (loosely) based on a true story.
Some excellent cameos in it as well.
If you've not seen it, see it. If you've seen it, good.
If your a fan of bowls, then this might not be for you, as it does take the mickey out of this age old sport. I was surprised to learn that it was (loosely) based on a true story.
Some excellent cameos in it as well.
If you've not seen it, see it. If you've seen it, good.
A Damn Good Watch!!!!
Angel-Shadow6 February 2006
When first being sent this film for Christmas by a few family friends it didn't really strike me as the type of film that i should devote my time to watching, (never judge a book by its cover) , as i always do when doing History work for my upcoming GCSE's i decide to watch a film. Normally this is Shawshank or Pulp fiction or a classic of that nature. Yesterday i decided to crack open Blackball, and i wasn't disappointed. Paul Kay provides in my view his personally career topping performance with a great portrayal as Cliff Starky, with most surprisingly Johnny Vegas pulling of a decent film role. This portrayal of bowls brings a witty, humorous and overall shining side to the sport of bowls and shows that some sports need to escape from their stereotypical, pod so to speak. Vince Vaughn provides a great supporting feature to the film with witty comments and great dialect to bring to live the humour of the film. The film also adds a bit of spice with Alice Evans giving a solid at times attractive performance as Kerry speight and helps the film run smoothly. I feel the real star of the show was James Cromwell who really put this film up from a 2-3 to a 7 showing his experience as and actor and portraying Ray speight perfectly. All together i feel this is a great watch lacking a fantastic plot with witty good humoured fun and at times a very good laugh. I highly recommend you at least give this British film (my proud country :) a try :).
I'd give 10 Hollywood blockbuster movies for 1 Blackball.
cody_imdb11 September 2003
One of the funniest movies I've seen for a long time. Proof that you don't need mega bucks to make a good movie, just a good script and the right cast selection. The plot is farcial and the cameos keep popping in when you least expect them, unless you've seen the cast list. One more thing in it's favour, there is no hope of a "Blackball 2, the grude match" to detract from the original.
A good all-round lighthearted British comedy!
alexbowyer22 September 2003
I have to disagree with the previous reviewer. I really enjoyed this film, it had some good jokes and good characterisation (especially James Cromwell as Ray Speight who was excellent). It was a heartwarming film and left you feeling good at the end. All it's good to see that even when filmmakers have to go to the Isle of Man to avoid the taxes they can still make good films like this.
Inspired and perfectly interpreted comedy/drama about England
Marion8811 June 2005
I did not like the marketing of the film in he UK which sold the film as a comedy with a weird theme, when what the film actually is is a romantic comedy with dramatic moments and hilarious moments about the clash between modern England and the traditional England symbolized by the odd game Blackball. Peter Kaye embodies the post sex pistols generations and delivers a superb interpretation. The story is entertaining, moves fast enough, Mel Smith's directing is sharp and efficient. It should have been a success. Alice Evans is cute enough, a bit on the cold though, as the daughter of the old Speight played by a towering James Cromwell, excellent as always. What an actor! The duet Cromwell/Kaye is unforgettable and works marvelously as the symbol for modern day England generation gap and culture clash. Tasteless marketing impaired the chances of this very good British movie in the theaters.
Torquay's answer to "Kingpin"
rob-2368 September 2003
A very funny British sporting comedy from Mel Smith (Bean, High Heels and Low lifes), which involves a similar sport, and in turn could be deemed as Torquay's answer to "Kingpin" - its certainly as crazy and entertaining.
Torquay painter and decorator, and local loser - Cliff Starkey (Paul Kaye aka British TV's Dennis Pennis) has a talent - it may not be wallpapering but he has a talent - and that talent is crown green bowls. His uncle (Bernard Cribbins of `Carry On' fame) dragged him along as a youngster every time he played, and with the knowledge of the sport drummed into him along with the games he played with his uncle in order to "stop him going mental" Cliff soon becomes a master of the bowling green.
One problem - The local bowls club can't stand him. One member inparticaular - 15 year running bowls champion, and president, snobby Ray Speight (James Cromwell LA Confidential, The Green Mile) has a particular dislike of Cliff, he comes from the wrong side of the tracks and strikes up a "friendship" with his daughter (Alice Evans 102 Dalmatians).
But Cliff's obvious talent surfaces and soon a slimy American agent (Vince Vaughn - Swingers) takes Cliff under his wing and using his TV connections, bowls becomes the biggest and most lucrative sporting attraction since the Premiership with Cliff becoming the `David Beckham' of bowls. Can he handle the pressure?, Can he inspire the England bowling team to victory over the `undeafeatble' Australian Doohan brothers?, will his `portly' lifelong friend and newly appointed bodyguard Trevor (Johnny Vegas TV's Happiness) stop clearing out the catering stand? Watch it and find out, it's well worth an hour and a half of your time.
Torquay painter and decorator, and local loser - Cliff Starkey (Paul Kaye aka British TV's Dennis Pennis) has a talent - it may not be wallpapering but he has a talent - and that talent is crown green bowls. His uncle (Bernard Cribbins of `Carry On' fame) dragged him along as a youngster every time he played, and with the knowledge of the sport drummed into him along with the games he played with his uncle in order to "stop him going mental" Cliff soon becomes a master of the bowling green.
One problem - The local bowls club can't stand him. One member inparticaular - 15 year running bowls champion, and president, snobby Ray Speight (James Cromwell LA Confidential, The Green Mile) has a particular dislike of Cliff, he comes from the wrong side of the tracks and strikes up a "friendship" with his daughter (Alice Evans 102 Dalmatians).
But Cliff's obvious talent surfaces and soon a slimy American agent (Vince Vaughn - Swingers) takes Cliff under his wing and using his TV connections, bowls becomes the biggest and most lucrative sporting attraction since the Premiership with Cliff becoming the `David Beckham' of bowls. Can he handle the pressure?, Can he inspire the England bowling team to victory over the `undeafeatble' Australian Doohan brothers?, will his `portly' lifelong friend and newly appointed bodyguard Trevor (Johnny Vegas TV's Happiness) stop clearing out the catering stand? Watch it and find out, it's well worth an hour and a half of your time.
Ace!!!!
myrndra2 November 2006
Quite pleasantly surprised by this film - I taped it for a reason I can't recall, and when I finally sat down to watch it laughed so hard I vibrated. Sexy West Country accent from the unstoppable Paul Kaye, excellent best-buddy shtick from my potting hero, Johnny Vegas; some great cameo turns; and a love interest that was actually interesting.
Being American-born, having fled the US (partly) to get away from the really dreadful bits in American culture only to find they've bloody followed me, I'm usually annoyed to find a Septic chewing up the scenery in British TV or film. Hey, *I* found Britain first; YANKS GO HOME!!! is my motto.
But in this case, I thought Vince Vaughan a perfect addition to an already stellar cast. Maybe it was because Vaughan's character didn't posit the usual American nasal every-sentence-is-a-question? rap; maybe it was his blast of fresh & sweary air. Anyway, this film is a must-see for fans of British comedy who like intelligence, vulgarity, quick wit: 'He was a national bowling champion aged 45: too much, too young.' Not to mensch a script, for once, *not* written by the unfortunately ubiquitous Richard Curtis.
Being American-born, having fled the US (partly) to get away from the really dreadful bits in American culture only to find they've bloody followed me, I'm usually annoyed to find a Septic chewing up the scenery in British TV or film. Hey, *I* found Britain first; YANKS GO HOME!!! is my motto.
But in this case, I thought Vince Vaughan a perfect addition to an already stellar cast. Maybe it was because Vaughan's character didn't posit the usual American nasal every-sentence-is-a-question? rap; maybe it was his blast of fresh & sweary air. Anyway, this film is a must-see for fans of British comedy who like intelligence, vulgarity, quick wit: 'He was a national bowling champion aged 45: too much, too young.' Not to mensch a script, for once, *not* written by the unfortunately ubiquitous Richard Curtis.
Unless You Are Interested In Bowls, There Is No Reason To Even Think About This
JimD7322 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Lawn bowling. Chances are you may have never heard of it. I, on the other hand, happen to know a lot about it, thanks to my father being the two-time Canadian champion. I've been bowling a few times before, and even though I suck, it isn't all that bad a sport. When I heard about National Lampoon doing a spoof on lawn bowling, it was something I was pretty much obligated to see. Then again, National Lampoon hasn't made a really good movie since Christmas Vacation, so my expectations weren't very high. So, how well does Blackball roll?
PLOT: 17/25: Cliff Starkley (Kaye) is a young punk in England who has taken a liking to the sport of lawn bowling, despite his over-the-top attitude. In fact, he is one of the best the sport has seen in a long time, aside from maybe current club professional Ray Speight (Cromwell). After winning the title from Speight, he is given a 15-year ban from tournament games because of writing an offensive message on the scorecard. After this, however, he develops a romance with Speight's daughter Kerry (Evans), who is tired of her father's obsession with bowls. He is also picked up by super agent Rick Schwartz (Vaughn), who finds loopholes in the ban and turns Starkley's wild approach to lawn bowling into a national phenomenon. The old club promoters, realizing how much they could get for bringing Starkley back, try to convince Speight to drop the ban.
Meanwhile, celebrity status starts to get to Starkley's head, who begins to alienate himself from his grandfather (Cribbins), his best friend Trevor (Vegas) and Kerry.
If you can say anything about the plot, it is original. The subject of lawn bowling isn't your general cannon fodder for comedies. Granted, the same type of plot has been done many times before, but this puts a new twist on it. Originality counts for a lot in comedies, so I'll be generous here.
COMEDY: 4/25: I remember laughing maybe five times in the whole movie, and nothing really too funny. Most of the humour is derived from the general perception of the sport, such as the old age of the players (50 year olds are frequently called young) and the general etiquette of the lawn bowlers. However, the perception is off. As someone who has been to these places before, I can vouch that the players are mostly old, and my near-50 year old dad seems young by comparison. There are some young bowlers, but for the most part it is rare. But that is in Canada. In England, bowling is much bigger there and still draws a younger audience. Also, they only concentrate on the country club, saying that the others could never get a good green. Around the England area, there are plenty of other greens that are not for country clubs, but for the public.
Just that the facts don't agree isn't a good reason to say the comedy sucks. The whole point is it is not a funny movie. I would be the type to laugh at this stuff, because I can identify with some of it, but it just isn't funny.
ACTING: 11/25: The acting is pretty mediocre. Kaye may be the protagonist, but his acting ruins the movie. He tries to hard to be funny, but is such an jerk no one sympathises with him, which is necessary for the audience to like the movie. The fact he never gets his comeuppance annoyed me to no end.
Vaughn (Old School) is just about as good for the role of Rick as anyone else in the universe. While he did a great job, I still can't help but think the script should have been better for him.
The one standout good performance is from James Cromwell (Babe), who fits right into the deck shoes of a lawn bowler and keeps a professional look the whole way through. Even his bowling stance is good. The script isn't all there for him either, but he manages to make it work for the most part.
The acting could have been better, but partly Vaughn and mostly Cromwell saved it from total disaster.
ENTERTAINMENT: 6/25: If you don't know bowls, there is no reason at all to see this. If you do know bowls, I would only recommend it if you are really bored and have nothing better to do. Then again, most people who are into bowls aren't into National Lampoon, so this movie ends up being a major waste.
TOTAL: 38%: This movie is a waste of time and money. It has few laughs, unrealistic bowling and a real jerk of a lead. Just avoid this movie unless you really need time to kill and are interested in bowls.
PLOT: 17/25: Cliff Starkley (Kaye) is a young punk in England who has taken a liking to the sport of lawn bowling, despite his over-the-top attitude. In fact, he is one of the best the sport has seen in a long time, aside from maybe current club professional Ray Speight (Cromwell). After winning the title from Speight, he is given a 15-year ban from tournament games because of writing an offensive message on the scorecard. After this, however, he develops a romance with Speight's daughter Kerry (Evans), who is tired of her father's obsession with bowls. He is also picked up by super agent Rick Schwartz (Vaughn), who finds loopholes in the ban and turns Starkley's wild approach to lawn bowling into a national phenomenon. The old club promoters, realizing how much they could get for bringing Starkley back, try to convince Speight to drop the ban.
Meanwhile, celebrity status starts to get to Starkley's head, who begins to alienate himself from his grandfather (Cribbins), his best friend Trevor (Vegas) and Kerry.
If you can say anything about the plot, it is original. The subject of lawn bowling isn't your general cannon fodder for comedies. Granted, the same type of plot has been done many times before, but this puts a new twist on it. Originality counts for a lot in comedies, so I'll be generous here.
COMEDY: 4/25: I remember laughing maybe five times in the whole movie, and nothing really too funny. Most of the humour is derived from the general perception of the sport, such as the old age of the players (50 year olds are frequently called young) and the general etiquette of the lawn bowlers. However, the perception is off. As someone who has been to these places before, I can vouch that the players are mostly old, and my near-50 year old dad seems young by comparison. There are some young bowlers, but for the most part it is rare. But that is in Canada. In England, bowling is much bigger there and still draws a younger audience. Also, they only concentrate on the country club, saying that the others could never get a good green. Around the England area, there are plenty of other greens that are not for country clubs, but for the public.
Just that the facts don't agree isn't a good reason to say the comedy sucks. The whole point is it is not a funny movie. I would be the type to laugh at this stuff, because I can identify with some of it, but it just isn't funny.
ACTING: 11/25: The acting is pretty mediocre. Kaye may be the protagonist, but his acting ruins the movie. He tries to hard to be funny, but is such an jerk no one sympathises with him, which is necessary for the audience to like the movie. The fact he never gets his comeuppance annoyed me to no end.
Vaughn (Old School) is just about as good for the role of Rick as anyone else in the universe. While he did a great job, I still can't help but think the script should have been better for him.
The one standout good performance is from James Cromwell (Babe), who fits right into the deck shoes of a lawn bowler and keeps a professional look the whole way through. Even his bowling stance is good. The script isn't all there for him either, but he manages to make it work for the most part.
The acting could have been better, but partly Vaughn and mostly Cromwell saved it from total disaster.
ENTERTAINMENT: 6/25: If you don't know bowls, there is no reason at all to see this. If you do know bowls, I would only recommend it if you are really bored and have nothing better to do. Then again, most people who are into bowls aren't into National Lampoon, so this movie ends up being a major waste.
TOTAL: 38%: This movie is a waste of time and money. It has few laughs, unrealistic bowling and a real jerk of a lead. Just avoid this movie unless you really need time to kill and are interested in bowls.
One of the worst films I've ever seen!
tsw00428 May 2005
Run of the mill sports comedy film. You've seen the plot before a thousand times, mega talented but unruly sportsman gets a crack at the big-time and a dull rom-com love interest sub-plot fills the gaps. The film has no build up or background it's just, bang, straight into the story from the first shot which seemed very odd. The main character played by Paul Kay is arrogant and annoying when, as he is the underdog, he really he should be endearing, this distroys the whole point of the film. But my main gripe is that film simply isn't funny, I barely raised a chuckle throughout the entire film. The film is a complete turkey. Even the brilliant Jonny Vegas couldn't save it. Avoid.
Jack of all trades, master of none.
johnnyboyz2 October 2007
Here is another example of a sports film trying to go down the route of comedy and, like, most of its cousins failing to be either that funny or particularly memorable. It seems strange that just over a month ago, I saw Woody Harrelson's 1996 comedy 'Kingpin' shortly after believing that there were no such films revolving around ten pin bowling but in Blackball there is a film that revolves around a sport that you could sort of forget even exists and that is Lawn Bowls. Although bowling and bowls are two completely different games yet still offer that sensation of throwing a ball down a track in order to gain you your advance to victory. This may be the only thing bowling and bowls have in common but the films Kingpin and Blackball have a lot more; and it's not pretty.
I think Blackball tries to be the Happy Gilmore (the one comic sports film I actually like) of Lawn Bowls. Blackball disregards the 'spirit' and sophistication of the sport by having some lout from a small time painting job play a game his persona isn't suited for, it's the same with Happy with Golf since he was loud and aggressive and Golf is anything but. Blackball disrupts the passage of bowls by having its star Cliff Starkey (Kaye) take to the lawn to the Rocky theme tune and even has his own little 'come out' scene (similar to the way a WWE wrestler enters before a match); the film also has the odd Mexican wave at the match in which the young instigate it and the elderly shy away from early on. While this is innovative in a way since you don't associate these images with the location, it's also trying to be funny but funny it isn't. Maybe it's because I play Golf that I could laugh and enjoy what Happy Gilmore did and that's give Golf a 90 minute facelift, a change, an 'escape' but here it feels like the writer and director have just sat down and gone out of their way at a very basic to try and make bowls stick out: "Whatever happens at a bowls match, we'll just do the opposite of." The story for Blackball is also limited in more ways than one. First; its underdog from nowhere who goes on a journey 'out of water' is a little tired the most obvious example of this is when he arrives at a London hotel and can't believe his posh surroundings: a very blatant example of how unused he is to large rooms, clean linen and a window with a view of something other than factory chimneys.
Secondly, the whole drive for this film narrative-wise is: Australia versus England and it tries to exploit the sporting rivalry between the nations as much as possible for laughs that don't come. In the calendar year of 2003 when this was made; England had lost to Australia in a Davis Cup Tennis match in a pretty tame fashion; they'd beaten us 3-1 in a Football match in London, they'd successfully retained The Ashes at Cricket every time since 1987 and thumped us in the 2002/03 series round about the time of this film. Of course, since then we've beaten them in the Rugby World Cup final which was actually held in Australia and regained The Ashes in 2005 in what was, arguably, one of the greatest Cricket Test series of all time but the propaganda that possess the film is evidently pre-these victorious events and has since sort of become redundant as England have actually beaten Australia at a sport in genuinely important circumstances. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that the film is lacking atmosphere because of this.
Twinned with these things that stick out, the film has a very small amount of conflict. Blackball starts off like a rocket before he is disqualified for a certain reason and that's when the film becomes a little bogged down as the hero as well as the film has to restart. His affair with a rival's daughter and its demise also takes up the bulk of the film as does is friendship with Trevor (Vegas) who he just ignores too much. It's at this point when his celebrity status acts as the main gag for the film and it doesn't work at all and a great deal of hate builds up because of Cliff's immaturity and poor social skills. You might like Blackball if you're a Lawn Bowls player who gets to see the sport you play and love get turned upside down like myself, Golf and Happy Gilmore but for the majority, Blackball will be a disappointing and unfunny film that covers too much familiar ground to really enjoy.
I think Blackball tries to be the Happy Gilmore (the one comic sports film I actually like) of Lawn Bowls. Blackball disregards the 'spirit' and sophistication of the sport by having some lout from a small time painting job play a game his persona isn't suited for, it's the same with Happy with Golf since he was loud and aggressive and Golf is anything but. Blackball disrupts the passage of bowls by having its star Cliff Starkey (Kaye) take to the lawn to the Rocky theme tune and even has his own little 'come out' scene (similar to the way a WWE wrestler enters before a match); the film also has the odd Mexican wave at the match in which the young instigate it and the elderly shy away from early on. While this is innovative in a way since you don't associate these images with the location, it's also trying to be funny but funny it isn't. Maybe it's because I play Golf that I could laugh and enjoy what Happy Gilmore did and that's give Golf a 90 minute facelift, a change, an 'escape' but here it feels like the writer and director have just sat down and gone out of their way at a very basic to try and make bowls stick out: "Whatever happens at a bowls match, we'll just do the opposite of." The story for Blackball is also limited in more ways than one. First; its underdog from nowhere who goes on a journey 'out of water' is a little tired the most obvious example of this is when he arrives at a London hotel and can't believe his posh surroundings: a very blatant example of how unused he is to large rooms, clean linen and a window with a view of something other than factory chimneys.
Secondly, the whole drive for this film narrative-wise is: Australia versus England and it tries to exploit the sporting rivalry between the nations as much as possible for laughs that don't come. In the calendar year of 2003 when this was made; England had lost to Australia in a Davis Cup Tennis match in a pretty tame fashion; they'd beaten us 3-1 in a Football match in London, they'd successfully retained The Ashes at Cricket every time since 1987 and thumped us in the 2002/03 series round about the time of this film. Of course, since then we've beaten them in the Rugby World Cup final which was actually held in Australia and regained The Ashes in 2005 in what was, arguably, one of the greatest Cricket Test series of all time but the propaganda that possess the film is evidently pre-these victorious events and has since sort of become redundant as England have actually beaten Australia at a sport in genuinely important circumstances. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that the film is lacking atmosphere because of this.
Twinned with these things that stick out, the film has a very small amount of conflict. Blackball starts off like a rocket before he is disqualified for a certain reason and that's when the film becomes a little bogged down as the hero as well as the film has to restart. His affair with a rival's daughter and its demise also takes up the bulk of the film as does is friendship with Trevor (Vegas) who he just ignores too much. It's at this point when his celebrity status acts as the main gag for the film and it doesn't work at all and a great deal of hate builds up because of Cliff's immaturity and poor social skills. You might like Blackball if you're a Lawn Bowls player who gets to see the sport you play and love get turned upside down like myself, Golf and Happy Gilmore but for the majority, Blackball will be a disappointing and unfunny film that covers too much familiar ground to really enjoy.
Nothing new here
damusicman_uk10 September 2003
Typical run-of-the-mill British comedy, the kind of lukewarm stuff we seem to reproduce on a regular basis. Parts of the film are amusing although nothing stands out as memorable and the whole thing is a bit predictable. It is hard to feel anything for the lead character, and the moral stance of the film is not clear. Johnny Vegas lifted the film for me, as he provides some moments of genuine amusement simply by playing himself. Could have been a whole lot better, but on the whole it's watchable as long as you don't expect too much from it.
Anyone read the US reviews of the movie.....
jeff-68629 April 2005
As our hero in this movie so aptly put it "tossers". You would think some one claiming to be a film critic would at least get their facts right before proving to all and sundry that their research was substandard to say the least.
The game depicted in the movie and referred to as bowls is in fact lawn bowls. Some Mid West critics seemed to be confused on that.
The game does not involve winning "20 rounds". For a start they are called "ends" and l believe to win you need to score 20 or 21 points depending on the competition.
And to my favourite, our hero must win his "county championship" not his "countries (sic) championship" to be able to play for England.
Even more deplorable was the attempt by some US critics to explain a game they had no idea of, it would be the equivalent to me describing baseball as "rounders with one team attempting to score more runs than the other". Clearly the game is a lot more complex than a simple statement can cover.
I am frankly appalled at the low standard of critcal analysis being displayed by some online US movie sites. By and large the reviews lack research, critical attention to the actual movie itself, (l really don't give a toss about one critic spending 2 paragraphs talking about his Blockbuster movie card), and any evidence that the reviewer has actually seen the movie (a sheep like mentality would seem to run through online reviewers).
One thing l will agree with the NY reviewer about though is that this sort of movie has been done to death, and bowls really doesn't capture the imagination as much as the film makers think it will.
If really wanting a movie on bowls, might l suggest the Australian Indie "Crackerjack".
The game depicted in the movie and referred to as bowls is in fact lawn bowls. Some Mid West critics seemed to be confused on that.
The game does not involve winning "20 rounds". For a start they are called "ends" and l believe to win you need to score 20 or 21 points depending on the competition.
And to my favourite, our hero must win his "county championship" not his "countries (sic) championship" to be able to play for England.
Even more deplorable was the attempt by some US critics to explain a game they had no idea of, it would be the equivalent to me describing baseball as "rounders with one team attempting to score more runs than the other". Clearly the game is a lot more complex than a simple statement can cover.
I am frankly appalled at the low standard of critcal analysis being displayed by some online US movie sites. By and large the reviews lack research, critical attention to the actual movie itself, (l really don't give a toss about one critic spending 2 paragraphs talking about his Blockbuster movie card), and any evidence that the reviewer has actually seen the movie (a sheep like mentality would seem to run through online reviewers).
One thing l will agree with the NY reviewer about though is that this sort of movie has been done to death, and bowls really doesn't capture the imagination as much as the film makers think it will.
If really wanting a movie on bowls, might l suggest the Australian Indie "Crackerjack".
It's Just A Movie
FiendishDramaturgy23 March 2007
This was a very basic comedy/drama with good performances and enough energy to keep it interesting...well, as interesting as it CAN be, considering the subject matter.
I'm not into the game featured here, but I still found the flick amusing, in spite of the local-centric nature of the setting. Adequate tension is generated during the actual event itself, to make it decently enjoyable, but what made it entirely tolerable was the likability of the characters.
It was okay. There's nothing actually special about this work, yet it was (very) mildly entertaining, so it wasn't a total waste of my time.
It rates a 4.0/10 from...
the Fiend :.
I'm not into the game featured here, but I still found the flick amusing, in spite of the local-centric nature of the setting. Adequate tension is generated during the actual event itself, to make it decently enjoyable, but what made it entirely tolerable was the likability of the characters.
It was okay. There's nothing actually special about this work, yet it was (very) mildly entertaining, so it wasn't a total waste of my time.
It rates a 4.0/10 from...
the Fiend :.
Pretty awful
cstrother-116 August 2006
Maybe I just do not get it, but it seems basically just unfunny, except that Vince Vaughn nearly pulls the whole thing out. When he is on the screen it is highly watchable. Most of the dialog seems mumbled, except that it is all so predictable that you do not need to hear what is actually said. This working class versus high society sports has certainly been done much better. Caddy Shack certainly comes immediately to mind, but so do most sports movies.
I generally like these National Lampoon movies, by the way. Normally no great shakes but decently amusing. This one just seems weak, dilute, uninspired--again, except for Vince Vaughn, who comes across as a giant of a comedian compared to the rest of the cast.
I generally like these National Lampoon movies, by the way. Normally no great shakes but decently amusing. This one just seems weak, dilute, uninspired--again, except for Vince Vaughn, who comes across as a giant of a comedian compared to the rest of the cast.
Reasonable film. Cracking Soundtrack
brian-rowan19 February 2004
Ok so a film about bowling is never really going to fire the imagination of the average film fan. However it's based on a true story of a young bowler who was banned for calling a member of the selection commitee a rude name. A very rude name.
The bad boy of bowls is born. The film itself and the storyline is a bit contrived and predictable but the acting is first class. Johnny Vegas especially is excellent. See if you recognise one of the Aussie bowlers.
A superb soundtrack as well.
All in all a reasonable film. Not the best but not the worst either.
The bad boy of bowls is born. The film itself and the storyline is a bit contrived and predictable but the acting is first class. Johnny Vegas especially is excellent. See if you recognise one of the Aussie bowlers.
A superb soundtrack as well.
All in all a reasonable film. Not the best but not the worst either.
A lazily written script, plus the always unfunny Vince Vaughn.
fedor89 October 2008
At some point the British had decided to emulate the Americans hence started making formulaic comedies. What exactly is a "formula comedy"? It is a movie that starts off fairly okay (sometimes not even that), then gradually becomes sentimental i.e. runs out of gags, and ends in a supposedly exciting but actually utterly predictable finale devoid of jokes. Interestingly enough, the British formula comedy is usually worse than the average American one. The Brits still churn out terrific comedy material for television, but when it comes to the big screen all that potential and talent becomes a puff of mysteriously disappearing smoke.
The soundtrack is typical formulaic comedy crap: sappy pop tunes alternating with elevator music.
Paul Kaye tries his best with a script that is lame beyond belief. The only laugh-worthy moment in the entire movie comes very early on with the astrological-wallpaper/"I'm an astronomer" gag. I presume that if this sports comedy had been made in the States, that Adam Sandler would have been cast as Cliff Starkey: THAT'S the kind of shoddy/cliché writing we're talking about here. The fact that Vince Vaughn is in this should serve rather more than just as a warning...
To see Paul Kaye at his terrific best, check out his X-rated(?) MTV series "Strutter", or his 90s character Dennis Pennis, a pre-Ali G mock U.S. journalist who ridicules celebrities by asking them insulting questions ("Anyone For Pennis?", "VIP: Very Important Pennis".)
The soundtrack is typical formulaic comedy crap: sappy pop tunes alternating with elevator music.
Paul Kaye tries his best with a script that is lame beyond belief. The only laugh-worthy moment in the entire movie comes very early on with the astrological-wallpaper/"I'm an astronomer" gag. I presume that if this sports comedy had been made in the States, that Adam Sandler would have been cast as Cliff Starkey: THAT'S the kind of shoddy/cliché writing we're talking about here. The fact that Vince Vaughn is in this should serve rather more than just as a warning...
To see Paul Kaye at his terrific best, check out his X-rated(?) MTV series "Strutter", or his 90s character Dennis Pennis, a pre-Ali G mock U.S. journalist who ridicules celebrities by asking them insulting questions ("Anyone For Pennis?", "VIP: Very Important Pennis".)
Come on!
flight_18021 February 2004
This film is good. No really it is. Okay so I know some people thought it was a load of old boll..I mean er...'twaddle', but it's really not! It's one of those films people think is rubbish, but that's just because they're not seeing the big picture. It's like when people say that Peter Kay isn't funny. They're just missing the jokes because they're too stupid! That's all. What a bunch of goons eh? So if you're open to humour, then you'll find this hilarious and interesting. And I'm probably making a really crap attempt at reviewing this. Hmm.
I liked the story. I thought it was different and charming in the way that Cliff was a poor boy who only had bowls to give him ambition. And even though he acted like a bit of an idiot and was annoying, he still has a charm about him. And I can't really think of anything else to say, except it is funny and good. The bit with the pepsi can amused me (watch it to find out!) and also the bits with Johnny Vegas.
Okay, so maybe the bowls match at the end goes on a bit and is a bit far fetched the way the English are losing so miserably only to go on to turn it around so dramatically..but overall it's good.
One negative thing though: Kerry's hair looks like a wig and she's a bit of a goon. Apart from that it's very good! So as Cliff Starkey would say; Come on!
I liked the story. I thought it was different and charming in the way that Cliff was a poor boy who only had bowls to give him ambition. And even though he acted like a bit of an idiot and was annoying, he still has a charm about him. And I can't really think of anything else to say, except it is funny and good. The bit with the pepsi can amused me (watch it to find out!) and also the bits with Johnny Vegas.
Okay, so maybe the bowls match at the end goes on a bit and is a bit far fetched the way the English are losing so miserably only to go on to turn it around so dramatically..but overall it's good.
One negative thing though: Kerry's hair looks like a wig and she's a bit of a goon. Apart from that it's very good! So as Cliff Starkey would say; Come on!
Great for a gentle Sunday afternoon comedy.
lairyfairie9 February 2020
8 out of 10 for the kind of film it is. Its not intelligent, gritty or groundbreaking but as a standard underdog versus the top dogs kinda film, it holds up well. Lots of funny moments and a decent cast. Don't be put off by the poor reviews, just make sure you watch it at the right time and in the right mood.
Sports Comedy by Numbers
ukpedro14 April 2010
I had expected a fun, simple sports comedy when I saw this. Instead I got a lazy, unfunny, god awful piece of film. Blackball makes a lot of assumptions of it audience, going beyond 'suspension of disbelief' to simply not trying. The love interest effectively appears out of nowhere, falling for the 'hero' at first sight, as he yells at her teenage pupils! The villain is bog-standard 'snob' to the hero's 'slob' but thats what a sport's comedy is, so not a problem. The problem is the young, wild bowler is unlikeable as they come. He's effectively every Adam Sandler character thrown into one but without the redeeming qualities. His relationship with the love interest effectively consists of him being obnoxious and her swooning. It as if the writer took bullet point notes of what a sports comedy is, but forgot why those key points work. At one point there's an 'emotional' moment of victory, barely 15 minutes in, the hero having only had crushing victories. At the halfway mark, apparently the success goes to his head, alienating his loved ones etc. but his personality and actions don't change, he is as irritating and self-centred as ever! There's simply no reason to care. The hero's 'badboy' persona is so overblown and garish, it strikes as a cynical and again LAZY effort. There's a scene where his slick PR agent attempts to win him over through various insincere threats and niceties, while he remains unmoved. That is the definition of this film.
Lazy. This film's only value is as an example of how-not-to.
Lazy. This film's only value is as an example of how-not-to.
Come On!
LanceManley13 September 2003
Warning: Spoilers
*Minor Spoilers* ----------------
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Arguments with my girlfriend over watching this or Tears of the Sun proved that I was in the right as Blackball is wonderful.
The opening scenes, switching between a filthy council estate in Torquay and an elitist Lawn Bowls club as the protagonists James Cromwell and Paul Kaye take impossible shots, sets up the characters just as well as the "getting dressed" bit as the start of Terminator 1.
While Cromwell is oily, ancient charm in his immaculate blazer, effectively seducing a wannabe female bowls club member with his patronising but gentle superiority, Kaye is to Lawn Bowls what Bill Paxton's Severen in Near Dark is to vampires.
Cromwell is a driving test examiner who lives in the part of town where people have minds as narrow as the creases on their trousers. Kaye is a decorator, working for his granddad and refusing to take his skill to higher levels through reverse snobbery over entering the official club and the fact that the only people he considers his equals live and play in Australia. Then his pal Johnny "The Blimp" Vegas lets it be known that the Australian champions are coming to England in 4 weeks.
To play for England you have to be County Champion and while Starkey effortlessly beats Speight's 23 year run as champion, Speight's hurtful and childish comments as he reluctantly hands over the trophy later see Starkey stripped of the title and banned for 15 years from the sport for scrawling "Speight is a tosser" on the club merchandise.
To further push Speight's temper over his neatly preened edge, Starkey trashes the tournament banquet in revenge and later falls in love with his daughter (Alice Evans).
As the championship looms the various parties have to try different tactics to find the correct path in life.
Differences, fights, too much fame too soon, the requisite cliff hangers are all here but it's how they are pulled off that makes this charming and a real treat. Many times I guffawed out loud and there's some original elements and knowing self-parody amongst the laughs.
Vince Vaughan is perfectly cast as the hyperactive, manipulative and cruel agent that sees dollar signs in Starkey's "bad boy" antics. Paul Kaye is an enigma he plays this part with the same high-octane, ferocious energy as Gary Oldman (before he went shit). Alice Evans is fine, nothing special while Johnny Vegas plays himself as Kaye's best friend (and he plays himself better than anyone else could). Special note to Bernard Cribbins who could have an equity card from English Grandads Are Us. His turn as the kind-hearted but cantankerous Mutley is well placed.
This is currently only showing once per day at my local flea pit so I fear that the movie hasn't pulled in the punters which is a real shame as it is equally as good as The Full Monty.
Guaranteed to snap you out of a wet Sunday depression.
Great.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Arguments with my girlfriend over watching this or Tears of the Sun proved that I was in the right as Blackball is wonderful.
The opening scenes, switching between a filthy council estate in Torquay and an elitist Lawn Bowls club as the protagonists James Cromwell and Paul Kaye take impossible shots, sets up the characters just as well as the "getting dressed" bit as the start of Terminator 1.
While Cromwell is oily, ancient charm in his immaculate blazer, effectively seducing a wannabe female bowls club member with his patronising but gentle superiority, Kaye is to Lawn Bowls what Bill Paxton's Severen in Near Dark is to vampires.
Cromwell is a driving test examiner who lives in the part of town where people have minds as narrow as the creases on their trousers. Kaye is a decorator, working for his granddad and refusing to take his skill to higher levels through reverse snobbery over entering the official club and the fact that the only people he considers his equals live and play in Australia. Then his pal Johnny "The Blimp" Vegas lets it be known that the Australian champions are coming to England in 4 weeks.
To play for England you have to be County Champion and while Starkey effortlessly beats Speight's 23 year run as champion, Speight's hurtful and childish comments as he reluctantly hands over the trophy later see Starkey stripped of the title and banned for 15 years from the sport for scrawling "Speight is a tosser" on the club merchandise.
To further push Speight's temper over his neatly preened edge, Starkey trashes the tournament banquet in revenge and later falls in love with his daughter (Alice Evans).
As the championship looms the various parties have to try different tactics to find the correct path in life.
Differences, fights, too much fame too soon, the requisite cliff hangers are all here but it's how they are pulled off that makes this charming and a real treat. Many times I guffawed out loud and there's some original elements and knowing self-parody amongst the laughs.
Vince Vaughan is perfectly cast as the hyperactive, manipulative and cruel agent that sees dollar signs in Starkey's "bad boy" antics. Paul Kaye is an enigma he plays this part with the same high-octane, ferocious energy as Gary Oldman (before he went shit). Alice Evans is fine, nothing special while Johnny Vegas plays himself as Kaye's best friend (and he plays himself better than anyone else could). Special note to Bernard Cribbins who could have an equity card from English Grandads Are Us. His turn as the kind-hearted but cantankerous Mutley is well placed.
This is currently only showing once per day at my local flea pit so I fear that the movie hasn't pulled in the punters which is a real shame as it is equally as good as The Full Monty.
Guaranteed to snap you out of a wet Sunday depression.
Great.
See also
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