Reviews
When Saturday Comes (1996)
Simply Embarrassing!!
Oh dear the search for a film which accurately captures the passion and drama of the world's most popular sport goes on. Bean has clearly let his heart rule his head with this particular pet project. Given that for once he has a role which is tailor made for his stock in trade 'professional yorkshireman' this perfectly suits his limited capabilities 'Nah den Frodo gie us that bludy ring'. The subject matter is clearly one which is close to his heart and perhaps because of that its a very predictable tale of a triumph against adversity. Whilst you correctly play guess the next plot development, try to count the accents as the cast struggle to convince. Emily Lloyd - watchable and feisty but what is that accent? Jimmy's younger brother tops the lot though with his constant references to 'Joonited'. I've never cheered a pit accident before but here its a welcome relief. The effort is clear (especially in trying to cover football effectively) but the overall result is disappointing as the film reverts to stereotype and formula. The ending is frustratingly predictable and leaves us wondering if we have just sat through a personal fantasy project for the lead who is seeking to fulfil some lost childhood dream. Having said all this there is nevertheless a strange fatal attraction to be had from watching this film. It is not dissimilar to the kind of rubbernecking behaviour when driving past a car crash which makes it hard not to look.