Mike Bassett:England Manager is a mock documentary about a new England Manager and the trials and tribulations he goes through during qualification and subsiquant world cup in Brazil. There are loads and loads of funny moments in this film and i promise you even if you are not a football fan you will like this a lot. Basically we see Ricky Tomlinson brilliantly playing the new England snatched from the first division as manager of Norwich City into the spotlight.We see all the things that really happen to England managers but exagerated ten fold with very funny consiquences such as the moment he wrote his first England team down on a fag packet and gave it to his P.A to type out for the press , 10 minutes later there were two new players added to the squad.......Benson & Hedges!!. One uncanny thing that does come out of the film is the results in the world cup, England beat Argentina 1-0 and go out of the tournement to Brazil ., exactly what happens a year after the film is made in the real world cup in Japan! 8 out of 10.
52 Reviews
Graham Taylor: England Manager (Do I Like That!)
henfish2 July 2002
Nobody wants the England manager's job so the Football Association appoint Norwich City's Mike Bassett (Tomlinson) mainly on the strength of his team's victory in the third rate Clutch Cup! Bassett might not be the world's most tactically astute manager, but the journeyman ex-player possesses an undoubted love and passion for the beautiful game and an ambition (with the notable influence of Rudyard Kipling) to win the World Cup!!!
Grossly unsubtle and saturating hits on it's obvious targets, MB:EM is nevertheless a frequently likeable, occasionally hilarious and poignantly accurate journey on the roller-coaster that is following an under-achieving football giant towards potential footballing Shangri-La. The barbs against the FA despite being razor sharp become tediously repetitive and the character assassination of Paul Gascoigne verges on slanderous but, despite these qualms, the basic premise and the story's foundations are undeniably heartfelt and evocative: The crap qualifying; the false promise borne from results beyond our control; the singular world-beating performance and the 'bridge to far' appearance against feted opposition. All these elements fit snugly into the mockumentary style and, together with Tomlinson's energetic, frenetic and ultimately sympathetic performance (the 'forlorn loser in the hotel bedroom' scene towards the end is class pathos) create a worthy cinematic addition to our (attempts at) understanding of why twenty two men kicking a sphere around a field might cause us such replete apoplexy!
And it erases When Saturday Comes from the record of last great (!) English football pic!
Grossly unsubtle and saturating hits on it's obvious targets, MB:EM is nevertheless a frequently likeable, occasionally hilarious and poignantly accurate journey on the roller-coaster that is following an under-achieving football giant towards potential footballing Shangri-La. The barbs against the FA despite being razor sharp become tediously repetitive and the character assassination of Paul Gascoigne verges on slanderous but, despite these qualms, the basic premise and the story's foundations are undeniably heartfelt and evocative: The crap qualifying; the false promise borne from results beyond our control; the singular world-beating performance and the 'bridge to far' appearance against feted opposition. All these elements fit snugly into the mockumentary style and, together with Tomlinson's energetic, frenetic and ultimately sympathetic performance (the 'forlorn loser in the hotel bedroom' scene towards the end is class pathos) create a worthy cinematic addition to our (attempts at) understanding of why twenty two men kicking a sphere around a field might cause us such replete apoplexy!
And it erases When Saturday Comes from the record of last great (!) English football pic!
Funny Mockumentary, but not for everyone
SMK-420 February 2005
This mock documentary about an England World Cup campaign has many funny moments, but it can only fully be appreciated by people with a good knowledge of English football.
The film is clearly modeled after the famous Channel 4 documentary "Graham Taylor: The impossible job", it only had to ever so slightly caricature its real life model to turn it into farce. As a result, the film has moments where it is hilarious and strangely realistic at the same time. Proof of that came a few years after the film was made, at Euro 2004, when David Beckham missed a penalty in almost exactly the same way (and by the same margin) as the England striker in this film.
Not all the jokes work, e.g. the car salesman turned England coach trying to flock Korean cars to England players just did not not ring true, but others were close enough to real life to make me laugh out loud, e.g. the video tape incident or the Pele interview.
The film will probably find it hard to find an appreciative audience outside Britain (certainly outside Europe), because there are too many footballing in-jokes. For example, when we hear about Mike's playing career with stints at Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra then this is very telling to a British audience, and the avid football follower in the rest of Europe can just about get the gist of it, but everybody else would be left bemused.
The film is clearly modeled after the famous Channel 4 documentary "Graham Taylor: The impossible job", it only had to ever so slightly caricature its real life model to turn it into farce. As a result, the film has moments where it is hilarious and strangely realistic at the same time. Proof of that came a few years after the film was made, at Euro 2004, when David Beckham missed a penalty in almost exactly the same way (and by the same margin) as the England striker in this film.
Not all the jokes work, e.g. the car salesman turned England coach trying to flock Korean cars to England players just did not not ring true, but others were close enough to real life to make me laugh out loud, e.g. the video tape incident or the Pele interview.
The film will probably find it hard to find an appreciative audience outside Britain (certainly outside Europe), because there are too many footballing in-jokes. For example, when we hear about Mike's playing career with stints at Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra then this is very telling to a British audience, and the avid football follower in the rest of Europe can just about get the gist of it, but everybody else would be left bemused.
A must see for any football fan
c_hookham29 July 2003
took the girlfriend to see this one and apart from the few sight gags she didnt really get any of the jokes. However if you are a fan of the beautiful game this will tickle you immensely. There are loads of football in-jokes such as the 'gazza', Stuart Pearce/Vinnie Jones and Ian Wright characters. Very much in the Peter Kay style of understated spoofs
3/10 if you're not into football 9/10 if you are
3/10 if you're not into football 9/10 if you are
It's football Jim, but not as we know it
manilla-735 August 2004
Unlike most football related films this one actually references real football rather than a dreamy game that the good guys always win in the end.
As with any sport related movie though it has limited appeal outside of someone that has an interest and understanding of the "Beautiful Game". In this case more so as really you need to be English and have suffered English international football to understand everything the film has to offer.
The jokes don't always 'hit the back of the net' but there is no need to 'send this one off' - (sorry for the puns).
On the whole an enjoyable diversion that sometimes does cut close to the bone (especially as the F.A. are falling apart us as I write this).
As with any sport related movie though it has limited appeal outside of someone that has an interest and understanding of the "Beautiful Game". In this case more so as really you need to be English and have suffered English international football to understand everything the film has to offer.
The jokes don't always 'hit the back of the net' but there is no need to 'send this one off' - (sorry for the puns).
On the whole an enjoyable diversion that sometimes does cut close to the bone (especially as the F.A. are falling apart us as I write this).
Good but hardly a movie
filmbuff19709 April 2002
This is more a special for tv than a movie.but i liked it some of the deleted scenes were funny too.Tomlinson is perfect as the manager.however graham taylor in do i not like that is far funnier and real.what a shame that isnt on dvd
My A***
bowey29 September 2001
This film is almost a remake of the documentary about England's Manager Graham Talyor made during the qualification for the 1994 world cup. It follows a below par manager from the lower leagues who has to take on the England job when no-one else wants it. There are loads of hilarious scenes and those who know football will recognize plenty of characters based on real people in the football world. There are several good performances but Ricky Tomlinson steals the show as Mike Bassett, the part in the film when he loses his temper at half time is hilarious made even funnier as all the bad language is bleeped out and believe me the bleeping is the only thing you hear. Top draw film, one every football fan MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!
MJM REVIEW
MovieJunkieMonkey26 September 2022
Only an Englishman would truly understand this film. Classic! I have rated it probably a lot higher than I usually would have done. I have rated with the heart because for me, this is definitely a guilty pleasure movie.
Ricky Tomlinson was a great choice for the lead role as Mike Bassett, England manager. The writers and director have thought of everything. It truly depicts all the heartache, the ups, the downs, the wild side (well maybe in the 90s lol), the tension, the fans, the drama.... EVERYTHING! It is summed up perfectly.
Ok, it is not a Hollywood Blockbuster I agree, but for the English, it is a great film to watch, especially before a football tournament, to get you in the mood. It makes you truly proud to be an Englishman, and even though we have suffered over 50 years of hurt (in the men's game). We are a unique and proud bunch of football fans and despite all the struggles over the years, deep down, we love our team and our country, no matter what. Best fans in the world! At least give us that ;-)
Ricky Tomlinson was a great choice for the lead role as Mike Bassett, England manager. The writers and director have thought of everything. It truly depicts all the heartache, the ups, the downs, the wild side (well maybe in the 90s lol), the tension, the fans, the drama.... EVERYTHING! It is summed up perfectly.
Ok, it is not a Hollywood Blockbuster I agree, but for the English, it is a great film to watch, especially before a football tournament, to get you in the mood. It makes you truly proud to be an Englishman, and even though we have suffered over 50 years of hurt (in the men's game). We are a unique and proud bunch of football fans and despite all the struggles over the years, deep down, we love our team and our country, no matter what. Best fans in the world! At least give us that ;-)
Great
siideri_lasu8 August 2003
A great piece of work, the men responsible for the movie chose the right attitude by using the angle of comedy, cause that's the only way to make a sports movie, a sports event can never be moved to the screen succesfully (except maybe Chariots of Fire) in a realistic way since the whole idea of it is that you don't have clue who's going to win until it's all over.
Although I'm not from the UK I did get most of the jokes since I follow footie a lot and am a big fan of the game.
a big thumbs up for the crew and actors, "Mike Bassett" is simply brilliant.
Although I'm not from the UK I did get most of the jokes since I follow footie a lot and am a big fan of the game.
a big thumbs up for the crew and actors, "Mike Bassett" is simply brilliant.
Spinal Tap for football
Fenris Fil18 October 2001
About 50/50 topical football jokes (which will go over the head of non-fans) and tradition british comedy. Very much spinal tap style, and like spinal tap you can actually imagine it could happening in real life. The film captures the spirit of English Football more accurately then most professionals would care to admit.
Do I not like this (very much)
paul2001sw-122 February 2005
The recent behaviour of England's footballers, management, and administration might appear to be quite beyond parody; as was the spell in charge of the national side enjoyed by Graham Taylor in the early 1990s, which appears the most obvious inspiration for 'Mike Basset: England Manager'. Taylor, a decent man with a good record in club football, was sadly less successful in the England job. But he made matters worse for himself by agreeing to be filmed during what proved to be his final years in charge. The resulting documentary revealed a stunning inarticulacy and the total absence of tactical nous on the part of Taylor's team, as well as revealing his strange usage of the English language ("do I not like that!"). The film was both tragic and comic: the sight of Lawrie MacMenemy, Taylor's assistant, wandering defeatedly up and down the touchline while swearing in his Geordie accent was hysterical and poignant at the same time.
So what can 'Mike Bassett', a fictional tale, show us that real life couldn't? The answer is not much, in places the story seems tame compared with reality, while elsewhere it appears exaggerated and thin. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, but overall the film is never really believable, in spite of the fact that the character's utterances are less absurd and garbled than Taylor's were. In some respects, the film is simply dated: Bassett seems to know less about the team he manages than anyone, in our footy-obsessed age, would know from simply reading the newspapers. Enjoy the jokes, then; but for some comedy with bite, get out the video and play that Taylor documentary one more time.
So what can 'Mike Bassett', a fictional tale, show us that real life couldn't? The answer is not much, in places the story seems tame compared with reality, while elsewhere it appears exaggerated and thin. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, but overall the film is never really believable, in spite of the fact that the character's utterances are less absurd and garbled than Taylor's were. In some respects, the film is simply dated: Bassett seems to know less about the team he manages than anyone, in our footy-obsessed age, would know from simply reading the newspapers. Enjoy the jokes, then; but for some comedy with bite, get out the video and play that Taylor documentary one more time.
Great British Comedy
roryeverett26 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
When I first saw the trailer for this film I thought, doesn't look to promising, and not being a great lover of British films I wasn't expecting much. Then...Once I watched; it shot into my top 10 films of all time. This film is hilarious from start to finish. Ricky Tomlinson, Dean Lennox Kelly and Bradley Walsh are great. There are so many must see scenes in this film; examples: When the England Team are in the changing room taking a lecture from the Manager(Tomlinson) When the Captain leads the team out of the changing room and puts his fist through the wall When Tonkinson (Dean Lennox Kelly) scores with his hand (Diego Maradona style) against Argentina, and celebrates by taking his clothes off and dives on the floor With Pelé also starring, - this a must-see for all Comedy and Football(Soccer) Fans.
Film Length
dan-allman19 March 2021
Always remembered this as being a short film when I was younger, disappointed due to getting to love Mike basset as a character as he progresses from the bumbling buffoon he once was.
But, i just noticed the run time is 90mins... football game period! Haha that must've been a sneaky tongue in cheek nod
But, i just noticed the run time is 90mins... football game period! Haha that must've been a sneaky tongue in cheek nod
Where were the last 20 minutes?
steve-86230 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
OK so if you are English and enjoy football you'll probably find this film funny and with a lot of truth to it. The problem is it's more like a 1 hour pretend documentary for TV and not a film. Three games that could have been shown like the others were shown, were just cut out. We beat Argentina, qualify for the second stage and then just fly home after telling us we beat two more teams and lost in the Semi-Final. It was almost like they all decided to go home early and just say 'this is what happens in the end'. A good job all films don't do that. What if Star Wars had been 1 hour 15 mins and just as they arrive on the Death Star we get told 'they rescue the Princess, escape and Luke blows up the Death Star'? This was a good bit of entertainment up till the quick end. Sorry to be moaning but we want a full film when we pay to see it.
Basic but funny with a load of entertaining (if easy) digs at the English game
bob the moo22 February 2005
When the stress of the job gives the manager of England's national football team a stroke, the call goes out to Europe to find a quality manager to take over. When that call goes unanswered the FA are forced to look within the English game and, having been turned down by everyone else, employ Division 1 manager Mike Bassett who has just won the cup with Norwich. With three games left and one win needed to get into the World Cup finals, can Mike's strategy of the standard 4-4-2, aggressive old-school captain and rubbish penalty takers see the team through the qualification stages? This film was pretty well timed when it was released because, with Sven in charge it looked like the days of uninspiring old-school English football managers who shout and swear were long over and so it was easier to laugh at the "old days" being sent up by this film. Of course watching it now, jokes about England underachieving are perhaps not that funny (although as a Northern Ireland supporter I can always find a chuckle when it comes to English misfortune). However, if you are a follower of football in England then this film will be enjoyable even if it is pretty basic and lines up loads of easy targets from the start. The actual "plot" is not that good and the cracks do begin to show in the final third when it goes from a series of jokes to try and become an actual narrative but, aside from these problems it surprised me by how entertaining it was. Of course I wasn't roaring with laughter but it sent up plenty of easy targets and had enough going for it to keep me consistently amused and interested and, as with all sports movies, the "must win" game with pumping music is always an easy thing to pull out of the bag.
The cast are fairly obvious and it is no wonder that none of them were mentioned when the awards ceremonies came around. Tomlinson is a convincing old-style manager who sends up Graham Taylor in particular with his comparison to vegetables and his swearing rants. He brings out some compassion from the character although I felt that the subplot with his family suffering abuse was poorly handled and seemed out of place. Support is good with the targets all covered, from the old men of the FA to the bloodlust journalists and fighting English thugs. None of them really do anything special but Walsh, Jackson, Jupitus and others are supported well with cameos from Pele, Basir and a few others.
Overall this isn't a particularly clever film but it has plenty of easy targets to aim at and it does manage to hit most of them. It isn't hilarious but I found it consistently amusing throughout, although it did weaken a bit towards the end. Outside of football fans and those with a knowledge of England I can't imagine this film going down too well but if you are in both of those camps then it is likely that you'll enjoy this even if it is fairly basic stuff.
The cast are fairly obvious and it is no wonder that none of them were mentioned when the awards ceremonies came around. Tomlinson is a convincing old-style manager who sends up Graham Taylor in particular with his comparison to vegetables and his swearing rants. He brings out some compassion from the character although I felt that the subplot with his family suffering abuse was poorly handled and seemed out of place. Support is good with the targets all covered, from the old men of the FA to the bloodlust journalists and fighting English thugs. None of them really do anything special but Walsh, Jackson, Jupitus and others are supported well with cameos from Pele, Basir and a few others.
Overall this isn't a particularly clever film but it has plenty of easy targets to aim at and it does manage to hit most of them. It isn't hilarious but I found it consistently amusing throughout, although it did weaken a bit towards the end. Outside of football fans and those with a knowledge of England I can't imagine this film going down too well but if you are in both of those camps then it is likely that you'll enjoy this even if it is fairly basic stuff.
Silly Sporting Fun
deepfrieddodo26 May 2022
At times hilarious, at times too dated to undertake the reference, Mike Bassett still holds up pretty well 20 years later. The early noughties of English football is represented well with a roster of daft caricatures, led brilliantly by Tomlinson in the title role.
Nostalgic and silly, the less pop-culture jokes still land very well, and although clearly not a hugely budgeted film, if you can a copy with a decent picture it's a great laugh.
Nostalgic and silly, the less pop-culture jokes still land very well, and although clearly not a hugely budgeted film, if you can a copy with a decent picture it's a great laugh.
an agreeable enough Brit comedy
chrissoda10030 September 2001
A desperate England soccer association appoints First Division Norwich's manager as the new England manager because no one else wants the job.
Told in a semi documentary "Spinal Tap" style this agreeable comedy follows the efforts of the titular head coach to get a woeful England side through to the World Cup finals.
Followers the England squad's past fortunes will no doubt find plenty to empathize with here as the team struggle to find their form crashing out to a 2-0 defeat against Poland in the first game
Although the movie starts of a bit slowly, stick with it, as once things gets going there's plenty of laughs to be had as Bassett tries to lick his team into shape, with scientific sports training, more system changes than you can shake a stick at, and attempting to convince his oddball squad that they actually can win
It might not be the greatest comedy you'll ever see, but there's enough fun to be had to make it a worthwhile hour and a half or so of your time.
Told in a semi documentary "Spinal Tap" style this agreeable comedy follows the efforts of the titular head coach to get a woeful England side through to the World Cup finals.
Followers the England squad's past fortunes will no doubt find plenty to empathize with here as the team struggle to find their form crashing out to a 2-0 defeat against Poland in the first game
Although the movie starts of a bit slowly, stick with it, as once things gets going there's plenty of laughs to be had as Bassett tries to lick his team into shape, with scientific sports training, more system changes than you can shake a stick at, and attempting to convince his oddball squad that they actually can win
It might not be the greatest comedy you'll ever see, but there's enough fun to be had to make it a worthwhile hour and a half or so of your time.
At last! A British comedy that makes me laugh!
loza-111 October 2005
The thing about this film is that although it is obviously an exaggeration of the English soccer scene, it comes perilously close to the truth. It is certainly true that thanks to a ruthless gutter press, the England manager's job is a poisoned chalice, and no one wants it. One can remember how Kevin Keegan was practically forced into the job, a job for which he was ill-suited; and, in fairness to Mr Keegan, he knew it and resigned quite quickly. In this film, in need of an England manager, the Football Association offer the job to a second rater, brilliantly played by Ricky Tomlinson.
The film is full of little exaggerations. There is a quick shot of the back of the English goalkeeper, with an enormous pony tail. And my favourite scene is where the England squad meets the Republic of Ireland team comprising of English players sporting their new Irish accents. And of course the classic scene: Mike Bassett's half-time talk.
This film is brilliantly done. Certainly the best soccer film I have seen.
The film is full of little exaggerations. There is a quick shot of the back of the English goalkeeper, with an enormous pony tail. And my favourite scene is where the England squad meets the Republic of Ireland team comprising of English players sporting their new Irish accents. And of course the classic scene: Mike Bassett's half-time talk.
This film is brilliantly done. Certainly the best soccer film I have seen.
real fans will find this funny
mark-11261 September 2004
This film is a great movie for football fans over 13,who have seen the England team fall to bits every time the get close to winning anything.The film shows moments most fans can identify with and now laugh at.......the people who don't like this film are rugby or cricket fans,boring people with no idea about football,who crawl out of the woodwork every time england play and cheer for heskey..........WELL YOU WOULD NOT CHEER FOR HIM IF YOU SAT IN ROW Z....AND HAD TO DUCK EVERY TIME HE HAD A SHOT.....The people who like this film must be people with one thing in common......thats right your English and no matter how bad it gets just remember one thing....Scotland..... see how much worse it could have been.
Just about as close as it comes to the real English football.
nigeldavenport8 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This film is funny, emotional and true to life. At a press conference before England's make or break game against Argentina, the British reporters call for Mike to resign. After so many poor results and experimental formations, including one called the Christmas Pudding, they think his time as manager should be over. After being shouted down into silence by the reporters Mike quietly begins to recite the poem 'IF' by Rudyard Kipling, his voice and his passion rising with every line. Having said the final lines,"Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!" he stands triumphant and proclaims "England play 4-4-f**king-2!" and then storms out. As the poem he chose says, IF!, if only Sven had watched this film before the 2006 world cup!
Very funny and accurate satirical comedy
adamonIMDb22 July 2018
Not everyone will like or understand this film, but for those who do this is a brutally funny satirical comedy and a very accurate reflection of English attitudes towards the national football team. 'Mike Bassett: England Manager' is probably one of my personal favourite mockumentaries and a film I always return to for a good laugh, especially when the World Cup / Euros are on.
Ricky Tomlinson is what makes this film with his hilarious performance as Mike Bassett. I doubt any actor could have done as good a job, he was perfect for this role and many of the laughs are down to him. It would have been great if the rumours of a sequel would have materialised, we need more of Mike Bassett! A very funny and accurate mockumentary, not for everyone but a much watch for those who enjoy British satire.
Ricky Tomlinson is what makes this film with his hilarious performance as Mike Bassett. I doubt any actor could have done as good a job, he was perfect for this role and many of the laughs are down to him. It would have been great if the rumours of a sequel would have materialised, we need more of Mike Bassett! A very funny and accurate mockumentary, not for everyone but a much watch for those who enjoy British satire.
Really rather bad
jonnypanic200015 April 2004
This film was an appalling opportunity missed. If any subject is a potential humour goldmine it is football, particularly English football. However, this film sadly failed to exploit the opportunity on almost all levels. The majority of gags were laboured or just plain bad, the characters were nowhere near mocking enough of English players and Ricky Tomlinson is just very irritating. This film was in the end just too nice. It tried to poke fun at football but not go too far, retaining a sickly sentimentality when it should of given the subject the rough ride it deserves. Don't get me wrong, I like football, but the fact was I have watched actual matches where the commentary and player behaviour were funnier than this film. A blacker, more Spinal Tapesque treatment may have done it some justice. In short, I wouldn't bother.
A micky-take of all that is English Football
bootjangler31 May 2006
Filmed as a 'docu-soap' this raises many laughs. I must admit that I'm an avid football fan and saw the jokes relating to famous players, which might have been otherwise vague for people not so clued-up on the subject.
However, there are enough comic situations relating to anyone who is disorganised, trying organise something. Non-footy fans will get these jokes.
The manager of the England team, Mike Bassett, is thrown into a situation that he really cannot handle, and most Brits will recognise this, but the feeling is probably universal for all sports.
Quite reminiscent of 'This is Spinal Tap'.
Putting the actual football jokes aside, there's enough here for anyone to enjoy about incompetence, be it in business, or any other industry.
However, there are enough comic situations relating to anyone who is disorganised, trying organise something. Non-footy fans will get these jokes.
The manager of the England team, Mike Bassett, is thrown into a situation that he really cannot handle, and most Brits will recognise this, but the feeling is probably universal for all sports.
Quite reminiscent of 'This is Spinal Tap'.
Putting the actual football jokes aside, there's enough here for anyone to enjoy about incompetence, be it in business, or any other industry.
A game of two halves
teh_mode11 March 2006
Mike Bassett: England Manager digs out every footballing stereotype and cliché ever known to man, but is executed amusingly and actually quite pertinently with a wonderful central performance from Ricky Tomlinson. Shot in a mockumentary style, akin to "This Is Spinal Tap", it's never as funny as Rob Reiner's masterpiece, but will certainly keep most football fans laughing for it's duration.
Mike Bassett is the last throw of the dice for the England team. He is an old-fashioned manager, who writes his team selection on the back of a cigarette packet and loves the 4-4-2 formation. With England's team comes the playboy, the striker out of form, the wonderfully gifted yet socially reckless playmaker and the psychopathic captain. Bassett also has to deal with the unforgiving press and having his son teased at school.
There are some wonderful moments in it, most of which will be lost on anyone who doesn't watch football. Highlights include an ill-fated trip to a sports science centre and Basset almost losing his job over a drunken spectacle in a bar. It's not brilliant, and won't stand the test of time. But it certainly has it's moments, and does what is required of it. Only in England could you make something as cynically amusing as this.
Mike Bassett is the last throw of the dice for the England team. He is an old-fashioned manager, who writes his team selection on the back of a cigarette packet and loves the 4-4-2 formation. With England's team comes the playboy, the striker out of form, the wonderfully gifted yet socially reckless playmaker and the psychopathic captain. Bassett also has to deal with the unforgiving press and having his son teased at school.
There are some wonderful moments in it, most of which will be lost on anyone who doesn't watch football. Highlights include an ill-fated trip to a sports science centre and Basset almost losing his job over a drunken spectacle in a bar. It's not brilliant, and won't stand the test of time. But it certainly has it's moments, and does what is required of it. Only in England could you make something as cynically amusing as this.
WELL PLAYED MY SON
kevin c13 April 2003
In many ways this film is tosh. No budget, second-rate t.v actors and a lot of the gags fall flat.
However, this film is written by someone who knows their football. And if like me, you know your football there's a lot to enjoy and find amusing.
However, this film is written by someone who knows their football. And if like me, you know your football there's a lot to enjoy and find amusing.
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