Toryboy the Movie (2010) User Reviews

Northern English Roger & Me

[nigel-136 · 7/10 · 1 January 2012]

John Walsh is unanimously accepted by Middlesborough's Conservative party as their ideal candidate for the 2010 General Election to go up against the incumbent Labour party MP who's held the seat for 30 years. The fact that the local party accepts a young middle class man from England's south - a film-maker and a self-confessed "Ginger" to boot - to run in a town that's utterly down to earth and resolutely working-class frankly smacks of desperation but Walsh accepts the challenge and sets to work.

Whether Walsh wants to run as an MP because he genuinely wants to help the people or because he thinks it's a great opportunity to make a film is not entirely clear but he quickly establishes that he's committed, charismatic and prepared to do the work and, whatever your political stripes, you embrace the film as he makes the round of paper shops and old ladies tea-parties in the desperate hope of knocking the incumbent of his perch.

In a scenario that reminds you of Michael Moore's Roger & Me Walsh tries desperately to locate his nemesis the incumbent - a politician who never answers his phone, allegedly hangs out in Paris, has a ruffian for a son and, when we finally get to see him, is revealed as a man with a staggeringly bad set of teeth. Toryboy is certainly an enjoyable ride and, even if your sympathies are on the socialist side of the fence, you find yourself desperately wanting the man to win even though the fact that the same few locals appear rather too often in the footage is frankly worrying.

Well told, thought-provoking and always entertaining.

[johnmus3345 · 8/10 · 7 February 2014]

There is much to like, not least John Walsh himself who comes over as an enthusiastic and caring person with a pleasant personality and a good sense of humor. There is inevitable political stereotyping and some generalizing, especially initially, but, as the film unfolds, the tone changes and the pace and irony pick up as Stuart Bell and the Labour Party are systematically assassinated! I can't help wondering if JW would have been this brave (in Middlesbrough) without his cameraman and the others around him! The 'story' is well-told, thought-provoking and always entertaining supported by a variety of slick techniques and tight editing.

not much different in the US

[howboutthisone_huh · 8/10 · 18 February 2021]

My favorite churchill quote, "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."

My congressional district could have been the scene of this doc and nothing much would have had to change. In fact, just change the names and run the movie again and nobody would notice. The party machine has been running my district for decades and now I don't think the other party, or any other party seriously tries to challenge the incumbent who moved into this district when she lost another district near by, and the previous incumbent left after 23 years in office. The only difference I can think of is that she never appears for debates or on election night, at least not at her offices (elections are every two years). We used to have a very prominent senator who did the same thing. He was never, never around except during an election period and then he was in the news daily claiming responsibility for all sorts of projects. I recall one was a huge deal with the chinese to build a high speed rail which still hasn't begun construction six years later.

First class film on the "never to be seen" local constituency MP from Middlesborough

[gabrielcurrington · 10/10 · 2 December 2013]

This film enlightens all to the fact that the (late) MP Sir Stuart Bell, a self-serving MP who spend so little time with his constituents that the people of Middlesborough that he represented for the last 30 years had never even heard of him.

This was an MP who took advantage of the socio-political landscape to spend most of his time not being around and doing the job that he was elected for.

Film-maker John Walsh excellently highlights this fact when he stands himself for political office as the conservative candidate and ends up holding surgeries himself - Bell not having held one surgery for 15 years.

As much as it is humorous this film is a serious look into life in Middlesborough - a town with high unemployment that needs someone to represent the community and it takes John Walsh to try and help whilst standing for the next election.

A really good watch and insight into the world of Middlesborough. Highly recommended.

Vote For None of the Above?

[immolationfilm · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

This film was great. I was sceptical at the start as an evening in watching a political documentary is not precisely the Marvel Universe, is it? But, yes, this fed my soul and my interest in cinema. John Walsh is a filmmaker who goes undercover to see what elections in the UK are all about. It is no surprise that he finds things are rotten, but this story he uncovers is fantastic. Not even a drama could pull this off. It would be too unbelievable. He is looking for the ancient and dodgy local member of parliament, Sir Stuart Bell. To say he has been a bad boy is like saying Bernie Madoff is not great with money. I can't say more without blowing the story. Leave a rocking five-star review as we need more films like this and brave voices like John Walsh. It mixes animation to explanation but is never patronising. Walsh is an experienced filmmaker and it shows.

Dull

[AwwDannyBhoy · 1/10 · 8 December 2011]

So Mr Walsh has set his own company up and the trials and tribulations of living life without a regular pay cheque has driven him into the arms of David Cameron and his off-shore tax-sheltered cronies.

The drama escalates as, oh gosh, John Walsh discovers there's a Labour candidate not doing his job. Well tell us something else that's new John. You could just as easily have found a Tory who is neglecting the most needy in their constituency. This is Politics in the UK in 2011. MPs are a shabby lot - we knew this without needing you to tell us.

This is not as its own publicity suggests 'thought provoking', 'comedic',or 'explosive'. It is genuinely tedious, self important, and - if this is 'the documentary of the year' - depressing in its shallowness.

At a time when we do need insightful political documentaries this is a shocking waste of time and resources.

With a running time of ninety minutes it is an hour and a half too long for my liking.

Fear and Loathing in The North East: A party political documentary

[walshbrosfilms-847-484651 · 10/10 · 18 November 2013]

Given the events of the past two years; it would be hard to imagine you could empathise with a lifelong labour supporter who had 'pushed the blue button.' But somehow you end up engaging with documentary film maker John Walsh as he reincarnates himself as the Tory candidate for Middlesbrough in the 2010 General Election. For fans of 'The Thick of it,' and 'Yes Minister,' there is much to enjoy here.

At first is unclear to viewers whether Walsh, who has specialised in social justice issues in his films, is engaging in his new career in the manner of Morgan Spurlock. Is this some kind of experiment to see how far he can get in sleeping with the enemy by climbing his way up the greasy Tory parliamentary poll? It soon becomes evident that this is not the case and also that it is frighteningly easy for someone without a political background to infiltrate the system. Walsh becomes candidate for the North East seat after one initial interview and then is successful on first nomination.

Walsh is likable but we never really get an idea of why he has changed team other than vague disillusionment with Tony Blair, disgust at the expenses scandal and the fact he sees Gordon Brown as 'a ditherer.' The film is very entertaining.

The main focus of 'Toryboy' is his attempt to unseat the encumbent Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell. The 73 year old has been returned since 1983 albeit with an ever decreasing majority. Walsh visits his home with a film crew, repeatedly calls the MP's contact number with no success. Bell does not even turn up for a pre-arranged public debate. Interviewing constituents it comes to light that the MP has not held surgeries for 15 years and pays his wife a hefty salary out of governmental coffers. He also fails to turn up for a significant day in the life of the town; the closure of the Corus plant which will devastate residents. Many also seem to blame him for his inertia to act in their defence on this issue.

You get the feeling that Walsh's heart is in the right place, young and eager in comparison to the old guard, he seems to really care about the community. He carries out surgeries and charms the old ladies of the small Tory community. A particularly incongruous moment is his first meeting with Conservative activists where he plays to one man and his dog (in attendance 6 people) and describes the process of flash-mobbing as anarchy.

Walsh's personable campaign and the absence of Bell, who it is rumoured actually lives in France, ensures that he further decreases the Labour majority – of course he still loses as old wounds run deep. Captured on film are locals who say they would rather die than vote Tory. Walsh insists, following his defeat, that Middlesbrough need to 'break free from the Labour tribe' while despite his own background, not understanding why they never will do. The conclusion you come to is that the seat just needs a much better Labour candidate.

For those with an interest in the political process and how it plays out in the local community this is well worth a watch.

Jaw-droppingly Embarrassing

[kara2004 · 1/10 · 12 December 2011]

John Walsh. What an embarrassment to both the labour and tory parties and to politics in general. And to TV and film. And especially to comedy. This hour and a half was riveting in it's awfulness. John Walsh had the opportunity to truly expose the shocking laziness of his opponent but instead uses the time to promote himself along with another half-wit sidekick who bores us with his own "take" on this interminable race. John wants to become the MP for a depressing part of the UK populated by clearly confused Brits, Middlesborough. The movie is filmed in the style of The Office, with cute asides that are jaw-droppingly embarrassing. It is repetitive, plodding and downright dumb.

ToryBoy RULES!!!

[michael-101-702933 · 10/10 · 5 May 2015]

I have just seen this film at the Tricycle Cinema with a Q&A from director John Walsh. Wow what an experience. This was the first time I had seen a documentary on the big screen. The idea didn't appeal and I went mainly to hear the Q&A as I am a journalist wanting to get into film making. The premise of this film is simple but very effective. John Walsh was a lifelong Labour Party voter and decides to stand for Parliament. Rather than stand for Labour he defects and stand for rival Conservative instead.

I thought this was an indie job move and that John Walsh was intending to expose the Conservative Party. No, to my surprise the film is about a genuine conversion and then what came next had me asking friends, just how long was this film? Turns out it was 100mins. The time flew by. Walsh uncovers a story that I will not spoil by going into here, but shows some gaping flaws in our political system and a rot in the north eastern town Middlesbrough that most people will have thought was a thing of the past.

Top marks to John Walsh for having massive balls of steel to make this film and putting himself at the very heart of the subject. I would vote for him, when you see the film I think you will too.

Amazing Poltical Film!

[john-3034 · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

With politics on everyone's lips these days this film from the UK and the 2010 election is like Nostradamus of the worlds Poltical future. Filmmaker John Walsh lifts the lids on old school dirty and corrupt politics. He is a novice candidate but with the razor sharp wit and skills in the best filmmaking tradition.

Very disappointed

[hairymary10125 · 2/10 · 16 December 2021]

I thought this was going to be an undercover expose of the Tory party. But no, the film maker was an actual Tory! He didn't seem to explain why he was a Tory or discuss policy at all. Although we have up part way through as it wasn't what we were expecting. It didn't seem to have any depth either.

Working Class, But Not Local, Hero!

[richardlyons74 · 10/10 · 30 August 2021]

John Walsh's documentary exposing the politics in the UK in this amazing trip though the surreal world of big time politics in a small English town. This has a great resonance with all democratic system that relies on their politicians being in their seat for generations. I think John Walsh would have been a great member of the UK Parliament, but given his experience of this rotten system and his other work as a filmmaker and author, it is politics' loss and the work of films and TV's gain. Saw this in the cinema back in the day and great to see it now on Amazon Prime Video.

Dirty Politics - Dirty John?

[britishmoviemonsters · 10/10 · 17 August 2021]

If films and TV have taught us nothing else it is that Politics is a dirty business. Why then was I hypnotised by this film from John Walsh that looks at an English General Election in the north part of the country where it is the poorest? When this kicked off I thought it might be a pseudo docu spoof. It is funny for sure, but it is also timely, yet this was filmed way back in 2010. Walsh is a likeable guy from the world of film and TV. He hit the election trail with a guy who might be his boyfriend, a sexy lad also called John. There does seem to be a bit of sexual tension or energy here, or both. FYI the other John has a 'girlfriend' who comes to visit. Beard anyone???? Anyway the plot is about a scandal that is to do with the sitting politician who has been there for 30 years and is off the sale bad. Think Richard Nixon with an addition to rape porn!!! Watch this, learn from it and pass it on please. I saw it on Prime Video but it may also be on DVD and other formats.

Best Political Doco EVER!

[maurawalsh-29197 · 10/10 · 14 August 2021]

Whilst a 100 min film about the UK general election might seem like snores-ville this hidden gem from filmmaker John Walsh had me, laughing, crying and punching the air - with anger. John Walsh became a political candidate to lift the lid on the way candidates are chosen. Inside he found a system more corrupt than any TV drama or Netflix series like The Politician could have imagined. Won;t say anymore, but glamours this isn't. Top marks to John Walsh filmmaker of the year for sure.

"Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong" ~ Richard Armour.

[graham-81936 · 10/10 · 5 May 2015]

"Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong" ~ Richard Armour.

This quote best sums up this remarkable film. John Walsh truly is a British Michael Moore albeit a much slimmer version. His exposure of a corrupt political system in jolly old England is an eye opener for sure. This is a brash in your face kind of film. There is a liberal use of profanity too, but never does it seem vulgar or unnecessary.

John Walsh tracks down a rogue politician who has had his snout in the feeding tray for thirty years. The journey is a hoot, but I must say when the dust settles and I finished the film I did feel a sense of anger and resentment for the way that many political systems allow enough cracks for the bad guys to hide. Top marks to John Walsh for bring some light on this dark issue and for an entertaining night too.

Tory Story

[ivanjohnkehelly · 10/10 · 13 October 2021]

In the genre of documentaries where the film maker takes a project which drives the narrative the film maker John Walsh turn his back of his live long support of the Labour Party and joins the ranks of the Tories. For some Labour supporters it is better red than dead but John does the unthinkable and pins the blue rosette on his lapel. In going through this journey we are confronted with what is actually happening on the ground and this is the strength of the movie. You will get a greater understanding of the political climate of this time from watching this than watching political commentators on the TV or convoluted analysis in the broadsheets. I found it entertaining and felt that John Walsh gave it the right tone to have it be watchable. The frustrations and the absurdity of the political circus had its humorous moments. Overall worth watching.

Toryboy is an eye opener

[martin-50979 · 10/10 · 26 March 2021]

Toryboy really opens the doors to scandals in public office with a blow by blow account during the election. The quest to find a missing MP who job is to represent the interests of his electorate is shocking.

Can TorBoy Be The Next US President Please?

[johnwalshmp · 10/10 · 22 April 2015]

A political punch in the face for us all here. To read the summary of the political corruption and gross dismissal of local vulnerable people you might be mistaken for thinking this was set in the Third World. No - this is in one of the oldest and most admirere3d democracies, the United Kingdom.

What is revealed is all credit to double BAFTA nominated film maker John Walsh who quite literally amerces himself in the political subject here and becomes a candidate in the general election. Only to find a town that has been ravaged by a member of parliament who has taken the town and its people for granted.

Despite what sounds like a grim premise, this was a highly entertaining, funny, poignant and exhilarating film as it reaches it finale. This left be somewhat dazed for a few hours. Watch it and ask yourself, why do we not have more brave souls like Walsh putting themselves forward?

If John Walsh stood against Hilary Clinton or Jed Bush he could really upset the apple cart, shame he's a Brit!!!

Red Wall Nut Cracker!

[impossiblefilms · 10/10 · 2 September 2021]

When the Conservatives smashed the Labour Party's stranglehold on the impoverished north of England in 2019, one name came to mind. Filmmaker John Walsh had been there to make a devastating critique of the whole political system in the north and focus on Middlesbrough. In a town where the local MP hadn't worked for his constituents in at least 15 years of his 30-year occupation of that Parliamentary seat. Walsh's expose of Sir Sturt Bell MP, and the subsequent aftershocks have, in my mind, led to the cracks in the Red Wall. John Walsh says he found this all out organically and did not intend to create one of the most controversial political documentary features ever made. You can make your kind up. To some, he is a hero for exposing a corrupt system. To others he he is a villain and betrayed a working-class ethic that keeps poor people in their place. The gutter if Labour has anything to do with it. I see some reviews here try and defend the Labour position. The film is on Prime Video and free for subscribers.

Watch, listen, learn, chuckle and get very angry.

A MUST-WATCH evergreen political film

[carlosmoran · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

John Walsh does a terrific job diving deep into the reality of British politics and unveiling what is undoubtedly a sad reality of politicians who seem to brazenly look after their own interests only. The film offers a unique view of this reality from the inside, and is a timeless and ever relevant production that everybody with an interest in politics or filmmaking must watch. Definitely recommended!

Politics With a Knock Out Punch

[maura-walsh · 10/10 · 18 November 2013]

What started as a short film about his campaign turned into a fully fledged 100 minute expose of the local Labour Party which raises serious concerns about the local MP Sir Stuart Bell.

Walsh's rise through the party was meteoric, going from thinking about joining the Conservatives to being selected for the Middlesborough seat within 12 weeks, and he certainly takes the local party by storm – recommending 'flash mobbing' in his first campaign meeting as well as other campaign stunts, such as putting a 'Vote Conservative' poster on Bell's garden gate, and threatening to have Bell "in prison by Christmas" in a hustings.

But there's also a serious side as Walsh has to deal with poor organisation and, fatally, his election address going awry. With little to no support on the ground Walsh resorts to throwing frying pans across his kitchen and threatening to pull out of the campaign – something all us who've stood for election can relate to.

The film concludes with an altercation between Bell and Walsh at the count with a number of expletives going back and forth, mostly from Bell's son Malcolm.

Brilliant this quirky documentary is enjoyable and definitely worth a look.

Best Documentary on Politics EVER!!! (Oh and the funniest)

[info-828-938224 · 10/10 · 26 October 2013]

John Walsh's documentary on his defection from the Labour Party to stand as Conservative candidate for Middlesbrough is an eye opening and serious film that still finds the time to be funny and entertaining. Revealing how some Members of Parliament abuse the "job for life" in safe seats, John takes several actions to de-seat the sitting member of parliament Sir Stuart Bell who had not been seen to hold a surgery in over fifteen years, including promising to have Sir Stuart Bell in prison by Christmas.

Whether you are a Toryboy (or gal) yourself or interested in politics or not this film reveals problems with the political system and those hiding behind it and is a must watch for anyone who wishes to exercise their right to vote. It raises questions for MPs and voters all around the country whilst still managing to entertain as we follow the story of John Walsh in his campaign to de-seat Sir Stuart Bell and become Middlesborough's first Toryboy.

A Time For A Film Making Change

[toryboythemovie · 10/10 · 26 October 2013]

I do a bit of work in politics so watched this for a bit of a laugh (not least because it's a comedy). Since then, I've been recommending it to all my NON-political friends - something I try not to do too often - as it's a total eye opener. If you want to know why our country is in such a state, witness the apathy of the voters in Middlesborough. Their MP is a devious, sometimes vicious thug, yet they roll up election after election to vote for him anyway...

Sounds depressing (and to be honest it is a little!), but John blasts through the experience with such warmth, humour and panache that you can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. It's also nice to hear from someone who's made the jump from Labour to Tory. Anyway, he totally deserves to be elected sometime soon, and you should totally watch this. This film is provides an important insight into how things do not always turn out as people hope or expect. Middlesbrough, a Labour stronghold for decades, turns out to have been let down by the Party and its MP, yet does not have it within itself to break from the past and see if a brighter future can be found elsewhere.

Tory Boy

[elviobettencourt · 10/10 · 5 November 2013]

This is certainly a very interesting documentary which clearly shows all the efforts made before the election day.

Sometimes people do not realize that it's possible to change, as some are still "loyal" to a certain political party, regardless who is in charge, what they do, or don't do while in power, which is a terrible mistake.

By disclosing surprising facts (that everybody is aware of, but not many do enough about it) as well as by proposing better and different alternatives, the party represented in the documentary encourages the people to vote for a change! Congratulations to John Walsh and his team for this great production, "Tory Boy"! It is one of those documentaries everybody should watch.

UK's Answer to Michael Moore!

[maura-walsh5 · 10/10 · 24 October 2013]

John Walsh is the first sign of a UK Michael Moore. His style and panache indicates a film maker with lots to say about one of the oldest stories of our time.

This film is about the UK General Election that happens roughly every fives year and elects a government and Prime Minister for The Queen of England. Now most film makers might be content with following a political candidate, not John. He BECOMES a candidate and gives the inside track on his experience but amazingly he actually uncovers what was to become one of the biggest scandals in UK politics in the last 30 years.

I won't spoil it here, but enough to say if you like Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock then this is for you. Although and established film maker, this is Walsh's first time in front of the camera. Hoping he can come to the US and stand for President, imagine what he's find here!