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charlie_mcp
Reviews
Awaydays (2009)
A different insight into football hooliganism
As a keen, passionate football fan who arrived on the scene way after the 'golden age' of football hooliganism, this particular genre of film really appeals to me.
Awaydays is totally different to the laddish, almost comedic 'Football Factory' and the attempted honourable, noble portrayal of football hooliganism in 'Green Street' - Awaydays offers a negative, gloomy, dangerous view of a by-gone era, and refreshingly so.
I thought the complicated bromance between the two main characters was acted extremely well, very believable. However, the running time of the film didn't allow for the complexity of their relationship to develop properly.
The two other factors that really bugged me about this film were the fight scenes; a group of teenagers easily turning over gangs of fully grown men, and a fellow member of the gang killing the leader for no real reason - without any repercussions. The two were having a disagreement throughout the film over one of them selling heroin to other members of the 'firm', but the sub-plot was far too thin to make such a drastic action relevant.
Overall, an interesting film offering a different insight into the 'casual' culture. The mood may be more in touch with the reality of that particular lifestyle, but a few major drawbacks prevent Awaydays from pulling off its intended significance and impact.
Far North (2007)
What IS this????
Far North is one of the worst films i have ever seen. A pointless tale that fails to entertain (except for the unintentionally hilarious ending) or inform, it's one saving grace being it only last for 89 minutes.
The film plods along for 70 or so minutes without a lot happening, except for a man falling in love with a young girl, and the other, older girl looking slightly annoyed. It is then revealed that the older girl saved the younger girl from some soldiers. However, 70 minutes or so into the film, she feels the need to strangle the girl she saved and cut her face off when she reveals she is leaving with the man. Pretty unconvincing stuff.
At the start of the film i thought that possibly this film would have a political theme about mining coal in the Tundra, but not so. No information is given to WHEN this film is set, except for the presence of soldiers, so assumingly during war time.
Even the scenery isn't convincing, the boat scenes on the rivers are clearly backdrops.
This film will bore you to death for the vast majority of its duration, with an ending that will baffle you and probably make you laugh. Do yourself a favour and give this one a miss.