A violently compulsive "soccer" film

Rating: 8/10 (26 July 2007)

I had a few hang-ups about this film before I'd actually seen it. Firstly, the casting of Elijah Wood as a violent football hooligan seemed a little strange, as well as a million miles away from middle earth. Secondly, I had an issue with the whole idea of giving so much attention to such a horrible facet of the sport.
However, having sat down to watch this film I was pleasantly surprised. Yes there are a few wooden moments, but overall I enjoyed the acting. The way in which the actors portrayed their characters as irresistible rogues was really top draw, and I was pleased that Lexi Alexander didn't try to sugar coat the whole world of the football firms. The fight scenes are certainly not for the screamish, with blood and gut a plenty, but I found the rawness of these scenes compelling.
As for Wood, I think he is helped by the excellent performance of Charlie Hunnam, but he still pitches in a sturdy performance. However, the sight of the Iowa born actor, downing pints of lager and belching football songs down at the local, was a bit odd to watch.
All in all, I would certainly recommend this movie to any fan of this growing genre, as films such as The Football Factory, fall massively such of this rugged depiction of life in the football firms.