...I'm not a boy, not yet a male...

Rating: 4/10 (11 April 2007)

Americans should make a movie about American life solely. When Hollywood movie makers try to adapt some alien ideas, they never make it right. Apparently it happens, because this alien idea in authentic aspects never will get support enough in America and will be not well sold. And exactly Hollywood movie makers take their native subjects and disguise that by mysterious foreign cover. Of course, there are exceptions out of this rule, but "The GSH" film, which I watched yesterday unfortunately isn't one.
Couple of words about plot line. Modest American boy, who got kicked out of Harvard by mistake, has come to London to sister. Certainly, her husband turn out a brother of top lad of most famous "firm" of football fans. Of course modest American boy and this leader of thugs become a best friends. In the end modest American boy became "not a boy, but a male". Scheme for similar sort of movie is quite standard. Modest American boy's part was portrayed by "pretty flower" Elija Wood. No comments.
In either case, there is problem with clash of two worlds in a film. World of civilized American middle class in the person of Mr. Wood and world of mad British football hooligans. And if portrayal of first isn't raise any doubts, I have some comments in connection with second one.
First of all it's a bunch of a nice ways for more clear division on "black" and "white". I can't get why leaders of rival firms are brutal gloomy males entirely, but our top boy looks like a top model. Young, with perfect body, and diabolical righteous, righteous up to disgust. He is teacher in school (my God!) at the free time, beyond fan fights.
Next. I have no idea about reasons of football violence, but I don't think that it's connected with some personal motives. I also don't think that whole firm is just going to fight only for decision of personal problem of single member, even if he is leader. But I must repeat, I have no idea about that and I can err.
Third. It's everlasting Hollywood pathos. Diffuse speeches about eternal values. That's really annoying. The gang, when they are going to final fighting look likes Hector going to fight against Achilles.
And last. I can't believe, that near-graduate of Harvard couldn't find any better ways of spending time. I also can't believe that becomes the member of British hooligans firm so easily.
Sum up. I can say that this film is a good commercial project, no more. Somebody who has no idea about British football violence will be caught the fancy. Moreover Mr. Wood, whatever you may say, has coped with difficult task very well, displayed that transformation very convinced. Although modest American boy isn't convincing as "male" he really has lost image of "little boy" forever, I hope. As regards everything else... Don't worry. It's just Hollywood.