Summary: the lead up to Ireland’s attempt at the 2002 world cup.
I question the need for this film, it was entertaining but I don’t know if there was enough of a story there for a feature film.
One thing I will give it credit for is that it never took anyone’s side and it showed the unprofessionalism of all sides of the endeavour. Mick, Coogan, had points, but so did Keane, Hardwicke. In that respect you could not call it a hatchet job against Keane.
I think the film does a lot to show the experience of the footballers during the tournament and to make you feel like you were there with them, it also makes football feel like a personal endeavour rather than a billion pound industry. This film can be watched without any knowledge of football, I for one did not know anything about the sport or this world cup before watching the film yet found it very accessible.
Overall, a watchable film but one in which I would question why it was made.
2.5/5
Pros.
It’s watchable
It has good performances
It is engrossing
Cons.
What was the point?
Pacing issues
It ends abruptly
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