After managing to win the cup for Norwich, Mike Bassett is appointed manager for the national side with the massive challenge of winning the World Cup. Filmed in a documentary style, similar to the style that we have become used to recently on television. We are taken through the highs and lows that come with the job of England Football manager.
Ricky Tomlinson of Royle Family fame, plays the big hearted family man who sticks firmly to his traditional roots and antiquated tactical formations, no matter how unsuccessful they are!
The similarities to real life characters and events are no coincidence and this could almost be a portrayal of much-slated Graham Taylor. Other players have striking resemblances and the recognition causes a few chuckles around the cinema. With a 'psycho' style Stuart Pearce and loud mouth Gazza style joker, Tonka, who can produce amazing skills if he can stay out of trouble for long enough.
We are not given just a send up with a few cheap gags though, the film takes us through the bad times when a manager can go from hero to zero, on the result of a bad game, and all the fans seem to know how to get the job done better. In one funny scene after a poor result with low ranking Egypt, Mike stops whilst getting on the team bus and says to the baying crowd that if they've got nothing other than insults they should keep quiet. To which the crowd respond with a series of proven tactical plans before Mike cant take anymore and tells them all to f**k off.
There are several memorable scenes, another one being when the English, Scottish and Irish squads come face to face in the airport and trade the usual insults before having a big punch up. The Scots, true to form, go out in the first round, losing to Ethiopia. England's match with old rival Argentina ends with an ironic twist that really has to be seen, to be appreciated!
A few cameos help the film along with appearances from Pele and Atomic Kitten. Although not hilarious from start to finish there are some good scenes and memories from previous World Cup efforts. It's obvious that Mike Bassett is written by football enthusiasts but will provide a good bit of entertainment for football fans and everybody else alike.
With thanks to the Warner Village Cinema at
Clifton Moor Centre, York.
