I'm a huge fan of Ken Loach, but LOOKING FOR ERIC felt forced (and a bit 'rang-in', performance wise) I'm fully aware that Loach was going for a more fantasy approach with this movie. But when nothing at all 'rings true' how are we supposed to know where the fantasy begins, and what makes it so fantastical in the first place (i'd sooner believe that Eric Cantona could appear from nowhere to dispense advice.....over thinking that a bit of red paint and a few smashed television sets, would deter a local crime boss from seeking any kind of retribution?) And none of this would matter of course, unless we weren't discussing a movie from the master of realism himself, Ken Loach.
Now don't get me wrong, Loach has had enough solid gold 'hits', to forgive him of a 'miss' now and then....but sadly it seems that this movie (despite easily being his worst) will probably turn out to be his most profitable? The one thing that annoyed me the most, was the humour (or lack of) because most Loach movies (however bleak) usually contain a high amount of (sly) humour underneath proceedings. LOOKING FOR ERIC however, tried too hard, and settled for scenes of random swearing and shouting, over an actual ounce of anything 'natural'
The ending (however 'far-fetched' the plot synopsis was already) was completely unbelievable (and felt tacked-on) but i suppose the subject matter (football....which i hate) and the 'lighter-touch' is what granted LOOKING FOR ERIC a cinema release at all. Multiplex-goers are treated to past Loach themes, wrapped (rather badly) together as a 'Ken Loach' greatest hits package. But i expected more from the man who gave us CATHY COME HOME, KES, RIFF-RAFF, RAINING STONES, LADYBIRD LADYBIRD and THE NAVIGATORS.
Oh yeah, plus it reminded me of SCULLY (am i the only one to think this?)
Now don't get me wrong, Loach has had enough solid gold 'hits', to forgive him of a 'miss' now and then....but sadly it seems that this movie (despite easily being his worst) will probably turn out to be his most profitable? The one thing that annoyed me the most, was the humour (or lack of) because most Loach movies (however bleak) usually contain a high amount of (sly) humour underneath proceedings. LOOKING FOR ERIC however, tried too hard, and settled for scenes of random swearing and shouting, over an actual ounce of anything 'natural'
The ending (however 'far-fetched' the plot synopsis was already) was completely unbelievable (and felt tacked-on) but i suppose the subject matter (football....which i hate) and the 'lighter-touch' is what granted LOOKING FOR ERIC a cinema release at all. Multiplex-goers are treated to past Loach themes, wrapped (rather badly) together as a 'Ken Loach' greatest hits package. But i expected more from the man who gave us CATHY COME HOME, KES, RIFF-RAFF, RAINING STONES, LADYBIRD LADYBIRD and THE NAVIGATORS.
Oh yeah, plus it reminded me of SCULLY (am i the only one to think this?)