Inclubabu Plot so thin, it es unnoticed.
StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Stephanie There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
estronbase A completely unbelievable plot and I'm not referring to the phantom character but to the main characters who's lives are being portrayed. The men are of below average intelligence, obnoxious and foul-mouthed. The women are attractive, charming and intelligent. I can't imagine anyone enjoying this rubbish except maybe for teenage boys who find thuggish behavior exciting. One scene involves minor acts of violence accompanied by music appropriate for a slapstick film.Swearing in films doesn't normally bother me but the use of the "F" word is way over the top, used often and repeatedly. I know some people actually talk like this but if, like me, you would rather avoid these people, then avoid this film.As for Eric Cantona, the reason I watched this, his performance is acceptable (no swearing or violence). The film also contains some clips of him in action on the pitch and off.
Chrysanthepop In 'Looking for Eric' Loach takes a look at the complicated life of a down on his luck unhappy postman, Eric Bishop. He desperately struggles to cope with his dysfunctional home, ignorant kids and a sad breakup but all seems hopeless until he finds a way in the form of former football player Eric Cantona. Loach does a wonderful job by infusing humour, philosophy and football into the story.The presentation itself is very raw and suitably toned down. The sets and setting look authentic. The actors look like the common people one would see in bars. The intense scenes are very effective as the stark portrayal of Eric's struggle and despair is raw to the core. The humour comes as a welcome comic relief as it balances well. I really enjoyed the sequences with the two Erics. This is where Eric Bishop finds solace, peace and answers and his friendship with his imaginary friend is easy to relate to.Another theme that Loach beautifully presents in 'Looking for Eric' is the importance and love for football. Why fans excitedly watch a match and cheer or yell at the team they , what football means to them, and the significant effect it has on the lives of fans are all wonderfully explored here.Steve Evets is great as Eric Bishop. His nuanced portrayal stands out beautifully. Eric Cantona perhaps delivers one of the most sincere performances I have ever seen from a sports player turned actor. Even though some may argue that he's just playing himself, I'd say that he's playing Eric Cantona from Eric Bishop's point of view, not his own. I also liked how Stephanie Bishop downplays Lily. The rest of the actors do a brilliant job.Ken Loach's little film is a winner all the way.
Jackson Booth-Millard From director Ken Loach (Kes, Sweet Sixteen) I had heard that this film had a lot of interest surrounding it, and it sounded like something I would enjoy, so of course I watched it. Basically Manchester middle-aged postal sorting office worker Eric Bishop (Summer's Steve Evets) is going through a bad patch, mainly because of ex-wife Lily (Stephanie Bishop) coming back. To comfort himself in most circumstances he seeks advice from the one man he aspires to, and is almost hallucinogenic visions of, footballer Eric Cantona. As time goes by his relationship with Lily, who by the way left him to have their baby, improves, and he is also getting closer to teenage daughter Sam (Coronation Street's Lucy-Jo Hudson) and stepsons, including Ryan (Gerard Kearns). After being humiliated by some local gangsters with the help of a Rottweiler, and having the video put on YouTube, Eric finds out that Ryan has agreed to hide a gun in the house under the floorboards. Eric obviously turns to his imaginary friend Canona for some advice of what to do to make everything settle, and the idea of going up against the gangsters with the help of his post office friends is best. So Eric gets his friends and many Manchester United fans to help in "Operation Cantona", where they all wear the heads, or masks of the famous Eric, and they go to humiliate the gangsters. In the end, the gangsters get their comeuppance, Eric watches his daughter graduate, the whole family have worked things out, and the imaginary friend stays with his pal. Also starring John Henshaw as Meatballs, Stefan Gumbs as Jess and Justin Moorhouse as Spleen. Evets is fantastic as the nearly lonely ordinary Joe on the brink of a breakdown, and Cantona, who you also see the fantastic goals from, is brilliant as his knowledgeable invisible friend, it is a likable comedy drama. Very good!
tomnewman43 It was a nearly beautiful movie, but failed most dismally at the end by presenting the principal characters in the 'reformed white shirt and tie' mode, as if it were impossible to be reformed and re constructed and acceptable to society and yet still wear a tee shirt?Please tell Ken Loach it was a real disappointment to see a movie by such a respected figure, spoilt by such a clichéd and Orwellian ending, (obviously controlled by his financiers?),It undermines the confidence that the intelligent public have of the potential power of the independent director. we rely on people like you to confront and expose the insidious regime . . .
