A simple little British dramedy, benefiting from the feel-good factor and 'heart' displayed in one boy's devotion to his local football team. That boy is far from the most endearing character, but this is made up for by a lovable bunch of secondary characters.
Amusing without breaking the into any hugely funny moments, The Bromley Boys is a diluted British humour accessible to all audiences. A clear, low-stakes plot, as football fanaticism fuses with young romance in a familiar setting of a loner coming-of-age through the difficulties of their school and parents.
A great aesthetic of the 60s/70s which will instill pure nostalgia into certain generations, The Bromley Boys is an easy watch, unlikely to blow anyone away.
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Young Love (Through Football)
A bit slow, but with a heart of gold
A distinctly British film, with a British theme, of one young boy's obsession with supporting a none-league football team in the 60's. Based on a novel by Dave Roberts it shows how the author obsessed about possibly the worst football team in English none-league history, Bromley FC. While young David Roberts means well, he often gets into trouble with his antics, usually getting him into trouble with his dad played by Alan Davies, while he mum, played by Martine McCuthcheon) secretly encourages him like most mums would do behind his dads back. He tried everything to not only support his team but try where possible to be involved or even improve the team he cares so dearly about. This is a charming film which relies on a simple yet effective story, acted out lovingly and convincingly. There are times where the antics seem to be signposted and potentially cringe worthy, but all the time they are harmless and fun. On occasion the film seems to slow down a little rather than keeping a frantic pace, but this doesn't detract. Ultimately this is nice and easy feel-good film that can be enjoyed with the family and doesn't take too much effort to follow it successfully. The film in many ways is like supporting a none league minnow like Bromley FC, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it may not be like the glitz and glamour of Premier League teams - but it's a fun ride and it's enjoyable all the same. 7 out of 10.
Soccer memories
We still call football soccer in the US and much like the metric system, most folks don't even think about it after they get out of grade school. Yet for some that love it, it becomes a way of life.
Based on the autobiographical novel by Dave Roberts, this movie recounts the author's teen years as he supported the worst football club in the country.
Brenock O'Connor (OIly from Game of Thrones) plays young David, who forgoes school and even a normal social life to follow his ailing soccer team across the country. He soon becomes part of the crew with the team's much older supporters - think the guys in the stands cheering on the Cleveland Indians in Major League - while falling for the team manager Charlie's daughter, Ruby.
While my love of soccer can be questioned, my love of a coming of age film can't. There's nothing you haven't seen before in here, but it's well-made and cute in parts. I must admit to having a set of Subbuteo soccer figures as a kid, so seeing those on Dave's desk made me smile.