Looking for Eric
In the tradition of feel-good comedies like The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine comes Looking For Eric, the movie by Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Sweet Sixteen) that premiered to laughter and applause at the Cannes Film Festival. Imagine if a boxing fan had Muhammad Ali suddenly pop into his home to offer sage advice about life. Or a baseball fan had Mickey Mantle raising a glass of beer and giving him pointers on the ladies. That's what it's like for British soccer fanatic Eric Bishop after one of the greatest players of all time - Eric Cantona, the legendary player for Manchester United - magically appears to give the down-on-his-luck man a hand with raising his kids and wooing back his ex-wife. When the menace of crime threatens Eric's home, Cantona's advice finally gets him to reach out to his friends that have always been ready to help via a con-job climax that's as effective as it is silly.
Member Reviews
A Bit Too Far For My Taste - Amateur
This story simplifies a bit the tragedies of life. A woman who felt abandoned her whole adult life would probably need more of a reflection to forgive her husband (Unless she is an extraordinary woman). The idea of having an imaginary friend as an adult, especially a disillusioned adult, seems a bit far fetch to me. Nevertheless, the acting was respectable and actually at times funny. This one leaves me a bit perplexed.Score: 8 out of 10 - MrMoviePicker
Those more familiar with the emotional slapstick typical of North American comedy may mistake this story--about a depressed man who develops an imaginary friendship with his soccer hero--for a harder drama. However, droll wit and a wacky yet realistic ending should ensure that you're lighthearted when the credits roll.
Part buddy-comedy, part romance, part thriller with a climax clearly inspired by V FOR VENDETTA (I kid you not), this packs in enough plot for 5 films. Those looking for something completely different shouldn't be disappointed.With a little help from me friends - luminol
Basically the plot resembles a teen comedy in which the nerdy lad wants to get with the beautiful lass, and is helped along on his quest by a sage mentor. The only difference is, they've added 30 years of emotional baggage and regret into the mix.
Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a bit lost and going through the motions; until his daughter from his first marriage---in a final sprint towards her university degree, needs a few extra hours of study time everyday. This entails a minor babysit favor from him and .... provokes a major case of self reflection in that he'll be sharing the babysitting duties and interacting with her mother.
Surprisingly, Lily (a sympathetic Stephanie Bishop) no longer bears him any ill will for abandoning her and their daughter, at her birth. However, for Eric; the regret and shame has become so acute over the years, the mere thought of meeting her face to face induces panic attacks. The film opens after his first attempt at a pick up, which has him fleeing in such a dither, he almost kills himself in a car accident.
Although the film mixes in a few potentially darker elements, this is a nice little comedy with a touch of magic realism and fantasy. Although some of the specific collective resonances of the legendary Manchester footballer may be lost on a hockey mad nation such as ours, the superstar athlete travels easily across different cultures. Imagine say, Wayne Gretzky materializing in your living room one night and giving you life lessons and romantic pointers. A nice supporting turn by John Henshew; his wonky advice culled from self-help books is both funny and heartfelt.
Member Reviews
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A Bit Too Far For My Taste - Amateur
This story simplifies a bit the tragedies of life. A woman who felt abandoned her whole adult life would probably need more of a reflection to forgive her husband (Unless she is an extraordinary woman). The idea of having an imaginary friend as an adult, ...Score: 8 out of 10 - MrMoviePicker
Those more familiar with the emotional slapstick typical of North American comedy may mistake this story--about a depressed man who develops an imaginary friendship with his soccer hero--for a harder drama. However, droll wit and a wacky yet realistic ending ...With a little help from me friends - luminol
Basically the plot resembles a teen comedy in which the nerdy lad wants to get with the beautiful lass, and is helped along on his quest by a sage mentor. The only difference is, they've added 30 years of emotional baggage and regret into the mix.
Eric ...