Finally, we are getting some proper June weather.
After a couple of weeks that featured far too much rain for what is allegedly our summer, the sun is finally splitting the Irish stones. However, we must remember that this is Ireland, so Martin King (or whoever controls the weather) is liable to produce a deluge at any moment.
What that in mind, we have put together a list of five great sports films that you can pass the time with if you happen to be caught inside during a shower.
There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J–CO0b5DIY
By far the best film ever made about a Man City fan, ‘There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble’ follows a boy of that name as he discovers the joy of schoolboy football. Okay… that doesn’t really sell the film but how about Robert Carlyle as recovering alcoholic, ex-pro who now coaches a youth team? A philandering Ray Winstone as Jimmy’s father figure?
This film also sets the record for random British actors that will make you say, ‘This is annoying me… where is he from again?’ Grimble finds out that he is actually an excellent footballer and propels his team into a final at Maine Road.
But wait, his lucky pair of boots go missing… will he be able to perform on the big day?
You want to see it now, admit it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyfdcoocex8
Goon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfOZaquIhG8
People who have seen ‘Goon’ – which sees Sean-William Scott play a hockey enforcer who is FAR better at enforcing than hockey – fall into two camps: those who thought it was okay and those who despised it.
It won’t make any list of the best ever sports movies but it is harmlessly entertaining (in a NSFW way) and features one great scene between Scott and his rival enforcer as they reenact the famous Pacino/De Niro diner scene from Heat.
Looking for Eric
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzUddao92JQ
Even the most vociferous Man United hater will finish Looking for Eric with their collar up, thinking Cantona is a hero. The film sees a depressed postman hallucinating that Cantona is his pal and through the Frenchman’s innate slickness, he starts turning his life around. It sounds ridiculous – and it is – but it’s actually a really funny film anchored by a great performance from Cantona.
The Replacements
There is a strike in American football but rather than lose out on ticket sales, one shrewd owner hires some replacement players and a legendary coach to whip them into shape. Gene Hackman was born to play the authoritative coach while Keanu Reeves is perfect as the ice cool QB. And for any Point Break fans out there, just close your eyes and pretend that Reeves’ character is Johnny Utah after he is finished dealing with Bodie.
Mike Bassett: England Manager
The fly-on-the-wall documentary following Ricky Tomlinson’s grossly incompetent Mike Bassett as he leads England to the World Cup in Brazil is absolutely brilliant. It is a perfect spoof of ‘The Impossible Job’, which charted Graham Taylor’s attempt to bring England to the 1994 tournament and they nail every football cliche hilariously.
The two standout parts are these speeches made by the manager – the first when they are being routed by Mexico and the second when he issues a rallying cry to the people of England.
What are your favourite sports films?
