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Reviews
All Over Me (1997)
Beautifully well made film
It really gets to me when people seem to get at independent, low budget movies without having seen them first. This is one movie you should definitely seek out. Everything is portrayed as is, no fuss, no overacting, just as it would be in any downtown neighbourhood. The sadness felt by Claude is a paradox to her feelings for Ellen at the same time, and when she breaks down while singing to Patti Smith's classic "P**ing in a river" you can feel her soul breaking down too.
What makes the movie special is that clearly it deals with coming out in a sensible mature manner, not in a patronising way, and together with the well paced riot grrrrl soundtrack, makes the semi-grunge atmosphere and dress the characters have seem real too. Alison Folland is excellent as the confused but sensible Claude, and Leisha Hailey as Lucy is inspired casting. Similarly, Tara Subkoff as Ellen has to go through emotional and drug hell and portrays that side really alarmingly well.
Do go rent or buy it, and watch with an open mind.
There's Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000)
At last, a decent football film
For years we have waited for a film about the game we all love that actually displayed passion, glory and above all a good storyline to fit. Well if you see this film, that's what you get. Ray Winstone is excellent as the unsung character Harry, he has the heart of gold and belief to actually be kind to Jimmy's mum as well as be more of a father figure to Jimmy than his mum's new boyfriend (Ben Miller is a hoot playing this).
What's more, every Man City fan will identify with Robert Carlyle as an ex-player turned coach who has to put up with taking rubbish from others all the time. There's plenty of underlying messages in this story in that it's okay to be different and also that you should believe in your own abilities.
First class performances all round, and for Mancunians a chance to spot parts of their home town. The final scenes at Maine Road are particularly well done.
If you love football, go and see it. If you don't, go anyway and understand why us men (and a fair few women these days) love the beautiful game so much and smile with the happiness this film will bring you.