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A Shot At Glory

A Shot At Glory

List Price: $14.98
Your Price: $13.48
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: DRIFTY FILM, BUT FINE ACTING AND A STIRRING SOUNDTRACK
Review: The movie itself is an indistinct yarn that'll appeal to fanatical buffs of Scottish football. But there are two things that elevate it above an over-chewed sports-and-inspiration claptrap flick.

One, the delightfully convincing performance of Bob Duvall, who wraps his tongue tautly around the Scottish baroque. I rewound and watched some of his scenes twice for the pure academic pleasure of it. After seeing his caliber recently in Secondhand Lions, my respect for the thespian has grown by a factor of ten.

Second, the brilliant soundtrack, which I was surprised to read in the credits was courtesy Mark Knopfler. The sound has a dreamy tinge of Dire Straits but manages to be reminiscent of many things Celtic, much like "The Nephew", Pierce Brosnan starrer, or "Cal" with John Lynch.

I wonder why Michael Keaton was roped in to make the inconspicuous appearance he makes, as an American invester unexplainably interested in a small middle-of-nowhere Scottish team.

But despite some cheesy things, not the least of which are some fast and furious goals, it is a watchable little film overall. Especially if you are a budding sports commentator looking for a distint voice (literally).

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A nice performance by Duvall
Review: This is a good movie to have with a couple Tennent's lagers; good soccer action and realistically-portrayed emotional scenes combine with an interesting mix of characters to produce a satisfying film. Duvall does pretty well with the Scottish accent, although I noticed just once when it sounds a little off (he says "...out of my life forever" and shortens the vowel a bit much on the word out -- say "uh of" quickly and that is about how it sounds;) I had to rewind for that the first time I watched the movie. I was pleased to see another familiar actor in the role of the team's American owner, Michael Keaton. I would rate 4.5 if that was an option. Plenty of Scottish countryside scenes to awe.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Alright but ...
Review: To save yourself time if you've read all the other reviews i'll condense this.

Whilst the idea of a First Division (and yes i got that right, First Division is second-tier. Premiership being the top) being moved might be appealing to US audiences, it makes anyone from Europe laugh. Not just would the governing bodies of the sport not allow it, the idea of a club moving would be considered heresy. So that idea is a bit stupid, and instantly off putting to anyone that knows the sport. As as the concept of an American owner and goalkeeper at a small Scottish club. Never happen especially in the case of the playing staff as they'd have to be capped sufficiently by the US to allow them a work permit. And if they're that good they wouldn't be there.

Okay none of this has anything to do with the film or acting theoretically but it made me roll my eyes. As did Duvalls accent, which went from one area to another and other to Ireland at one point. Far far too thick, only induced laugher from me. As did the concept of Super Ally's character being ex-Celtic. For the uninititated he's a Rangers man who hates Celtic.

The acting is passable and the story cliche ridden, although McCoist and Keaton were actually alright. Simply put, a great film for an American who knows nothing about the sport of the country but horrific for a Scottish person and a Scottish fitba' fan at that.

p.s Please don't call them "the Rangers or "the Celtics" like some reviwers elsewhere have. It's just Rangers and Celtic, no "the" or an "s" on Celtic.You'd be liable to be punched by a fan, or possibly applauded if they happen to hate them.


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