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So much average

It is a performances centric movie

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Even though the movie is quite amateurish, with not much production value, it has heart. It is very adorable and the diversity of characters gives a lot of flavour to the story. My only problem with the movie was that as English is not my native language and I didn't have subtitles, I've had a really hard time understanding large portions of dialogues. The accents are pretty heavy, so a lot of time, I tried to guess out of context. I would probably give the movie a higher vote if I would know what it was about ;) I found the gay team very funny and even the most neurotic, paranoid character (the team leader) was quite adorable. Another thing I liked - without spoilers - is a very unexpected twist in the terms of bullying. That was very refreshing. All in all, a very cute movie.

I found this movie on Netflix. And I am very glad that I did. It was hilarious and has a really good sound track. And gives the message that just because your gay don't mean you are not any good at sports. But in a very light and funny way. I will most assuredly be purchasing this movie. The director did a great job. The hypnotic snap scene was by far my favorite. If you are in the mood for a good movie, I suggest giving this one a go. I haven't seen any of Rikki Beadle-Blair's other films but after this one I am going to find them. All in all an excellent movie. I will be recommending it to all my "family". And I am sure they will all enjoy it as much as I did.

My review is of the Region 2 DVD released in the UK (see diatribe at end...).What Kickoff is is a truly funny, campy story of two soccer teams, a newly formed gay team up against an infamous team of one roidhead, drug addict, on-the-lam runner from the law, David Beckham wannabe "sissy," and a regular bloke with an inconvenient paternity problem. That's just the straight team. The gay team is full of great characters and other characters enter as the story proceeds. I'm too lazy to catalog them all but each character complements the story. None are just bodies filling space (like Keanu Reeves in almost anything...). What's most impressive about Kickoff is it deftly inserts "heavy" issues such as deadbeat dads, drug addiction, homophobia, throw-away kids, and ageism, among others, without bashing viewers on the head and maintaining the humor and humanity. I could quote so many lines IMDb's 1000 word max would be exceeded quickly so I won't. Sourpusses may point out the movie ends happily for virtually everyone, unlike life, but I ask what's wrong with happy, upbeat endings? Besides, it could happen! Another abfab aspect is the hilarious use of "masculinity" and "effeminacy" by "the gays" and the str8 lads and even poor "Ephraim"/Elton!, the beleaguered ref. Archie, the gay team's captain, asks, while "not trying to push anybody back into the cupboard..." that "no one says 'fabulous' for the next hour," among other attempts to "pass," as it were. Then there are the pink ("fuschia!") outfits Archie's sweet little "partner" selects because fuschia is the color of "rage and passion." The straight team later decides to intimidate their rivals by making it clear (with "no words, no head-butting, and no pulling out a knife...") they know. Even crazy roid-raging Fitz(gerald Pomeroy) flits about and camps it up to perfection. Kudos to the entire cast for creating an ensemble of believable humans who turn a few stereotypes on their heads and in a few other directions. Here the obligatory confession the young men on and off the teams are all "lookers" and several shirtless for short periods and the team members sans shirts much of the movie. Visually attractive but the beefcake is only one small part of many others. Kickoff is another movie produced outside the insular USA which most in the USA will probably not see. I'd LOVE to be mistaken. I'm lucky enough to have seen it and now own the DVD from the UK (which most DVD players in the USA won't play since they play only Region 1 NTSC formats). The DVD also has Special features worth watching (unlike too many DVDs produced here). A making of segment, the "Crossbar Challenge" where everyone kicks the ball at the goal cage (or the crossbar?) and "Getting Physical," about the actors physical preparation, plus a music video and the trailer. Each segment adds "value," as we capitalists say. Kickoff should be released in North America, in theaters and on DVD. At least NetFlix or Amazon should pick it up, dammit!Final note: Based on trailers and clips ordered Fit from amazon.uk today. Rikki Beadle Blair wrote and directed both and several of the same actors are in both movies. Do we have a modern equivalent to a real theatrical troupe? It would help explain how easily the characters make their world so real and credible.

This film was a disaster. I was expecting a campy gay version of Bend It Like Beckham. That would have had a lot of potential. But the actors in this film had no soccer skill at all. The soccer game itself was interrupted so many times, it was impossible to follow. Probably because of budget, they couldn't even field a full team, just five to a side! The plot made little sense, and the dialog was flat.The only bright point was the excellent performance by the camp gay step dad played by writer Rikki Beadle-Blair. The movie might have been better if they focused on that relationship before the game day, and then cut most of the game itself.