There were a number of reasons I had doubts over this move -
1. It is about football (soccer) hooliganism and I could not imagine feeling any sympathy for the characters.
2. It was a US/UK co- production, with the majority finance coming from the USA. What would they know about the subject.
3.It had Elijah Wood in it. he is a fine actor, but becoming a hooligan? Could I buy that. I had thoughts of Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Killshot, trying to be a tough guy.
So the plot is wrongfully expelled Harvard student (Wood) goes to England to be with his sister and gets involved with hooligans, the main one, Pete, in a great performance by Charlie Hunnam.
The US aspect did not play a major part, and it seemed to be true to its UK heritage, and whilst you did not feel any sympathy for the characters, there was empathy even though you were repulsed at their life style.
There was a small 'twist' in the revealing of a character, but it was fairly obvious from a long way out.
The major plus for the movie was that Elijah Wood was convincing in his performance going from green American student to Green Street Hooligan. We traveled with him on his journey and could see the transformation happen before us. It is also true that as an actor, Wood is a lot better than Gordon-Levitt.
An impressive movie, for what could have been very unimpressive.
Elijah Wood = 23/34.
Charlie Hunnam = 5/6.
My rating = 7/10.
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