The Phoenix Network:
 
 
About  |  Advertise
Adult  |  Moonsigns  |  Band Guide  |  Blogs  |  In Pictures
 
Features  |  Reviews
FIND MOVIES
Find a Movie
Movie List
Loading ...
or
Find Theaters and Movie Times
or
Search Movies

Review: The Damned United

No underdog tale here
By CHRIS FARAONE  |  October 15, 2009
3.5 3.5 Stars

If you're looking for an insufferable-underdog tall tale, then avoid director Tom Hooper’s soccer (er, football) drama about the infamously charismatic English manager Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) and his legendary rivalry with Belichick-esque Leeds United manager Don Revie (Colm Meaney). When he was hired by Leeds to replace Revie in 1974 — after building little-known Derby County into a championship side — Clough assumed the role with Muhammad Ali arrogance, only to fall victim to and learn from his own insecurities.

In addition to the textured damp British landscapes, the film convinces on the strength of impassioned performances by Sheen and Timothy Spall as his assistant manager and muse, Peter Taylor. There’s certainly a you-don’t-know-what-you’ve-got-until-it’s-gone lesson lurking, but the story arc that develops said theme is as natural and unpredictable as Clough’s maniacal ambition.

Related: Review: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Review: Frost/Nixon, Review: Doubt, More more >
  Topics: Reviews , Muhammad Ali, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney,  More more >
  • Share:
  • Share this entry with Facebook
  • Share this entry with Digg
  • Share this entry with Delicious
  • RSS feed
  • Email this article to a friend
  • Print this article
Comments

ARTICLES BY CHRIS FARAONE
Share this entry with Delicious
  •   REVIEW: THE BLIND SIDE  |  November 17, 2009
    It’s tough for any self-respecting critic to refrain from joyously tackling a Sandra Bullock movie — so it’s a good thing The Blind Side isn’t one.
  •   SWOLLEN MEMBERS | ARMED TO THE TEETH  |  November 18, 2009
    I’m not completely sure why the mere mention of Swollen Members rubs so many underground rap snobs the wrong way.
  •   DUDLEY NO LONGER SQUARE  |  November 11, 2009
    Virtually desolate Dudley Square needed dining alternatives to deep-fried heart attacks, so in 2005, organizers with Haley House — the 43-year-old South End–based charity foundation — opened the Corner Shop Bakery Café.
  •   LETTER RIP  |  November 12, 2009
    Hollywood celebrities who fancy themselves pols and pundits don’t just bring impassioned everyman views to the legislative banquet.
  •   ALLAH PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE  |  November 11, 2009
    “Muslim hip-hop is not like Christian rock,” says Yusuf, the Merrimack Valley half of the Allah-inspired Boston-Lowell tag team Blak Madeen.

 See all articles by: CHRIS FARAONE

MOST POPULAR
RSS Feed of for the most popular articles
 Most Viewed   Most Emailed 



  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
thePhoenix.com:
Phoenix Media/Communications Group:
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group