Looking for Eric (2009)

Contrary to what written by some reviewers, knowledge of football is required to fully enjoy this movie. I have none, nor do I care about football. I even had no idea who Eric Cantona was. Even if it was easy to understand that he is a French ex-footballer who played for some English team, it was not so to understand what sort of person he is and why he was so popular.

Besides, the main twist in the plot revolves around football supporters (the infamous British hooligans). Therefore, there is a lot of football, and not being interested in it is definitely detrimental to the enjoyment of the movie.

The main character, Eric the postman, is a weak, insignificant man who dumped his first wife Lily, after they had a baby and then squandered his life, ending up with a depression and two no-good stepsons from the second wife. In an attempt to drag him out of this slump, his co-workers and friends football supporters invite him to follow a role model.

The fact that Eric chooses a footballer as role model is already saying a lot about his standards. Suddenly Mr. Cantona starts appearing to Eric to guide him through the difficulties of his life. It is very difficult to understand how Mr. Cantona does so, because he speaks with a very thick accent that makes his speeches barely understandable. Also, the content of his advice seems quite trivial.

However, thanks to this support, Eric manages to patch it up with Lily. Amazingly, she seems interested in getting back with the man who dumped her with a new-born baby for no reason, except lack of responsibility. He also manages to straighten up the situation with the almost-criminal older stepson. This happens in the movie finale and it is by far the funniest and liveliest part of an otherwise very boring movie.

For me it was 80% boredom, as I could not empathize at all with spineless Eric and thought it was just right that the second wife dumped him, leaving a hot potato to tackle, just as he did with Lily. The 20% enjoyment comes from the final part –really unexpected twist, but still underlying the fact that hooligans will be hooligans.

Fmovies: Being an armchair Manchester United fan now for almost 20 years i had a lot of interest in seeing Ken Loachs' film when i first got wind of it.The presence of Eric Cantona still looms large over Old Trafford and indeed fans still sing his name to this day.In a way,watching Looking For Eric made me fall in love with Cantona and Manchester United all over again. This film does what all good fantasy films should do , it makes you feel good. We start the film with our central character in the depths of unhapiness and witness a transformation,thanks to life coaching by Eric Cantona (watch out Paul McKenna) . Cantona is a man with undeniable presence.Those who might sneer and scoff at his attempts to break in to the film world will be made to eat their words as Cantona brings every ounce of mysticism and humanity to his performance. It's true that it pays to know about Cantona and the impression he made upon the English game of football. In all the years since he has left the game, no one has quite replicated what he achieved. He will be remembered by Manchester United fans alongside greats like Best and Charlton and now also by movie fans for a touching and memorable performance in a film that deserves high praise.

A quintessentially English film, but with a Gallic twist, this story should appeal to an audience far beyond the denizens of the Stretford End. In essence, a modest morality tale, a first half which fades dangerously is kick started by a plot development which sees things through to a happy, and satisfying conclusion.

Steve Evets plays, Eric, a down trodden, down on his luck Postman who is saved by his namesake Eric Cantona finding minor redemption from his life's trials and tribulations. Cantona is impressive and convincing, playing himself with a wistful enigmatic quality that legend determines he has.A solid cast includes Everyman Northerner John Henshaw as best mate Meatballs and an enjoyable cameo by Lucy-Jo Hudson as daughter Sam whom many will recognise as Katy from Coronation St.

The humour is wry, rather than laugh-out-loud, and the first half succeeds so well in creating an impoverished, crushed, defeated air that it almost implodes.By contrast,the second half, with a purpose,means the minutes zip along as the pace, dialogue, editing and story advance.The running time at almost two hours gives ample time for the characters to breathe, pretty much a trademark of Director Ken Loach.This work leans more heavily on the verite of his early documentary "Cathy Come Home" than the lushness of The Wind That Shakes The Barley".Yet Cantona lifts proceedings with his every appearance suggesting that a serious film career may beckon.

Authentic, well observed, raw in places, this film puts people first and is faithful to both Northern life, and the enigma which is Cantona.

Looking for Eric fmovies. I've just been to see an advance screening of this film, without really knowing what it was about, other than obviously Eric Cantona would be in it. I'll admit from the outset that I am a Manchester United fan and was looking forward to seeing Eric on screen. It would have been worth it if only to see some of his goals again. I won't say too much about what the film was about for risk of spoiling it, because you should see it for yourself. It is filmed and based around Manchester and follows the life of a postman. At times it's sad, amusing and hilarious. The characters are extremely well played by actors both known and unknown and the audience should be able to identify with them easily. I would tip this to be big and hope it does well at the box office.

The recent World Cup in South Africa brought everyone's attention to soccer (which most of the world calls football), but movies such as "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Looking for Eric" show why we should pay more attention to it. The Fall's Steve Evets plays down-on-his-luck postman Eric Bishop, who in his mind gets advice from footballer Eric Cantona (playing himself). Through this, Eric reconnects with his family. But when his son gets involved with a group of thugs, Eric has to take charge.

This is only the third Ken Loach film that I've seen (the others were "Poor Cow" and "Kes"). As I understand it, Loach usually focuses on political topics in his movies. While this one isn't really political, it's still one that I strongly recommend. Everything about it feels so realistic. I'd never even heard of Eric Cantona before this. Without a doubt, the best scene in the movie is the home invasion towards the end.

I found this film extremely good fun. The plot was a little surreal, but it held you. The acting was excellent and there were lots of laughs. Cantona acquits himself perfectly respectably. As usual with Ken Loach, there was a bleaker side to the fun and the realities of ordinary people's lives were not glossed over or "prettied up". As is also the case with Loach films, one had the sensation that this was not being "acted" by professional luvvies, but conveyed with sincerity. This must be extremely difficult to achieve and I am full of admiration for the skill involved. Manchester United fans and other football followers will enjoy some of the documentary footage. But this is not just a film for football enthusiasts. I thoroughly recommend it.