The Firm

Dom, a young wannabe football casual, who gets drawn into the charismatic but dangerous world of the firm's top boy, Bex. Accepted for his fast mouth and sense of humor, Dom soon becomes a member of the firm.

In 1988, The BBC made a TV short film which would define the football hooglism film genre and to this day still be the benchmark and best film depicting this type of movie. It would also be the main lead Gary Oldmans, career defining role.

There are a number of problems with 'The Firm' remake, mainly a poor script and a story that has been told over and over again in football films of this type, and in other movie drama in general. Young guy idolising violent man, then finds out quickly that he has made a mistake.

The acting is bad as a whole, and hits its worse with its lead Calum McNab playing Dominic, who struggles with the lead duties and a clunky script.
Paul Anderson, as Bex is one of the best of the bunch in the acting stakes, still Gary Oldman had such a presents in the original, Anderson doesn’t really compare. The real standout is Daniel Mays as the revival firm leader Yeti, the director gives him little screen time, but when he is on he laps up the roles and is a real menace.

The 80s fashion looks great, and there are some breathtaking tracksuits on show, also the soundtrack is suited well to the film. The movie is so deep in 80s nostalgia that sadly there is not really anytime given to developing anything else, like an engaging story or characters. Still 'The Firm' is a good looking picture. The script despite being bad does have some good, cockney ones liners.

The original 'The Firm' was an echo on football violence happening around the time of the film being made. The film also touched on a depressing Thatcherism state in the 80's. The original firm could been seen as well as a good documentation on football hooliganism, but also a period piece of the time and 80's Britain.

Nick Loves remake plays out like a parody of a number of similar genre type films made in the past ten years, and with it short length, nothing makes the film stand out from the other films of type. With Its lack of character, rather dreadful script and bad acting, the film finishes up as yet another dull football violence themed picture.