The Penalty King (2006) User Reviews

Could have done with Eric Cantona as the lead!!

[nm3160113 · 1/10 · 28 December 2008]

I found this film hard to enjoy despite it being about a subject I have a lot of interest in. This is due to almost all the characters being unlikeable and not funny. However the story has an interesting concept and a few choice moments of brilliance, such as the football training video. The editing and sound are very good, especially the way the archive football commentary is merged with the present day footage.

Overall I thought it was fairly well shot, (most notably the final penalty shot scene) but was let down by uninteresting characters. I feel however that the best is yet to come from Chris Cook and will look forward to seeing his next project, whatever that maybe.

Life's a bitch and then it goes to penalties

[mick-137 · 8/10 · 27 May 2006]

Suffering from the double disability of being both blind and a fervent Leeds United supporter, social worker Lee longs for nothing more to ease the frustrations of daily life than "a damn good kick-about". His unhinged colleague Charlie decides to make his dream come true, and inveigles him onto a local works football team. But will Lee ever get to exercise his preternatural talent for the penalty kick?

"The Penalty King" is an eccentric tale with a dark underside, although still more "Strictly Ballroom" than "Kes". Played by Nick Bartlett as a tightly-wound knot of barely contained aggression, Lee invites neither pity nor sympathy—more the impulse to duck behind a pillar when you see him coming. It's fair to say blindness is the least of his problems.

One senses writer/director Chris Cook went to some pretty dark places in his life for the raw materials for this fable, leading to an unsettling blend of truth and fantasy. For example, the portrait of the dank, dysfunctional social services depot where Lee works is both grotesquely over-the-top and strangely accurate. There's also a depth to the rest of the characters which is unusual in a comedy. Played with relish by a strong supporting cast, they're all pretty much bent or damaged too, and there's a violent and bitter edge to their relationships which undercuts the whimsy.

"Penalty King" might never achieve the crossover success of "Bend it like Beckham" but it still has all the makings of a cult favourite. It may lack a cart-wheeling Keira Knightley, but there are compensations, notably in the shape of the delightful but underused Clare Grogan (as Lee's bossy-boots boss), who still has the ability to make men of a certain age go weak at the knees. Her drunk scenes alone are worth the price of admission.

The film takes its own time to get going, and occasionally over-indulges itself, but can nevertheless sit alongside classics like "Sideways" and "Withnail and I" as an exploration of less creditable sides of the male psyche. An agreeable if not totally uplifting movie then, and, while something of a rough diamond, a gem all the same.

A true cult football classic and an adventure for every true football fan (esp Leeds United fans).

[paul_m_clarke · 9/10 · 21 July 2006]

As an avid football fan and Leeds United fan, I came across this film after appearing as an extra and enjoying the day filming at Elland Road and have been excited ever since the day's filming to see this film come to life.

One of the first things I noticed from the shoot was of the director's passion, motivation and energy for this film and the opportunity to be able express his life and his everyday stories of life being a Leeds United fan. My excitement was met with joy when I finally saw the film at a private screening at Elland Road.

The film is lovely story of a guy, a guy like many of us whose life revolves around a 9 to 5 job, a love for his wife and a love for 'the beautiful game' of football. Lee is unfortunately blind, and he still misses and dreams of the time he kicked around a ball for his local pub team and the love of Leeds United and "the wee ginger man" - Billy Bremner. Lee just wants to play football, and in tricky situations turns to his friend Billy Bremner to find answers to many of life's everyday questions.

This is not a film just for Leeds United fans, of course it is great to see Leeds United on the big screen and recollections of some great clips of Leeds in action and the stadium, but the story is really gripping and you can really feel the pain that Lee is under in his life, to just to be able to kick a ball around a car park or a football pitch.

I loved the film and look forward to seeing it in a big screen in the not too distant future. This is not just another football fan, it is an adventure through somebody's life who is full of passion, and to see how a guy can overcome his loss of sight and to be able to enjoy 'the beautiful game.'

Football from the dark side

[kevan-23 · 7/10 · 9 October 2007]

I was fortunate enough to see this movie at a 'Premier' in the writer/directors home town of Brighton. Whilst I have to say that the home town ambiance added to the occasion, the viewing experience was often an uncomfortable one and not quite what I had expected from a football-comedy-drama. What is evident is that said writer/ director Chris Cook has a real talent. For a movie made on such a low budget and with a procession of technical operators, his ability to maintain a consistent atmosphere and tempo is a tribute to a skill honed on more modest offerings, but showcased brilliantly here in his first feature. This epic project took some 8 years to reach fruition, and his desire to complete it is clearly due to his obvious love for both Sunday football and Leeds United FC. It probably doesn't pay to wonder quite what drives Cooks mind as the darker corners of this movie are really unsavoury places to be. After all, a film about a blind Sunday league footballer who works in a social services disabled equipment loan store and supports Leeds United is not that grim a premise (is it?). But don't buy this movie expecting a Bend it Like Beckham or One Jimmy Grimble, or you will be in for quite a shock.

Cook elicits consistent performances from a cast of principally unknown, and in some cases never-to-be-seen-again actors, sprinkled with a few 'names' and familiar faces from TV and film. A feisty Claire Grogan brings added cache to the piece as the overtly dominant boss of the loan store, the only down side being the inevitable references to her previous work, and trust me this is no Gregory's Girl. But to be fair any contrived comparison to one of the best football comedies ever made is none the less flattering.

If I have to be critical of the film, the script often lacked direction and the sub-plots were inconclusive and at times superfluous. For a comedy film it lacked humour and often lazily reverted to cliché and profanity, but some of the set pieces were laugh-out-loud funny which was consolation indeed. Again on the plus side the soundtrack was fantastic and really kept things going when the pace looked like flagging. It's well known that Tarantino selects his soundtrack before the first line of the script gets written and this could have been the case here, so strong and relevant was the music choice. Also the lighting, editing and camera-work particularly in the 'darker' scenes belied the low budget and again demonstrate Chris Cook's skills as a movie maker. I hope the film gains cult status and allows us to see Cook behind a camera again sometime soon, I will wager that he ventures into horror in the near future, which with his record may be some ten years away, but if that's how long it takes I will be first in line to watch, I am already a fan.

To the dark side and beyond...

[tomstub · 9/10 · 15 January 2007]

OK, so a blind guy who wants to play football.... not the most obvious set up in the world... and funnily enough this isn't the most predictable of films. However, The Penalty King strangely enough takes this scenario and gives you something genuinely relatable. A ramshackle social services department is the site of the 'action' which, with the help of a spot on script- will have you squirming on your sofa,wringing your hands and wincing in perverse delight as you witness the all too familiar scene of arbitrary office politics laid out in front of you. Chris Cook finds comedy, not only in the places where other people wouldn't look, but in the places where other people wouldn't want to look. A refreshing film that takes an honest view at the other side of life and comes up with some surprises... some very surprising surprises at times... Get the DVD. watch it. then revel in the delight of your own -relatively- comfortable existence...

This black comedy is about a blind Leeds United fan and penalty taker.

[adrianbriggs99 · 7/10 · 17 December 2008]

After a slow start I began to enjoy and get into the black humour and novelty of this unusual film. I liked the way different atmospheres were successfully blended together, particularly integrating old Leeds United footage with current Sunday football. Having lived in Brighton I also enjoyed 'spotting' locations skillfully used, local people or those who love Brighton would enjoy seeing it in a different light. Having a blind man as the hero of the film gave an interesting, thought-provoking take on disability issues. I think the various shots and editing work well, especially the sliding doors effect. I was not sure about some aspects of the social services equipment store, especially the search for the files, and the reaction of the disabled client felt over the top. I felt there were some instances in the film when it seemed to briefly 'freeze' or jump a bit, possibly this was intentional but not sure if it succeeded.

Not just a football film ...............

[aelredw · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

This film describes a recently blinded park-footballer's unlikely return to the field of dreams as one of the lads. The Penalty King contrasts the frustrations of everyday work with the potential glory of a Saturday afternoon on the park pitch. It is a tale of life-long obsession that will not be thwarted by blindness.

Superb locations, acting, and music, are brought together to produce a film that takes you into places most do not see. The message of the film still applies to all. The film includes classic footage of Leeds United that will be a pleasure for anyone with even a passing interest in the beautiful game. But this is more than a football film. I do not remember smiling more watching a film.

A captivating story with a number of sub-plots brought to a conclusion that will make you want to put on your shin pads and lace up your boots. And Claire Grogan too. Enjoy.

Penalty King

[chris_watkinson-1 · 10/10 · 21 July 2006]

I was fortunate to see this film at a special preview at Elland Road and what a treat. Chris Cook (The director) has used real life experience and his love of Leeds United to create a special low budget cult film. From the early stages you can see his dry sense of humour and slightly twisted view of the world is reflected brilliantly by the means of witty replies and humours profanity. Penalty King follows the life a Lee a die hard Leeds fan who has recently lost his sight to illness and works in a dead end job at the social services cleaning second hand disability equipment. Apart from watching his beloved Leeds all Lee would like to do again is "have a good dam kick about" some thing not possible since the loss of his sight, but with the help of Charlie his eccentric American colleague can Lee once again live the dream and become the penalty king?

A must see for all Leeds fans or anyone who has a passion for a football club, works in a dead end job, played Sunday morning football or just enjoys a film with wall to wall laughs

Be warned though if you are offended by strong profanity this film might not be for you

sweet.

[Paul-Stuart-Lewis-Yates · 7/10 · 9 September 2009]

Having your eyesight removed from you is one of the many challenges in life.

Our protagonist of the story dreams of his days on the football pitch, but is clearly too proud to say really what he wants, helped wonderfully by his friend the moment he says: "I guess it's time for that damn good kick about."

The Penalty King is a touching subtle story of camaraderie amongst men. Finding a place in society, the working man has a life outside of work; this is wonderfully portrayed in the movie by the footballers, not to mention the evil boss from hell who bans "toys with a synthetic oral capability" - a crude reminder of the health and safety world in which we live today.

This story is a joy from start to finish, carried along with great subtle humour, touching upon many down to earth social issues of the working class. In my opinion, this film really appreciates the aesthetics of British society and its complexities, in a way that only someone that has lived in this country long enough could come up with. It has a positive outlook and a great insight into our country for anyone unfamiliar with the British way of life.

Footy movie that made me laugh

[peter-isted · 10/10 · 22 December 2006]

Very, very entertaining, the Director Chris Cook has captured the funny side of being blind without being offensive, for a low budget movie they do not come any better. The movie took the football theme & created a hilariously funny situation. My wife who has no interest in the wonderful game thought the movie was very funny & entertaining, which is somewhat of a surprise, & now feels that she is something of a football pundit. I can quite see this film becoming a subject of pub banter & being used on the field of play as an excuse for missing penalties. I recommend all sport loving individuals to go to the cinema & have a good giggle.

A Must See Cult Classic

[janet_griffiths2001 · 9/10 · 5 December 2006]

First off the mark, I am not a Footie Fan. I don't have a passion for it. Saying that, I found "The Penalty King" to be an excellent movie. The characters portrayed so many personalities that I have encountered in the Social Services and are True to life. It is filled with a sense of humour that most people would understand. I laughed so hard in places throughout the film but I also liked the fact that the film had a true sense of ordinary people. For those reasons alone it's a must see film.

Reading the other comments I don't feel it necessary to give any brief synopsis of the plot but would like to say that Chris Cook is one Writer/Director that everyone should look out for as his vision and passion for film making shines on the big screen. I sincerely hope that "The Penalty King" gets the recognition it deserves and I will personally look forward to Chris Cook's next project.

Excellent film with excellent acting.

It's a film that I would never get bored of watching and I would Love to own a DVD of it but in the meantime I will recommend it to all my friends.

Sharp witty and cute

[bcgauntlett · 10/10 · 28 July 2006]

Great action gets you involved right from the start. Contains real football humour right to the last frame. Some of the humour is a bit raw and even crude but reflects life.

Even as a Liverpool supporter I could relate to the Leeds references. Obviously Leeds do not have quite the history of Liverpool. Any football supporter can understand the significance of the old clips of Leeds and how much these memories affect our football lives. The great games are always remembered and the Penalty King relates the power of those feelings when your team wins and how it affects day to day life.

This is not your usual football movie. It is so much more. It tackles human relationships as well. As well as showing what pub football is really like. Lots of side stories that develop nicely through the film.

Great film

[EoverM · 9/10 · 1 July 2007]

I had the pleasure of actually being in this, albeit as an extra. I was the tall chav with glasses when Lee was being hassled by the beach.

The crew were all very friendly, as were the cast (those of which I met). It was a good day, despite the fact that I am devoid of all footballing talent! I first actually saw the film at its Brighton premiere, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I can recommend it to anyone, even if they're not football fans. I'm certainly not.

Chris is a marvellous director, not to mention a very nice man. He performed a marvel in developing this movie, almost literally done on a shoestring.

Keep an eye out for him in future.

Penalty King

[kayleebear-1 · 8/10 · 20 March 2009]

The Penalty King tells the story of Lee who is a blind football fan, and his friend Charlie and how he gets Lee to love the Beautiful game again! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the Penalty King, as usually a film about football would not be my first choice, but I think this film would appeal to football fans and non fans, as it is a strong character driven piece with a great, and very humorous in places script.

Though the film is of a lower budget, it has a high quality feel to it,by using lots of shooting locations,past Leeds games footage, and a good use of soundtrack.

Overall I found the Penalty King to be a funny uplifting movie, which is made more enjoyable by the buddy relationship between the central characters Lee and Charlie.