 
Fever Pitch
Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 48
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 On: 2007-09-26
First of all, I have to say up front that I am both a football (aka soccer) fan and an ardent Arsenal supporter, so this film was almost a must see, at least for me. That said, I will state that the film has its share of poignant moments, almost all of them revolving around the central characters obsession with all things Arsenal, and the level to which this frustrates his girlfriend as she attempts to build a meaningful relationship (with Arsenal always in the way). If you have more than a passing interest in football, and you want to get an English perspective on the subject, this is a good film. I would also recommend "Green Street Hooligans", a film that chronicles the adventures of a US college student (Elijah Wood) who moves to London and falls in with a group of football fanatics.
 On: 2007-08-08
Dont let the horrible cover art fool you. This is a serious movie (and at times, seriously funny - but not the way the cover suggests ... this scene does not occur in the film by the way).
The book by Nick Hornby is great, but it drags in the middle. This movie is a sleek, concise telling of the story without losing any of the core of the novel (which is the mostly painful existense of being a true sports fan).
 On: 2007-06-13
I much prefered the book to the movie, and was especially disappointed by Colin Firth (who I normally love in movies!) I found the main character not charming and relatable, though a bit quirky like he was in the book- but completely annoying and a bit crazy. That said, anything with soccer fields in it makes me happy. And I definately prefered this version to the baseball american one.
On: 2007-05-13
Although the cover art for "Fever Pitch" gives one the impression that the film is some kind of soccer sex comedy, the film is actually a touching and funny account of one mans obsession with an English soccer team and how that obsession can get in the way of real life. Adapted by Nick Hornby from his excellent memoir of the same name, the film has fine performances from an able cast that includes Colin Firth. If you are an English soccer fanatic like me, the film is a must see. An American remake was made later that uses baseball as the obsession rather than soccer, but who cares?
On: 2006-08-29
This is a funny and touching movie at times. I saw the American re-hash of it but it didnt traslate as well to baseball. As this is Nick Hornbys autobiography how could it. Hes English and an Arsenal fan. Its a shame this movie will not be seen in the States. Whoever made the decision to change it to an American version did a gross mis-service to this film. I have found American audiences to be very receptive to British movies
On: 2005-07-20
This movie is pretty good if you like British films which I do. Colin Firth does a great job at playing the crazed Arsenal football fan, and I have a feeling that if you also live and die for Arsenal, youll like the film even more than I did. The only downside to the movie is that it does drag at parts, but overall, its witty and funny.
On: 2005-06-28
This is the original Fever Pitch, with the screenplay based on the novel both written by Nick Hornsby, who really knows how to write about people. It is a very likable film. Colin Firth plays a wonderful Joe Sixpack; who knew?! It is interesting to see other members in the cast, who have also played more august roles on BBC productions on PBS play regular folk. This is an obsessive guy who questions why we arent obsessive too - and his reasoning is hard to discount. However there is a point where I was so fed up with him and angry after his speech about caring for anything for 18 years that I was ready to shut the DVD player off. Since when does an obsessive have the right to make a moral judgment? For a comedy, it was teetering on the edge of becoming too dark. Well, the big match is preparing to happen and I feel like I should be getting snacks and be worried about traffic. Also, the actors interacting with the action on television was priceless. The drama building up was a rush. Without wanting to spoil any endings, I almost died laughing with how a climactic moment is portrayed. The soundtrack is wonderful, capturing the time and mood very well.
I have no idea if Hornsby will ever resent how some of us look forward to his hand the storytelling and in the music direction of films with his name in the credits. He is one of those writers who seems to offer clarity on living in the modern world and also include a refreshing list of musicians I never heard before in the process or a refreshing perspective of music I have been listening to for most of my life.
It is disappointing that this movie was not marketed on this side of the pond. A good movie like this can teach even Americans to understand soccer. Although, being a neophyte baseball fan, I am curious how the American remake will translate with what sounds like an interesting cast. Still, my fellow Americans, give this a chance. If you like it and feel a little more adventurous, if you have 3 1/2 hours, make some time to learn about cricket by watching an Indian music set in the Kutch during the British Raj titled Lagaan.
by: dave3679 On: 2005-04-30
I wasnt even aware of this films existence until my British sister-in-law alerted me to it. I have yet to see the American version of this film so I cannot make comparisons. Im baffled by British football but that is not an impediment to your enjoying this film. Football is just the subtext for this film about a thirty-something lit teacher(Colin Firth) whose lifelong obsession with the Arsenal club allows him to make a tenuous connection with humanity. This fanaticism comes into question when he developes a relationship with a fellow teacher(Ruth Gemmell). Sports obsession is fine when it is put in its proper context but potentially fatal when trying to be intimate with another human being. Firth does just fine in his portrayal of the football fanatic, not overdoing it but giving a well-rounded picture of a man who has difficulty letting go of his adolescent obsessions. There are many funny moments here, many touching, and also many universal truths on display. This film is an excellent companion to later Nick Hornby film adaptations, "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy".
On: 2005-03-13
Colin Firth plays a teacher and passionate to the point of obsessive football (soccer for Americans) fan who manages to mangle his only functional relationship, thanks to his tunnel vision when it comes to his obsession and fanatical support for Arsenal. His self-centered attitude with no concern at all for his girlfriends interests muck up what could be a good relationship. On the other hand, it is hard to see in the first place what the woman finds so appealing about Firths character, Paul. Perhaps because she is so uptight and needs to loosen up and sees in him a way by which to learn to be less rigid. She attempts to get involved in HIS passion but does not quite have the rabid, feverish passion he has. Eventually the fact that he identifies himself so closely with his football club and its ups and downs leads to the demise of the relationship, but she comes to see that she likes his identity, which is strong, linked to football or not. She has also been carried away by a certain infectious passion about football because it is so much a part of his life. Of course, one could argue that this tale is a sad reflection on the idea that there is a genderlect and that women suffer more in terms of being able to communicate, but that belies the point here that sometimes an imperfect person can still be perfect for someone who loves him, faults, obsessions and all.
 On: 2005-03-11
A cleverly directed film can inspire audiences to share the characters affection for each other, but just as often, films fetishize obnoxious, childish, or selfish behavior, and watching two people mysteriously bond over actions that should drive them apart is generally more baffling than affirming...Such is the case with Sarah and the unbearable Paul.
No self respecting woman (or man for that matter) would find such behaviour in any way endearing. The status of their relationship at the end of the film makes me think Fever Pitch belongs in the fantasy/science fiction category.
On: 2004-10-29
I lived and worked in London from 1997-1998. As it turned out, I ended up finding a flat on Highbury Park Road in North London. Closest tube stop: Arsenal on the Picadilly Line.
I walked past the Grounds nearly everyday.
When I first mentioned my new neighborhood to my English workmates, they thought I was either mad, that Id want to live so close to Highbury or lied to by an unscrupulous estate agent "yes, this neighborhood of Islington is quite leafy and quiet. In fact, Tony Blair lived here before he became PM!"
A friend suggested I check out "Fever Pitch" to find out a bit more about my neighborhood and the "Gooners."
Well, I had to say it was a great introduction for me into the life of an Arsenal supporter and live in the neighborhood. 1998 was the year they won the double (League & FA Cup) for only the 2nd time in their history. Incidentally, this was the first time in my life I had ever seen riot police & helicopters flying overhead shining lights down on the streets. Seemed a bit LAish!
I couldnt quite figure out why I was attracted to the neighborhood, nor why I so much liked the film, until I saw a newspaper article comparing the MLB Red Sox & Yankees to Arsenal & Manchester United (respectively). I finally realized that growing up in Boston, I had found my second home in North London!
Well, this review is more about my experience in London, but the film was a great part of that experience.
On: 2004-06-07
This excellent movie is based on the book with the same title by Nick Hornby, who also wrote High Fidelity and About a Boy. Thanksfully he has written the screenplay too.I am an Arsenal fan but cannot fully understand what this team can do to fans. Arsenal had not won a league championship since 1971 and we follow Collin Firth as a fan in the 1989 season in which many things happen in his life. His life goes like the season, up and down and with a tremendous climax. For soccer fans this movie is great, for Americans it might give some insight into the mad people that follow this beautiful game around the world. Dont worry, there are now standing tickets anymore, its all seats now. For Red Sox and Cubs fans it might look a little like their own lives, constantly being dissapointed and loving and hating your team at the same time. But like in Fever Pitch, dreams may come true some day
On: 2004-05-29
Arsenals home jerseys are red, but their away jerseys are yellow. Travelling fans will often wear their home jerseys when following their team on the road, but the team will naturally be wearing their away jerseys. This is consistent for all teams across Europe - different colour home and away kits.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-05-12
I really enjoyed this film and I know nothing about soccer. I liked the acting and as a teacher I found the relationshop between CF and his students very heart warming. Unlike others though I did not like the hair. It put me in mind of something large and furry having crawled onto CFs head and died. Never mind though, he looked great otherwise and the performance was surprisingly complex and moving. I liked the ending unlike a previous reviewer. Were you looking for more detail? Did you miss the point that he could "move on" from his passion to a new one?
On: 2004-04-20
You truly have to appreciate that some people are obsessed with the beautiful game and some,well arent. I love this film because Nick Hornby really knows how to get under the skin of the argument,in this case is football more important than life?Seriously ,this film manages to discuss whhat matters to some people in life ,how they have a focus which their other half can not relate to.Highbury was when I first fell in love over 13 years ago but my husband thinks I am insane. If you love sport, if its your life yet for someone special its all very tiresome ,you will get it , if not do not bother.
On: 2004-03-08
Im sorry but this is for the guy who said the ending is completely stupid and he didnt buy it. mate that match actually happened, arsenal DID win 2-0 at anfield with an injury time winner, that footage is real and "its up for grabs now" is a sentence that still gives gooners (arsenal fans) shivers. since 1996 ive been goin to arsenal and ive seen us win 2 leagues, people do go out on the street and party, its what happens when u love something so much, in this film nick hornby has portrayed a sports fan perfectly and i cry whenever i watch it because many of the ideas are so true. Colin firths monologues in it are wonderful. Words cannot express just how accurate and wonderful this film is. Just but it and wish u had something to hold on to like paul, the main character, has.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-09-02
Im sorry, but Colin Firth or not, this movie was awful. I couldnt continue to watch it and never saw the end. A definite B movie in picture quality and poor story development. The story was missing continuity, youll be wondering if you missed something. Im sure Colin had no control over the final edit. A true waste of talent. If you are looking for eye candy, stick with Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones Diary and Importance of Being Earnest.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-08-16
I really enjoyed this movie very much. I watched it after "About a Boy" and then realized it is by the same author. I have heard about this book, but didnt think I would like it, because I am not too obsessed by soccer. But the movie is not about soccer. It is about the difference between men and women psychology and how it affects our lives. I could see myself in her and my husband in him, although he has other obsessions. And I realized that we as women just dont recognize and value the kid that lives in many men. We cant be serious all the time.
Well, nevertheless, they need to commit at some point and to grow up. So each side has to make some compromise and "meet in the middle".
I personally think this is one of the best roles played by Colin Firth and I liked his performance more than in Pride and Prejudice.
On: 2003-06-23
This movie is brill! I wasnt able to get too far into the book cos I dont particularly support Arsenal so I wasnt intently keen on the subject (Spurs are my London team). But Colin Firth yet again pulls a great role and the movie on a whole was well worth getting into Arsenal for. A better adaptation of Hornbys, but mostly cos it stayed in London (unlike Fidelity, which for some reason was moved to the States). Watch it if for nothing else the match at the end.
On: 2003-05-31
A disappointment. And I am not referring to the racy DVD cover of football cleats dangled before a topless blond, with the caption, "Theres more than one way to score." If you follow the devoted football fan genre, the story is as weak as the cover is misleading.Yes, these small English films allow Americans to see parts of London left out of the tour guides and brochures. This slice of life of a football fanatic -- not a hooligan -- captures the teachers small flat, the local, the grass roots fans, the seasonal swings in the mood around football. The Arsenal stands. The working class neighborhoods. But thats about all. If you want to summarize the film, think of "About a boy, Hornbys book and film, and add football, and you have the basic idea for Fever. Substitute Colin Firth for Hugh Grant, and you have the same man-as-boy ("Peter Pan") problem, only Fevers Firth is arrested in his development by his devotion to football and Boys Grant is arrested in his development by the financial arrangements made by his dad. Both characters have a strained yet essentially positive relationship with their fathers, and both of these thirty-something men have to sort out both their commitments to women and the unsolicited fatherly role model they play for impressonable teenage boys. The love story is hard to explain unless you accept the young, hardened, beautiful spinster theory, a woman who once accepting a ride home from the disheveled protagonist, immediately offers to have him spend the night. Yes, there is some logic in the opposites attract approach but the rest of the film offers more reasons for them to split then they have to stay together, outside the obvious bond that entangles them more than it draws them together. Yes, Hornbys humor is spot on. The little things in life do matter, even when they are done in voiceover in the film. But capturing a magic moment -- miracle -- in Arsenals down-up-down-then-up-again season makes it all a little too easy.
On: 2003-05-28
Unless you like football (soccer in the US) and come from a football crazy country (everywhere except the US) you need to have a good imagination to fully appreciate this movie version of Nick Hornbys book. Fever Pitch is the story of a boy growing through his parents divorce into a man set against his fanatical devotion to his football team (Arsenal)the one constant in his life. Despite the teams failure to deliver they are always there, always welcome him, never turn their back on him and always keep him waiting for success (18 years). He has a career as a highly popular english teacher which is going nowhere, his focus is on coaching the school football team, at one point he even turns down a promotion to avoid losing his coaching role. Love enters the picture in the shape of a very commited and serious colleague who in addition to the normal battles of love has to deal with playing second love to Arsenal. In time Arsenal deliver and release the hapless childman and love can flourish. Despite the sports fan theme Hornby uncovers some meaty stuff in Fever Pitch as he does in all his work, although you have to look a little harder in this one than most. Will it be a monster success in the US, I truly doubt it. Personally I thought it was fantastic, but I am as sad and demented as the subject of the movie.
On: 2003-05-15
I bought this movie to see Colin Firth. The plot was hard to follow and was mainly about soccer. Frankly, I dont see how the love story developed at all.
But still, I bought this movie to see Colin and I did. So all in all, I give it an average rating. It could be entertaining if you can relate to his fascination with his soccer team.
On: 2002-12-15
The movie fails in describing the characters inner conflicts.
I recommend you to read the original novel by Nick Hornby.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-11-13
Fever Pitch is a story about a teacher who is an obsessed soccer fan. He falls into a relationship with a fellow teacher, who totally cannot relate to his soccer enthusiasm. I enjoyed this film, especially Colin Firths performance, he is such a versatile actor! No Mr. Darcy here. This flick made me wonder how many other men are such fans of sport that their lives are immersed in it to the inclusion of everything. If you are a football, golf, (name your sport) "widow" this film may help you understand the obsession of it all.
On: 2002-10-03
Good movie- I agree with most of the reviews. I just want to know
who designs these AWFUL covers like the semi-nude with the shoes.
The British version,and they are not shy, has a funny picture of Ruth Gemmell and Colin Firth on the cover and its easy to see that it is a romantic comedy involving sports. Do they think that an American will not buy it and it needs to be spicedup? They did the same thing to the movie Persuasion several years ago.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-09-16
Honestly, the things that marketing departments will do... the closest this film comes to nudity is a glimpse of Colin Firths Arsenal boxer shorts. Fever Pitch is a terrific adaptation of Nick Hornbys book (adaptation *by* Nick Hornby, so go figure)... where the book spent time obsessing over the minutiae of Arsenal matches dating back 34 years, the film manages to capture that obsession nicely without subjecting *us* to all those minutes. Instead, Hornby spends his time looking at how such sports obsessions/identifications are born, what they take the place of, and how they change as the obsessers have to confront some of lifes non-sports-related oddities (jobs, love, children, etc.). Colin Firth is great, Ruth Gemmell is good (though I find I dont know much about her Sarah by the time the movie is over), and its a well-done movie. Three and a half stars, by the way, rather than four, but something that sports nuts and those who have to put up with them can enjoy together.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-09-12
Imagine an obsessd football boyfriend who thinks of little more than that. Here is the plot for Fever Pitch. Paul (Colin Firth) is sloppy and uninterested in pratically everything and everyone except Aresnel his favorite team. Not my favorite Colin Firth movie but he makes the most of this somewhat enjoyable story. There are some truly funny moments that arise from his obession and you see he is not a bad guy but just to preoccupied with football. If you like Colin clean cut and sweet like in BJ or P&P it will take a few minutes to get use to his look here. If it is raining and you have pizza pop this movie in
On: 2002-08-04
A terrific film, particularly for any man whos grown up obsessed with a sports team. This will most effectively hit home for us British guys whove grown up living and dying according to our football (soccer) teams weekly fortune ... but the film should translate for similar American males. Its one of those comedies that manages to strike the right note of being funny, sad, and very realistic ... a lot of fun.
On: 2002-08-02
Colin Firth is wonderful as the completely clueless, but absolutely charming soccer-mad English teacher. Between you and me, thats the only reason for a female to watch this film. Women, if youre bored by all the soccer stuff, think of it as an anthropological study of a subject youll never understand. The bonus is that you get to study it while observing Firth. The only reason it doesnt get 5 stars is that through most of the movie, I found myself screaming at Paul Ashworth for being so damn stupid. Ruth Gemmell is excellent, but who am I kidding? Its Firths dimples and curls that make this movie for me. He looks scrumptious enough to eat with a spoon.
On: 2002-07-24
We see a different CF in this movie. An obsessed soccer fan, more passionate about the game than the woman this time around. Quite the change from the puffy shirts to the gray tshirt and briefs...ahem. I loved the change. Great hair there Colin!The quality of the dvd is excellent. I like the new cover with Colin and Ruth on the soccer field, not that other poxy cover.
On: 2002-07-21
I read the book that this movie is based on a couple of times before I finally got a chance to see the movie. Its too bad that this film wasnt released in theaters here in the US, I think it wouldve done pretty well.Yes its true that the book and the movie differ from one another, but the movie really works, even if the main character isnt named Nick Hornby. I must say that Mr Hornby has got me hooked on Arsenal now as well. Sure the outcome of the movie, when it comes to the romance between Paul and Sarah, is easy to predict, but thats not really the point of this movie. Any sports addict will see themselves in Paul, there is no doubt about that. But thats half the fun of this movie. We can laugh along with him, or at him because we see some of the same things we do when we let a sport consume our lives. Im glad that this film was made in the UK, it wouldnt have worked being made anywhere else. I think Ruth Gemmell is an outstanding actress, and she seemed to be the perfect choice to play Sarah. Colin Firth as Paul, it seemed like the part was made for him. Even if you might have a problem with the English slang, give this movie a try. Its well worth the time.
On: 2002-07-19
A pleasant but very predictable love story about Soccer (Football) and the addiction of sports. Colin Firth plays a boy who thinking he finally has something that his father likes that he can hold onto takes to soccer like a fish to water. As he grows the soccer becomes such an obsession that he even starts to let it take the place of relationships. As he finally meets the woman for him it is interesting to see each of them grow. It is a pleasant but predictable movie.
Not much in the way of extras on the DVD though.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-06-16
This has to be my third favorite Firth film! Hes adorable in this film, I could just hug him! The story is cute and anyone whos ever been with a person whos a sports fan will be able to relate to the story. I dare say, very agreeable!
On: 2002-05-22
This is less an adaptation of the book, as an adaptation of the theme of the book. The book is about a mans relationship with a football club (Arsenal). The movie is about a man trying to balance both a relationship with Arsenal and a woman.The movie is a fun romantic comedy. Its nothing spectacular, but its something that both women and men will enjoy. Women will like it because it pokes fun at sports fans and men will like it because its empathetic with sports fans. Its worth a rent for everyone. Its worth buying for Arsenal fans to celebrate the Double.
On: 2002-04-09
I found this movie very disappointing, considering the talent involved. Either its one of Hornbys lesser books or the screenplay completely messes it up. The characters are all ridiculous. Ruth Gemmel as Sarah is thoroughly obnoxious and completely imbecilic. Shes uptight ninety percent of the time, but invites Paul (Colin Firth) to sleep with her the first time she has him over, and this is only a week or so after she first meets him and hates him. Meanwhile, poor Paul is obsessed with Arsenal--a bit too much, admittedly, but Sarah acts like hes committing murder every time he goes to a game. There is no chemistry between the leads, I dont believe theyd last two weeks as a couple, let alone six months or whatever its supposed to be. The pacings all over the place, the best friends are irritating (hers more than his). How is she expecting to pay that cab driver when shes wearing a pocketless dress and has no purse? Why doesnt she just leave him alone? Really, its a waste of time. See Bridget Jones Diary again, or Pride and Prejudice if you need your Colin Firth fix, or wait a year or so for all his post-Bridget success films to come out. Avoid this like the plague. There are many great British romantic comedies, so dont waste your time on this one.
On: 2002-04-09
This movie is such a great depiction of actual living people. They do exist. Having grown up in Europe with football, I know! The acting of Colin Firth is so unbelievably real it is hard to fathom this is only a movie. He has done some great things from Valmont and Apartment Zero up to Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones Diary. But if you want to see what this man is made of, see this movie, see it often and you will frequently think of some of the lines that appear in the film.
"Eighteen years!" No, I will never tire of seeing this one!
On: 2002-03-26
I wrote an earlier review of Nick Hornbys Fever Pitch as well. Its worth writing a separate review of the movie because its so different. Not better, or worse. Just different. The book focuses on Hornbys lifelong obession with Arsenal, the English Premiership football (aka soccer) club. In the movie, Hornbys written a script that focuses on one extended episode from the book. It becomes more of a relationship movie.Heres evidence of the difference: my wife tried to read the book, but could only stomach about 30 pages of it. I endured it, liked it, but Ill admit that it can be a tough slog for someone that didnt grow up with English football. The names of Arsenal players, coaches and opponents became a blur at times. In contrast, we both enjoyed the movie a great deal. Its a cute little story (nothing more), and we both like all of Colin Firths work. Hes a little more rumpled than usual here, but compelling nevertheless. Oh yeah, ignore the cover box. There are no topless women. No strategically placed soccer cleats. Its yet another odd effort by American re-packagers thinking they have to disguise the true nature of a British movie (see also "Brassed Off" and, most egregiously, "East is East").
by: Anonymous On: 2002-02-12
Took a few viewings to warm up to this movie. Very similar to High fidelity. I suspect it would be a lot more meaningful if I was Bristish. Not used to seeing Colin Firth looking so rumpled, but got used to it after a while. Didnt really feel any chemistry between these two people. Some logistics bothered me...ie: when she hails a cab with no purse.....hmmm, how does she pay?? Minor point, but bothersome just the same.
On: 2002-02-07
Im guessing they were trying to appeal to a male crowd with this cover. It has nothing to do with the movie. It is a nice romantic comedy with some fun stuff for British football fans. Let me clarify: No random toppless woman. This is not Bachleor Party. My boyfriend follows British Football and it was fun for him to see some of his teams and be a part of the fan culture there. I follow Colin Firth, and it was fun for me to see him in another cute romantic comedy.
On: 2001-12-07
I have to admit I am not a soccer fan so the main reason I got this film was Colin Firth. The film is warm, witty and empathetic to obsessed sports fans of all walks of life. I almost wanted to sit the main female character down and have a long talk with her about her unrealistic expectations and potential for letting a good thing go for really stupid reasons. Luckily she does figure these things out for herself by the end and we cheer for her, her man and the joy of being a devoted fan in general. Needless to say, I loved the film and recommend it heartily.
On: 2001-11-15
See, Colin Firth is this middle-class bloke whos really into footie, so much that He Just Cant Commit to his girlfriend. And thats it. Basicly a movie about relationships, which might be interesting except both main characters are cardboard cutouts. Not a lot of romance or humour or even football. Unless youre a diehard Arsenal supporter, Id skip the film and go right to the book.
On: 2001-10-10
I just want to clarify something here. This movie is more of a drama than a romantic comedy. Sure, we see the struggle of the relationship vs soccer, but it is more about Paul inability to find solid ground in life -- not provided by soccer. It easy to understand why so many Americans are disappointed with this movie because in the U.S. no sport is followed with the kind of obsession and fanaticism as soccer is in Europe. I also have to point out that the cover is a deplorable attempt to sell this movie -- the cover in Europe is different (no sex pitch :).
If you are looking for a romantic comedy with a European flavor go get "Sliding doors" or "Together".
On: 2001-06-16
I have read Nick Hornbys novel and finally got this movie to watch. Without a dobut, its great as I thought it would be. Being a soccer fan for some years, I really appreciate that someone can tell my feeling about this sport that truely. And I was kind of envy Paul that his friends and families all turn out to be so supportive. What a lucky guy! Anyway, to answer one of the posters question why that Arsenal wears yellow shirts sometimes. Its because their away shirt is yellow and black, and their home jersey is red and white. Since the last match is Liverpool versus Arsenal, and Liverpools home jersey is red as well, in order to avoid confusions, Arsenal used their away colors.
On: 2001-06-05
I did not enjoy this movie on the grounds that the characters were unsympathetic and boring. At the end of this film I walked away not caring about the movie or the people in it. The cover of the box said "Romantic Comedy" but the film was neither romantic or funny. Colin Firth plays an emotional ... soccer geek who hooks up with a desperate ... retentive co-worker. No passion. Nothing.
by: Anonymous On: 2001-05-17
As much as I love Colin Firth, I didnt find this movie too interesting. Not much plot. I found this movie slightly boring. Maybe its because Ive never been much of a sports fan. I wouldnt say "dont watch it, its terrible" though. I must admit, its nice to see Colin Firth in a role thats not Darcy-like. He is quite good in this role.Supposedly "a contender for the best romantic comedy" of 1997, I didnt find this movie very amusing. I found the relationship between the two main characters...weird, I guess... How does she fall in love with this guy so quickly? Sorry this isnt a particularly well-described review, but I dont know how to explain it. I just didnt see it as a great movie.
On: 2001-04-09
I throughly enjoyed this movie. Being a huge sports fan, including English Soccer, I related very well to the movie. But it is more than just a sports movie, it is more about being a sports fanatic. I have also discovered that women enjoy this movie as well. It gives them greater understanding of the true fan and why we develop such loyalties to our favorite teams. It also has the most exciting final game that is 100% true to history.
On: 2001-02-17
As a Nick Hornby fan, I read "Fever Pitch" and found it to be very masculine. It was organized much like the sports page--match by match, sort of a statistical chronicle of Arsenal over several decades. The film, on the other hand, centers on the personal life of the football fanatic (closely based on Nick Hornby himself) and provides much more balance and intrigue.The match-up of the serious, somewhat humorless female English teacher and the passionate-about-football but about little else male English teach is enticing. She wants to learn to loosen up and connect with her students and their parents the way she perceives he does, and he wants to be with someone attractive with backbone and spark. As played by Ruth Gemmell and Colin Firth, you see why these opposites attract and you also see why they conflict. Despite the provocative cover, I dont see why this film is rated R. Language, maybe, and adult ideas? The sex is tame and modest, although there is an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Still, I think this would be as good a film for the teenage sports fan as it is for adults. How passions conflict (in this case, between love and sports fanaticism) and how compromises and resolutions can be made is a worthy topic to address and is well answered in this film.
On: 2001-02-16
As a Nick Hornby fan, I read "Fever Pitch" and found it to be very masculine. It was organized much like the sports page--match by match, sort of a statistical chronicle of Arsenal over several decades. The film, on the other hand, centers on the personal life of the football fanatic (closely based on Nick Hornby himself) and provides much more balance and intrigue.The match-up of the serious, somewhat humorless female English teacher and the passionate-about-football but about little else male English teach is enticing. She wants to learn to loosen up and connect with her students and their parents the way she perceives he does, and he wants to be with someone attractive with backbone and spark. As played by Ruth Gemmell and Colin Firth, you see why these opposites attract and you also see why they conflict. Despite the provocative cover, I dont see why this film is rated R. Language, maybe, and adult ideas? The sex is tame and modest, although there is an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Still, I think this would be as good a film for the teenage sports fan as it is for adults. How passions conflict (in this case, between love and sports fanaticism) and how compromises and resolutions can be made is a worthy topic to address and is well answered in this film.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-12-29
Being married to a football "nut", I really enjoyed this movie. My husband & I watched it, and he could see himself in many of the scenes. The movies football is really soccer, but a real fan is the same anywhere. We had a hard time with some of the English slang, and they talk sort of fast, but it did not deter from the whole thing, afterall we can always "rewind". One other puzzle was, "why do the fans were the color red when the team wears yellow?" We were watching the wrong team at the beginning until we caught on. Colin Firth was great, he is a very good actor, his frustration and love comes through those wonderful eyes of his. Ruth Gemmell was perfect,also. Go ahead and buy Fever Pitch, especially if you are a rabid fan of any sport. If youre not, you must know someone who is...! Its great.
On: 2000-12-01
You would never know that this was the same actor who played Darcy so fabulously well in "Pride and Prejudice." He is totally convincing as a teacher whose all-consuming passion is football (soccer really because this is England). He is in the midst of a romance with another teacher but his overriding interest in football seriously interferes with the woman in his life. Any woman who has ever experienced this dilemma should fall totally in love with this film. There are even many hilarious moments pertaining to this sports addiction. The writer, Nick Hornby, also wrote "High Fidelity" and you can tell that the same person wrote both. He has a very unique way of presenting men and their romantic foibles. Firth, in this film, and John Cusack, in "High Fidelity," are not your typical screen romantic heroes and they provide offbeat alternatives to all of us oddballs out there.
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