Customer Reviews
Well wide of the mark - By: R. J. Fletcher, 15 Dec 2007 
Okay, so the good thing about Ray Winstone, is that he's an intense performer. You cannot fault his energy & passion, though sometimes, when the writing isn't strong enough he can fall back on these assets too much. Let me explain. As any of you who saw that drivel 'King Arthur' would have noticed; he tends to go a little OTT. In 'All In The Game' he does this to a cringe-worthy extent. In fact, it leaves you feeling half-gripped & half-embarassed for his out-of-place zeal.
This film has very little poise or cunningin it's approach of the football topic. Clearly catering for a 'lads mag' mindset to football politics - it's simply an extended version of 'Footballer's Wives' but aimed at WKD blokes instead of bingo winged lambrini girls. The writing is clumsy & Winstone's dialogue depicts a kind hammy cockney geezer caracture - like if Terry Venablesin a bad mood... & on acid. Yes at times his acting is absorbing, such is the vein bursting gusto he puts into every line. Spit frothing. Red-faced. Clattering & stamping across the screen. But it's allin vain, rather, just a vent of frustration at such a poor script to work with.
I like Ray but he has a tendency to pick bad projects & substitute good acting for rowdy shouting. When he gets it right, it's close to genius, like a British Al Pacino. Crucially, this film is yet more proof that films & football just don't go together.
Top Notch - By: Bram, 28 Apr 2007 
Absorbing. If you like Ray Winstone & football, but are slightly cynical about our beautiful game, then this is a must. Fantastically written, & wonderfully directed, a real treat.
