Mike Bassett: Manager
The series picks up some time after Mike took England to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. The side's attempt at qualifying for the 2004 European Championships ended in disaster, resulting in Mike being sacked. Since then, a spell at Newcastle ended in similar fashion after getting them relegated two seasons in a row, while his returns to former clubs Norwich and then Colchester fared little better. Mike decides to retire, but at the last minute is offered the manager's job at Wirral County F.C., for whom his father was a player. They seem doomed to be relegated to the Football Conference. Not helping his job is the fact that the chairman is senile, the chief executive is eagerly awaiting relegation so that he can sell their ground and Karine isn't pleased with the idea of retiring in Ellesmere Port rather than Spain.
Insights
Plot Summary
Disgraced football manager Mike Bassett is given a lifeline when the FA offers him the chance to manage the England national team after a series of humiliating defeats. Facing immense pressure and skepticism, Bassett must unite a squad of undisciplined stars and overcome his own personal demons to achieve the impossible: qualify England for the World Cup.
Critical Reception
Mike Bassett: Manager received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its humor predictable and its plot uninspired. While some appreciated its satirical take on English football culture, the majority felt it failed to live up to its potential as a comedy or a sports film.
What Reviewers Say
- The film attempts a satirical look at English football but often falls flat.
- Ricky Tomlinson's performance is a highlight, but it's not enough to save the weak script.
- Lacks the comedic punch and insightful commentary it aims for.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Mike Bassett: Manager are divided, with many finding the humor to be hit-or-miss. Some viewers enjoyed the comedic portrayal of the struggles of managing the England team, while others found the jokes to be dated and the plot too simplistic.
Fun Fact
The film is a standalone sequel to the 2001 film 'Mike Bassett: England International', though it was a direct-to-DVD release and did not receive the same theatrical distribution.
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