It was as long ago as March 2001 that I first saw There's Only One Jimmy Grimble during its short-lived run in movie theatres across Canada, and I feel lucky that I did. Coming as it did in the wake of Billy Elliot, I didn't know what to expect. What I saw was a clever, touching, fast-paced film with a hero every bit as appealing as Jamie Bell in the person of Lewis McKenzie, who plays the title character. In fact the entire cast was excellent. The adult actors play their roles very honestly, passionately in some cases, and yet they don't eclipse Lewis McKenzie who never puts a foot wrong. You find yourself caring very intensely about the ups and downs in his life, and although the plot is somewhat predictable, getting there is more than half the fun. Also, for those who appreciate the deft use of soundtrack to enhance a film, you'll be most impressed.
A note however to those who are considering the film and who aren't familiar with the Manchester accent or with British professional football (soccer) -- and I don't think this qualifies as a spoiler. It wasn't until my second viewing that everything fell into place, and only thanks to some research in the interval. A lot of the dialogue and plot revolves around the rivalry that exists in Manchester between its two professional football clubs - Manchester United (often referred to as ManU or "Red" after their team colours) and Manchester City (ManCity, City, or "Blue"). Jimmy is a fan of the latter, a team that has seen better days, and goes whenever he can to their matches at the stadium located on (and therefore known as) Maine Road (?). This rivalry accounts in large part for the animosity between him and Gorgeous Gordon Burley and references to it often appear in the dialogue, making the accent even more impenetrable than it need be. Bear this in mind and go see Jimmy Grimble. The accents needn't scare you: even after my first viewing I knew that the movie, like Jimmy himself, was a winner.
A note however to those who are considering the film and who aren't familiar with the Manchester accent or with British professional football (soccer) -- and I don't think this qualifies as a spoiler. It wasn't until my second viewing that everything fell into place, and only thanks to some research in the interval. A lot of the dialogue and plot revolves around the rivalry that exists in Manchester between its two professional football clubs - Manchester United (often referred to as ManU or "Red" after their team colours) and Manchester City (ManCity, City, or "Blue"). Jimmy is a fan of the latter, a team that has seen better days, and goes whenever he can to their matches at the stadium located on (and therefore known as) Maine Road (?). This rivalry accounts in large part for the animosity between him and Gorgeous Gordon Burley and references to it often appear in the dialogue, making the accent even more impenetrable than it need be. Bear this in mind and go see Jimmy Grimble. The accents needn't scare you: even after my first viewing I knew that the movie, like Jimmy himself, was a winner.