Looking for Eric

Eric (Evets) is a downtrodden, luckless postman whose life has hit a brick wall. He burns with regret at having walked out on the love of his life, Lily (Bishop) years before, and struggles to control the behaviour of his delinquent stepsons, Ryan (Kearns) and Jess (Gumbs). Despite the efforts of his fellow posties, Eric's life continues to dissolve. At crisis point, Eric is visited by a guardian angel in the shape of his hero, Manchester United legend and part-time philosopher Eric Cantona (playing himself). Cantona helps Eric out of the doldrums, giving him the confidence to go after the things he really wants. Will Cantona help Eric reignite his relationship with Lily, rescue his family, and ultimately find himself?

Looking for Eric is the latest offering from British director Ken Loach, who is probably most celebrated for his uncompromising political diatribes on everything from London's post-war housing crisis to Ireland's battle for independence from Britain in the 1920s. This is a somewhat different beast, representing Loach's first venture into comedy. However, don't go in expecting a laugh riot, as Looking for Eric opts instead for a wry sense of humour, and profits significantly from an endearingly bumbling performance from Evets. Cantona is also excellent, intelligently capturing the essence of his public persona, and adding liberal dollops of mysticism and enigma.

However, Loach has not abandoned his conscience altogether, for beneath the comedic surface beats the heart of social commitment, tackling difficult issues like familial breakdown, adolescent alienation, gangsters and gun crime. Worth seeing for the wonderful performances and amusing central conceit, Looking for Eric is an uplifting experience for both Loach fans and newbies alike.

Greg Frame