Mike Bassett: England Manager

Ricky Tomlinson stars in this hilarious British comedy about the efforts of Mike Bassett, plucked from First Division Norwich into the position of England manager by the England Football Association (because no one else wants the job), as he attempts to steer a woeful England side through to the World Cup Finals. Loved and loathed by the fans in equal measure, and always under pressure to produce results, Mike struggles to main control of his life and the players, taking out his frustrations on his wife Karine (Redman) and right-hand man Dave Dodds (Walsh).

Told in a semi-documentary "Spinal Tap" style, the film covers a range of scenarios from players' drinking problems, scientific sports training, system changes, press conferences and dressing room tantrums. Some will be a bit close to the truth for England fans, but all side-splittingly funny.

There are all-round strong performances - Ricky Tomlinson plays Mike Bassett particulary well, delivering killer lines and a wonderful motivating speech that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, Bradley Walsh for once does not irritate, and Phil Jupitus plays the tabloid journalist with conviction. And if that's not enough there are also some great cameos from Pele, Atomic Kitten and Keith "Vindaloo" Allen.

So don't despair at the prospect of waiting until the Summer (and then having to get up in the ridiculously early hours) for the World Cup - Football's coming home early - to Warwick Student Cinema.

Jules Rimet