On B List of Movie Reviews

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Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 8/05

8/05: Bend It Like Beckham is a charming picture about a female Indian teenager soccer player who has a crush on David Beckham.

Like basketball in Hoop Dreams, life centers around soccer which is thought of as the sun. However, the film has a few issues. The pace is uneven and choppy at times. There are false endings. Just pick one and stick with it. Also, too many tough real-life issues are presented, making for an overwhelming viewing.

The Beckham obsession was dwindling down a lot until "he" showed up at the end. The director should try to incorporate him more in the film to keep me motivated since the title revolves around him. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' character walks on a dangerously thin line in regard to his coach-player relationship and then falls off, leaving me disappointed.

All in all, Bend It Like Beckham is a well-done picture with a strong screenplay and a fascinating tense family battle to test Indian values.

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