The Bromley Boys (2018) Poster

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7/10
A Good and Typical British Comedy
tbradfor14 December 2018
This is an overall entertaining movie. If you like British humor, and I do, then you will get some laughs from this movie. It's got a Monty Pythonish air about it and he characters make the movie. Not the greatest British comedy but one well worth watching.
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7/10
A bit slow, but with a heart of gold
one9eighty12 February 2020
A distinctly British film, with a British theme, of one young boy's obsession with supporting a none-league football team in the 60's. Based on a novel by Dave Roberts it shows how the author obsessed about possibly the worst football team in English none-league history, Bromley FC. While young David Roberts means well, he often gets into trouble with his antics, usually getting him into trouble with his dad played by Alan Davies, while he mum, played by Martine McCuthcheon) secretly encourages him like most mums would do behind his dads back. He tried everything to not only support his team but try where possible to be involved or even improve the team he cares so dearly about. This is a charming film which relies on a simple yet effective story, acted out lovingly and convincingly. There are times where the antics seem to be signposted and potentially cringe worthy, but all the time they are harmless and fun. On occasion the film seems to slow down a little rather than keeping a frantic pace, but this doesn't detract. Ultimately this is nice and easy feel-good film that can be enjoyed with the family and doesn't take too much effort to follow it successfully. The film in many ways is like supporting a none league minnow like Bromley FC, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it may not be like the glitz and glamour of Premier League teams - but it's a fun ride and it's enjoyable all the same. 7 out of 10.
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6/10
Young Love (Through Football)
deepfrieddodo2 September 2023
A simple little British dramedy, benefiting from the feel-good factor and 'heart' displayed in one boy's devotion to his local football team. That boy is far from the most endearing character, but this is made up for by a lovable bunch of secondary characters.

Amusing without breaking the into any hugely funny moments, The Bromley Boys is a diluted British humour accessible to all audiences. A clear, low-stakes plot, as football fanaticism fuses with young romance in a familiar setting of a loner coming-of-age through the difficulties of their school and parents.

A great aesthetic of the 60s/70s which will instill pure nostalgia into certain generations, The Bromley Boys is an easy watch, unlikely to blow anyone away.
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Likeable
Gordon-1114 February 2019
This film tells the story of a young man who is obsessed with a local football club that isn't doing so well even in the non league.

It is interesting to see a socially inept young man getting up to all sorts of mischief. The plot is quite interesting, even to a non football fan. David and Ruby are both likeable characters. I enjoyed the film.
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7/10
An entertaining film.
mcleanmuir2 June 2019
I'm local to Bromley and one of my friends was an extra in it so I had to watch it. I was surprised how good it was. It's not a blockbuster by any means.
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6/10
A charming film
malcolmgsw6 August 2021
Anybody who has supported a football team at non league level will recognise the characters and the emotions shown in this film. I know as I have done it. Journey across London only to see my team loose 4-1. Another reviewer said this is a right of passage film. It isn't because there is no end to the journey.. You are stuck with your team for life.
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2/10
Terribly Unfunny
saramcgrail8 June 2019
The premise is good, but so much lets this film down its hard to know where to start. There's some nice performances - the lad who plays the lead works his socks off. But there are some terrible actors in this. The script is stilted and the plot has more holes than the albert hall. Amusing for the first 20 minutes.
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5/10
Soccer memories
BandSAboutMovies11 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
We still call football soccer in the US and much like the metric system, most folks don't even think about it after they get out of grade school. Yet for some that love it, it becomes a way of life.

Based on the autobiographical novel by Dave Roberts, this movie recounts the author's teen years as he supported the worst football club in the country.

Brenock O'Connor (OIly from Game of Thrones) plays young David, who forgoes school and even a normal social life to follow his ailing soccer team across the country. He soon becomes part of the crew with the team's much older supporters - think the guys in the stands cheering on the Cleveland Indians in Major League - while falling for the team manager Charlie's daughter, Ruby.

While my love of soccer can be questioned, my love of a coming of age film can't. There's nothing you haven't seen before in here, but it's well-made and cute in parts. I must admit to having a set of Subbuteo soccer figures as a kid, so seeing those on Dave's desk made me smile.
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8/10
Bromley Boys Night Out
patmurphy-7246028 August 2018
Saw this film at a special screening at Churchill Theatre Bromley. Although not packed out (due to very inclement weather that night) there was still a good crowd of varying ages. Really enjoyed this "feelgood" first romance story interwoven round the highs and lows of Bromley FC. Based on a true story, with great soundtrack weaving through the film, it was genuinely one of the best Sunday nights out I have had for years. The comedy was laugh out loud, the pathos had me reaching for a tissue...we wanted our boy to win...won't spoil your enjoyment by giving away any more of the plot... If you have ever stood on the terrace at your local football club, or supported your child at a school game, or cheered a friend playing at the local park then this film will transport you back...if you are a certain age and can remember the late sixties this film will transport you back to the fashion and feel of those years...if you ever wondered what your grandparents did back in their day...if you just want to see a funny, feel good movie - then search out a screening of The Bromley Boys for 90 minutes of great entertainment with no blood and guts, no high speed car chases, no nudity - just good old fashioned family entertainment. And if you're from Bromley... I was extra lucky - our screening even had people involved in making the movie on hand for Q + A session after the screening. Hope they do that when the film is released on DVD.
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5/10
Inacurate
chitara-6917021 June 2021
I write as one whose Birth Certificate reads born "Bromley in the County of Kent".

This season was not Bromley FC's worst, which was 1973/4. And most of the accents in the film are wrong, we are not from Essex, and we certainly ain't Cockneys either.

One accent IS correct, the minor character played by Tim Deadman, but that is because Tim is originally from Orpington. Last time I saw him, he told me that he had been working in the USA, so what he is doing in Bromley playing a bit part in a cult film?

I do still go to Hayes Lane, and the team are on the brink of League Two status, so we deserve better than this.
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9/10
Whole lot of heart
matt-choules11 December 2018
A refreshing change from gritty gangster movies that often are the the staple of indie British films - this exists as the pola opposite, a film about friendship, young romance, change and actually very little football - a plus for me. I've watched this film with people of varying ages (12 up to 65) and they all enjoyed it. I'd recommend giving it a go, even if you dislike football, as this film is funny and sincere - and this is becoming hard to find these days.
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9/10
A Bromley Boys View
mcarroll-7386030 August 2018
I have seen this much anticipated film twice now, both times at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley. A great, feel good Football Film (of which there aren't too many) To see a film all about my local football club who I have supported for a number of years (not quite as long as Dave though) is quite surreal, but having read the book, met and got to know Dave & Roy over the years and even had the chance of being in it (as a Bromley player, which I reluctantly had to turn down :-( it was a pleasure to see the finished production on the Big Screen. Which also included a number of other familiar faces that I have got to know during my time attending Hayes Lane & supporting Bromley Home & Away. Don't let the Non League aspect of it put you off, it's a film for the whole family and any Football loving supporter. Do go and see it if you get chance or buy the DVD when it comes out #WeAreBromley
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8/10
A great British story
hollingdales-2099628 August 2018
Based on Dave Robert's excellent book of the same name, with lots of english humour. I trust no subbuteo players were harmed in the making of this film.
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10/10
Heart warming funny film
pinnacle-9417726 August 2018
Makes you proud to be British, very heart warming funny film .
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10/10
What more could you ask for in a film?
mattmadras21 December 2018
Boy meets football. Boy meets girl. Worlds collide. Good prevails...
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9/10
Good night out
jcfielding18 October 2018
Saw The Bromley Boys screened at Langley Park Boys school last night. Great British movie full of nastalger and local landmarks. Funny, well acted and entertaining. Enjoyed seeing a film with chopper bikes, knitted scarves and surbutio instead of CGI........good feel good movie.
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10/10
Top football movie
peterjewell-1021611 December 2018
Very funny feel good movie!!!! The world needs more movies like this
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10/10
Great film for everyone
gilljason-3503115 November 2018
Great casting, feel good film. Real laugh out loud moments. Thoroughly enjoyed this and so has everyone I know who watched it regardless of age.
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9/10
A gem of a little film
westonkev18 October 2018
Lovely told story about what it means to care deeply about something. Albeit football, kids or a girl. With one of the funniest moments I've in film for ages ("left foot, right foot, .....").
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9/10
Exciting film
woodleycath26 September 2018
This film is brilliant. The narration by Alan Davies is very funny and it's a great,clever,hilarious film even if you don't like football.I can't wait to see it again.
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8/10
Enjoyable Brit comedy
robinangell6 April 2020
No Oscar winning performances but the actors all put in a shift to capture the period admirably. Enjoyed the nostalgic trip....
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10/10
Great British film with great cast
susereading10 December 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed watching The Bromley Boys. Very British, humorous with a great cast.
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9/10
Non-League Aspirations In A Nutshell
t-d-t-m8221 June 2023
Ok first-off it's classic non-league and nothing to do with the standards of the modern game. Secondly it's historical and standards were completely different then.

The storyline however is great and the acting is great and the casting is really well done. It's pretty much what I would expect from a non-league period film of this era.

It's also.got the very established and excellent Alan Davies who really knows his football inside out. He's a huge Arsenal fan and talks openly about football in his autobiography.

The narrative is fabulous. Non-league club in trouble seeks reform in place of a young school boy. It's a bit corny that his Dad was an ex-professional but that's how it's played-out and it wins him dressing-room favours.

It's extremely close-to-home with players' diets; smoking and fitness regimes of the time. The football played in this movie is quite frankly terrible. However it's for a show and it's on purpose giving the quality of Bromley at the time.

The ending is a really nice updated version for Netflix with the 2022 Cup (non-league) being won by Bromley and them dedicating it to David Roberts.

I also like the ages being accurate.

Brenock O'Connor is a teenager and he's now in his early 20's so the timing is accurate. He's an excellent actor and his narrative play was way above his years.

Mature and dedicated to the cause. Alan Davies was exceptional. Martine McCutcheon as the empathy mum yet rather clueless at times was perfectly-played.

Special shout-out to Jamie Foreman who did an excellent job as the club caretaker and also his daughter. Ruby McQueen who was played by Savannah Baker who nailed the gawk-geek turned goddess stunningly.

The romance between her and David Roberts was some of the best youth romance I've seen in a uk film for a long time. It was so believable and so awkward and so perfect for the environment it was set-in.

The football players and their gear was fabulous. Great to see the vintage stuff. Big fan of Stonesy who was played by Ross Anderson. Fabulous hair! Great sports car for the era and the flair to boot just not utilised by the club properly!

I loved the drama and the passion of the fans. I've been to non-league and the passion is some of the best in the country. Dedication. The film highlights the hardships of non-league so well and challenges people to understand the risks people take.

An excellent movie. 9/10. Also wait until the end for how well the casting has been judged!
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10/10
Most awesome film EVER!!
stevemkelly28 July 2020
Really good feel-good film, which looks at the highs and lows of a boy who has fallen in love with a crap team!!
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8/10
I don't even like football!
Kmac3516 September 2023
I love British movies and this one didn't disappoint. I knew I would like after reading the Guardians review. They hated it and they are always wrong about everything so, guess what? It was really good. One of those quiet movies about something quite trivial but has you routing for them at the end. Britain is renowned for supporting for the underdog and this movie has you cheering them on till the end. Bromley FC are going down and it's up to schoolboy Dave to save them. Even better that it's a true story and great to see the actors with the characters they played at the end.

Proof that you don't need to be a superstar or action hero to tell a good tale.
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