Some years ago I read (and liked) the book "Fever Pitch" by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy), which was a collection of autobiographical anecdotes about his long lasting support of Arsenal, from 1968 when he become a fan until 1989, the year the Gunners won the First Division after almost 20 years.The movie decides to eschew the book approach and fictionalizes the story as a sort of romantic comedy in which supposed opposites attract. It's 1989, and Colin Firth is Paul (Hornby's alter ego) a teacher at a school in London, and the movie is about his burgeoning romance with Sarah Hughes (Ruth Gemmell), a new teacher at the school. As their relationship develops, Paul seems sometimes more concerned about Arsenal's standing in the championship and the increasing likelihood that it will finally win the league. This to the dismay of Sarah, who hates football and is very uptight. Intercalated with these scenes, we see Paul as a young kid in the late 1960s, his relationship with his divorced father, and how he initially become an Arsenal fan.One problem with the movie is that we never know what Sarah saw in Paul, since she is critical of him from the start (the first time they talk in the movie, she protests the noise his students are making in the classroom next to her own class). Their chemistry is basically zero. Of course, this is not the fault of either Firth or Gemmell (their acting is fine). It's the script that in my view took a wrong approach.

Often alluded to as ' The Beautiful Game', that famous night in May 1989 exemplifies exactly why football is worthy of such an endearing nickname. And I'm not only talking on the level of how, against all odds, the resilient Arsenal snatched the title from the mighty Liverpool with practically the last kick of the season; Nor only on the level of the soaring emotional significance of that night for the losing team and their fans, who hoped to dedicate their almost-certain-victory to the 90 Liverpool fans crushed to death just a month earlier in football's most horrific tragedy; and neither on the level that the game's ball-for-ball account was delivered by one of the greatest commentators in living memory , Mr Football himself Brian Moore (R.I.P.) in which he produced one of the most famous lines in sporting history 'It's up for grabs now!'. In the light of the movie being discussed I'm going to speak on level that will further emphasise Hornby's point on fanatism and how ridiculously far some of us will take it. Yes, the championship decider between Liverpool and Arsenal had all of the above and more, but the very first thing that springs to my mind with its every mention is its aesthetics. In my opinion that night showcased 2 of the most (for lack of a better word) stunning kits to ever grace a football pitch. Both adorned with the famous 3 Adidas stripes down the sides and the old-school leaf; Liverpool in flaming all red sporting the cursive 'Candy' logo across the front in white, Arsenal in banana yellow with dark navy almost black sleeves and shorts with the neat 'JVC' logo printed on the front. I'm not sure which one I preferred but if I was to take this even further and look at the game on a metaphorical level as the 'Battle of the Shirts', I think Arsenal shaded it …just! Forget Football Factory and Greenstreet Hooligans. For all you non-football fans who wish to learn more about REAL supporters and their so-called idiosyncratic passion for their team, watch this movie. But bear in mind, as good as it is, it barely combs the fringes of Nick Hornby's more elaborate hilariously witty novel .I also recommend that you watch the last 5 minutes of the Liverpool-Arsenal championship decider of 1989. Trust me, it surpasses any Hollywood script on all levels; audio, visual, dramatic, emotional.… Fever Pitch!

Fever Pitch(1997) The original soccer based version of the Nick Hornby story starring Colin Firth( the remake stars Jimmy Fallon & Drew Barrymore and follows the Bosox).OK- I know obsessive sports fans- OK I am one - reformed- now I follow fake sport(pro wrestling).OK I still follow the Skins and the O's- but not like I did when I was younger.Colin Firth is an obsessed Arsenal fan- been following them for 21 years- when the season is going on - the rest of the world is static to him. Miss Hughes(misuse) is a leggy and serious teacher that teaches the class next to his class- they eventually hit it off(probably cuz they are the best looking folks on the faculty-they seem to have nothing in common-besides good skin and good form).Firth is so obsessed he even gets a flat within spitting distance of the Arsenal pitch.A good flick about sports obsession . B

For those not familiar with English football, Arsenal is a very old, well-respected club with a proud tradition, and has done much to progress the game at all levels. They have enjoyed an unrivalled run of seasons in the top-flight, and because of this are envied by almost all other clubs. Outside of Manchester United, it has probably the largest fan base in the UK as well as a growing international following, following the success and attractive style of play brought about by manager Arsene Wenger. The club is shortly moving to a brand-new 60,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium to help accommodate it's growing army of supporters. It is likely demand for tickets will still far exceed supply, although this depends to some extent on their ability to retain the world's greatest players, who bring with them a whole new, dedicated following. So now you know a little about the club, you will understand why this movie was made. Hornby is a life-long fan (Arsenal fans are affectionately known as 'Gooners') and the season during which the film is based, is arguably one of the most dramatic the English Championship has ever witnessed. The film briefly touches on the tragedy of Hillsborough, which was a turning-point in the game. Because of the loss of so many innocent lives, all UK stadia were redeveloped to ensure they were the safest, most fan-friendly in the world. The club most deeply affected by the disaster was Liverpool - favourites to win the Championship that year. Liverpool are probably the second most famous club in the country, hugely successful in the 1980s. Arsenal - always unpredictable - could only take the title if they beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield, Liverpool's ground. Almost all neutrals were hoping Liverpool would win the title because of the tragic losses amongst their fans - generally regarded as being some of the most devoted in the game. Almost everyone believed they would win, and with less than a minute to play in the Championship-deciding game, Arsenal were a goal shy. It was at this point on the night that I turned off the TV and slunk off to the pub to drown my sorrows. When I arrived, the place was buzzing, and the rest is history. This is precisely what this movie is all about - anything else is just filler to broaden it's appeal. Anyone who is not a Gooner could not possibly understand this movie, but it does work on different levels for those not involved.As I am involved, I can't possibly see beyond the facts. Enjoy the scenes, the drama, and the famous old Highbury stadium - which is as I write is hosting it's very last competitive match. The stadium is probably unique in location, surrounded by leafy north London back-streets. This film is more important historically than as a piece of dramatic art, but it's nice to know some people appreciate it as a movie. If some of those people learn to appreciate the club, it's history and - sadly doomed - stadium then that is a bonus. Those years can never be repeated, but they will never be forgotten.