Low-budget indie films originating from the UK don't always guarantee quality. "Top dog" is proof of that. The meager attempt to blend hooliganism within English football with local crime which is connected with the more notorious mafia of the country, unfortunately turned into a fiasco. The idea isn't bad. Only they've dropped a few stitches in the implementation of it. The result doesn't leave a lasting impression and can safely be classified as another third-rate crime movie.It's the story about Billy Evans (Leo Gregory), leader of a group of supporters of an English football club who spend their weekends with beating up supporters of the opponent. He's an exemplary family man and a person who's trusted by his blood brothers. The day he wants to help his uncle and aunt to get rid of a local extortionist gang, he doesn't realize what hornet's nest he's getting himself into. Before he knows it, he finds himself in a tricky situation with unpleasant consequences as a result. He starts to realize that hooliganism and mafia practices are two totally different disciplines.Normally I'm always pleased with the performances in a British film, but this time something bothered me at that level. The most eye-catching performance came from Lorraine Stanley (wife of Billy's best friend). Gregory was at times convincing as the cold-blooded and unstirred leader of football fans. But during the emotional moments it all looked kind of silly. Ricci Harnett, the Machiavellian gang leader with his accompanying mocking grin, was the most intriguing character. Unfortunately he behaved like a beaten dog when sitting in front of the big chief Mr. Watson (Vincent Regan). Yet strange that such a confident thug like Mickey, and always accompanied by two bodyguards, can be beleaguered in such a simple manner. Most likely an underestimation of the opponent.Ultimately, it's just a typical film about thugs and hooligans. The story didn't provide the necessary tension. Needless to say there were also some ridiculous scenes. Such as when the police wants to question Billy about a brawl. Billy flees and before you know it, the complete police force (and special task force) is chasing him, as if he's an escaped, most-wanted terrorist. Slightly exaggerated. The clashes in Mickey's clubs looked rather amateurish and contrived. If you want to watch a decent film about the English underworld, then I suggest you watch "Legend". And I am convinced there are better movies about hooliganism. "Top dog" was certainly not Premier League.More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT

Apart from this movie being about as cardboard as possible.The vicar at the funeral also played the mortuary technician.There are probably more dual roles for some of the cast to be spotted by sharper eyes than mine.Kemp should have stayed selling sofas instead of a misguided attempt at directing if this production is all he could come up with, I am sure the cast must have took the money and run to leave Kemp to take any comeback flack.As a great believer in the British gritty gangster movies, this is definitely a movie that rates the lowest.I recognised quite a few of the cast who had made previously decent appearances in movies, but with their best attempts could not have made this movie one worth watching.

Really good film based on the book by Dougie Brimson. Id been waiting for this film since I first heard of it during pre-production. It didn't disappoint. Great cast with Leo Gregory taking the starring role (still cant work out if he suits a beard or not). Yes this film does have football links but Im really not a football fan and it made no difference to my enjoyment of the film.Top Dog isn't really about football, its about people. Its about how they deal with certain circumstances, its about how they deal with family, friends, reputation. Also a great addition to the cast is the always fantastic Lorraine Stanley (London to Brighton, The Hooligan Factory)in the role of Julie. Yes the film does fit into that UK genre of Gritty, Urban Drama/Thriller but if you love that genre. The this is pretty much the film for you.

Review: This is yet another typical English East End movie about a football hooligan who uses his firm to take down a underground firm. Once he finds out that he has bitten off more than he can chew, he has gone way too far and his whole world comes crumbling down around him. I was expecting something original from the director, Martin Kemp, who is famous for starring in the Krays, but it just turns out to be an average cockney movie which we have seen many times before. As usual, we have your graphic hooligan violence with loads of swearing but the director did try and give the movie some depth by making the main character have an successful business and a loving family. In all, it's not that original but it's watchable! Average!Round-Up: Leo Gregory seems to act the same in all his movies, so it wasn't that surprising to see him playing this role. It's the same for all of the characters, like Vincent Reagan who always plays an convincing tough nut and a joy to watch. My main problem with the film is that it's quite predictable, even though the ending tried to twist the plot to make it interesting. I recommend this movie to people who are into there typical English East End gangster movies about a football hooligan taking on an underground mob. 3/10