As somebody who's a Rugby League fan, I was drawn to buying this Australian drama film and although for a different reason than what was originally intended, I liked it.
Footy Legends follows the story of a young man, Luc Vu, and his friends who make up an amateur Rugby League… More
As somebody who's a Rugby League fan, I was drawn to buying this Australian drama film and although for a different reason than what was originally intended, I liked it.
Footy Legends follows the story of a young man, Luc Vu, and his friends who make up an amateur Rugby League team (known better in Australia as "Footy") called the Yagoona Schooners.
On the field, Luc is wizard of the amateur game, off the field, though, Luc is constantly "dropping the ball". He's out of work, his social assistance/benefits have been cut because he isn't applying for jobs and the welfare authorities are seeking to take custody of his younger sister, Anne, because they doubt his ability to act as guardian following their parents death.
However, there's a chance for Luc and his friends to achieve something by winning a local "footy" tournament that will help win a Ute (Utility vehicle/pick-up truck) and a modelling contract for a menswear company.
Can Luc and his team of underdogs win the competition and rebuild their self-respect, even in the face of a final against a team of "ringers" in the form of some of the greatest former Rugby League players in modern history?
Anh Do is a pleasant enough lead as Luc. He convincingly plays a young man who is down on his luck, but not a "dead beat". Luc is definitely a man who's out of his depth, but also an eternal optimist and defiant against the problems thrown at him.
Lisa Saggers portrays Luc's sister Anne, known affectionately by Luc as "Stinky". Her portrayal is that of a sister who has faith in her brother despite the odds stacked against them.
Do's supporting cast in the Yagoona Schooners are the stereotypical local heroes. This a team of men with feet of clay who are railing against various social problems. As much as Do, they are likeable bunch.
There are cameos by Australian Rugby League television commentators Andrew Voss, Matthew Johns and Mario Fenech who basically portray themselves as the type of sports commentator that you see in many a sports comedy, and there are cameos by former Rugby League legends Bradley Clyde, Gary Larson, Cliff Lyons, Rod Wishart and Brett Kenny portraying themselves as the team of "ringers" from Double Bay.
It's a predictable comedy which, although tries to have a message about problems such as long-term unemployment and the after effects of drug addiction, pulls it's punches so that it doesn't stop being a gentle comedy.
I wouldn't say buy it, but if you can get a chance to rent it, give it a try.
