Top Dog

May. 26,2014      R
Rating:
5
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Hooligan boss Billy Evans has it all - a successful business, a beautiful family and respect on the terraces. But when he clashes with gangster Mickey over a backstreet proetection racket, Billy soon finds himself out of his depth as they look to finally settle the question - who is Top Dog?

Leo Gregory as  Billy Evans
George Russo as  Graham Hawkins
Ricci Harnett as  Mickey
Dannielle Brent as  Samantha
Lorraine Stanley as  Julie
Vincent Regan as  Watson
Ryan Oliva as  Joe
Susan Penhaligon as  Sal
Leila Wong as  Jing
Jonathon Michaels as  SO19 Officer

Reviews

Wordiezett
2014/05/26

So much average

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Listonixio
2014/05/27

Fresh and Exciting

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Claysaba
2014/05/28

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

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Console
2014/05/29

best movie i've ever seen.

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Peter Pluymers
2014/05/30

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

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Reg Zambonini
2014/05/31

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.

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frompagescreen
2014/06/01

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.

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Alan Watson
2014/06/02

I rather like a decent hooligan film....This however was not any shade of decent..Only watched this as Green Strret wasn't the worst football hooligan film(not as good as ID and rise of the foot soldier anyway).But this was poor on every aspect from the acting, storyline and even the fight sequences were unrealistically shown.It will take a sensational film to bring me back round from avoiding Martin Kemp directed films.Terrible.!Wait for it to be on TV ,it really is not worth money nor data.

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