Up 'n' Under (1998) User Reviews (26)

Pretty good

[Gubby-Allen · 7/10 · 29 November 2001]

People shouldn't take films like this so seriously. If you watch it in a lighthearted manner, it has some laughs & is very enjoyable. It's also got me fired up for my matches at the weekend already.

It wasn't hilarious or laugh a minute like Four Weddings, Notting Hill or Full Monty, but there's plenty of good talent amongst the cast.

This film was made for Britain, in the same way American Football or Baseball films are made for Americans. Rugby League is only played in 3 countries in the world, so you really need to follow the game to appreciate it.

Giant killings in sport do actually happen. Maybe they're not as commonplace as films like this make out, but I prefer this sort of film to those where what actually happened in history is ignored or the romanticised, happy ending, drivel that hollywood serves up.

8/10

Watchable Fun

[stashyjon · 7/10 · 23 July 2006]

Yup it's northern Brit comedy time. This time it's a inept pub Rugby League side that must struggle through adversity and come up triumphant. Yes it has been done before (The Full Monty, Brassed Off et al.), but that doesn't mean this film is without merit.

For a start we see two great Brit actors in their last ever screen roles (Gary Olsen from the sitcom 'Two Point Four Children' and Brian Glover of 'Kez' and 'Alien 3' fame). We get to see the loverly Samantha Janus san clothing, and by the numbers but still entertaining performance from Neil 'Men Behaving Badly' Morissey. Throw in Griff Rhys Jones doing a damn fine Eddie Warring impression and Tony Slattery as a suitably evil baddie who will even fix the draw of a rugby tournament to humiliate our heroes (THAT'S how they reached the final of the competition, do some of these reviewers even bother to watch the films?); and some good cameos from the likes of Michelle Tulley and you have something that can put a smile on most faces without requiring to much effort to watch.

Also credit must be given to writer / director John Godber (adapted from his own stage play of some 10 years earlier and recently revived on stage with England Rugby Union star Gareth Chilcott in the Gary Olsen role).

All in all an enjoyable effort.

Brave failure

[Changeworlds · 7/10 · 18 August 2006]

I think the point a number of reviewers have missed is that this is a stage play and unfortunately it's essentially a filmed stage play despite the attempts to make it into a film. Having seen it on stage its an entirely different experience and "the dance" of the rugby sequences really involves the audience in a way that is impossible in film. The cast are excellent including Jane, Godbers wife and a playwright in her own right. You've really got to have been in the locker room to appreciate the stale sweat that's evident here and in Godber's brave attempt to transform what is essentially an intimate series of exchanges onto the big scene. It's a disappointment. On TV it might have worked. Jack Rosenthall did a similar take on football that was successful. Those who naively criticize the rugby sequences forget that Godber was a rugby player himself, and they're typical on Sunday after amateur rugby. This isn't American Football !

Not too hot, not too cold...just right!

[jonathanbparley · 27 November 2001]

I caught this film on a plane ride to London and I have to say it was perfectly enjoyable. I tend to be a sucker for the "comeback kids" and underdog sports movies - Hoosiers (a.k.a Best Shot), Rudy, A League of Their Own, and the immortal 'Victory!' The characters are simple but likable, the story is predictable but uplifting, the girl is hot but with personality. All in all it was perfect for a plane ride or a fun night at home when there are no live sports on.

You've had a look, now p**** off.....

[FlashCallahan · 6/10 · 25 April 2022]

The Manager of The Cobblers Arms, the most feared side in the Northern pub league, persuades Arthur to become involved in a seemingly hopeless bet to train a team of deadbeats, The Wheatsheaf, to play against his team.

Arthur readily accepts the challenge before realizing what a mammoth uphill struggle it would be

A chance meeting with Hazel Scott, a fitness instructor with her own gym, gives him an idea and between them they have just eight weeks to persuade, and bully the reluctant Wheatsheaf into a team capable of beating The Cobblers Arms.

Something which hasn't been done for ten years....

Up 'n' Under would never have been made if The Full Monty wasn't such a success, because this is that film, but covered up as a game of Rugby.

The rag tag team are what you expect, Morrisey is basically playing his Character from Men Behaving Badly, and it wears thin very very quickly. Janus as she was known then is only in it to do a certain scene, but surprisingly, she along with Olsen, are the best things about the team, because they have arcs, arcs that you care for.

Griff Rhys Jones pops up as a sweary commentator and too, becomes quite irritating at times.

It's all very predictable stuff, but not unwatchable, as you know they will all get along at first, fight and fall out toward the end of the second act, and the final third, it doesn't take a genius to guess who will be victorious.

It's alright for a sunday afternoon Geezer Pleaser.

Up´n´Under:Fun Sport

[SUPERNOVA HEIGHTS · 6/10 · 24 July 2001]

This film Don´t pass the rating because it´s Full Monty without striptease.Rugby isn´t one of the most practise sport but it doesn´t matter but if you don´t know this sport or you hate it,Rugby isn´t the main topic.Unemployed people ,beer and fun is all of the elements. SENTENCE FOR UP´N´UNDER:GOOD BUT NO MORE.

Nothing groundbreaking but has its own charms

[Ruskington · 5/10 · 1 March 2023]

Up 'n' Under is a predictable paint-by-numbers sports movie that attempts to follow in the footsteps of The Full Monty and Brassed Off but has a significantly weaker script and rather poor acting (Neil Morrissey was seriously stealing a living during the 90s). The storyline is remarkably unfeasible and none of the characters stand out in any way.

However, despite its shortcomings, the film captures the era quite well and is perfectly enjoyable for people of a certain age. The shower scene is probably the film's most memorable moment and, one must say, for good reason. In those innocent pre-internet-porn days, it was scenes like that which kept many a teenage boy happy.

Not Another Late 90s Brit Comedy

[Theo Robertson · 3/10 · 17 September 2004]

One thing I have realized about watching late night BBC television over the last few months is the amount of British comedies that were produced in the late 1990s , or rather the amount of British comedies that were produced in the late 1990s that I'd never heard of . If it wasn't for the BBC showing them I would have never have heard of THE WEDDING TACKLE ( Crap ) THE LIFE OF STUFF ( Double crap ) or BOB'S WEEKEND ( This one was pretty good ) . Now comes UP N UNDER .

In many ways UP N UNDER resembles THE FULL MONTY and BRASSED OFF , in that it's a comedy , is set in the north of England and revolves around a bunch of losers . There's other similarities in that it came out round about the same time as the other two movies , features characters played by almost famous actors , but perhaps the biggest similarity is that all three don't actually feel like they're cinematic films , because while THE FULL MONTY and BRASSED OFF often resemble one of those gritty " Play For Today " dramas UP N UNDER doesn't even reach those heights . Despite some foul language and brief nudity this movie would have worked just as well ( Probably better ) if it had been produced as one of those forgettable Sunday dramas on ITV

Terrible. The worst movie of all time?

[chrisburin · 1/10 · 24 March 2004]

It's a tie between this one and 'The Avengers'. None of the cast can act, the storyline is unoriginal and completely fails to get the spectator involved on an emotional level, the rugby sequences are useless... I could go on. Samantha Janus is awful, though she does take her clothes off which is worth a look, Neil Morrissey chews the scenery (if only he really did, then at least something would happen). It's this sort of tripe that makes you wonder how Morrissey/Janus/Jones could possibly make a career as actors. The leaden directing certainly doesn't do them any favours, though. Definitely bad enough to fall in the so bad it's funny catalogue, though I'd add that it's also so bad it's almost unwatchable. Really, really awful.

The Best of Godber

[joedeeuk · 10/10 · 14 September 2004]

This film based on John Godber's stage play actually was written long before Brassed Off & The Full Monty

Set in Hull & with some good on location scenes that resemble Hull even if they are not

Some good casting even tho' they are obviously not from Hull, at least there were no put on accents

The acting was of a good quality & John Godber's sense of humour was very obvious.

A good adaption from the very successful stage play first seen at the Hull Truck Theatre.

A definitely worth watching film

Typical underdog sport-movie with some good characters.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 5/10 · 2 September 2005]

"Up 'n' Under" is a typical British movie. It isn't really a comedy with ha-ha moments but it's a comedy with a nice warm feeling and it's a simple feel good movie.

However "Up 'n' Under" certainly isn't a very good or memorable movie. The story is quite simple and to be frank, there isn't very much happening. Of course the movie its story is also awfully predictable. I don't think that the ending is a surprise to anyone and the movie is similar to many other sport underdog movies. So you can say that this is a movie that adds little to nothing to the genre.

The biggest strength of the movie is in its character and that perhaps is the only element of the movie that still makes this movie a watchable one. The characters feel warm and somewhat realistic and really are the heart of the movie. It's believable that these guys in the movie are friends for years. The actors really aren't the best ever but they are believable in their roles, so they did their job.

You're way better of watching a different underdog-sport-movie but when you decide to still watch this movie you'll be fairly entertained by it. It isn't really a boring or very bad movie, it's just a movie that isn't terribly original or new.

5/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

If you like Brit Movies then this is a must see

[dadies_98 · 14 September 2004]

A brilliant comedy that highlights the British sense of humour and makes you get involved with the characters as they strive to become a team and win against The Cobblers. If you liked The Full Monty and When Saturday Comes then this is a must see. The soundtrack is brilliant and the actors play the parts amazingly and for the lads out there, there is an added bonus that you get to see Samantha Janus naked in the shower. Also there is the brilliance of the sadly deceased Gary Olsen (remember 2 point 4 children) who makes the film what it is not to mention Neil Morrissey (Men Behaving Badly) who plays the lanky and funny rugby lad very well. If you want to see a Brit Movie that makes you walk away feeling great then this is the one to see.

Can the team win? who cares?

[CharltonBoy · 4/10 · 8 January 2000]

This film will be remembered by me for the lack of laughs , and the poor acting. The story is about a group of unfit men who are to be trained to beat an unbeaten rugby team for a large bet. The script shows a lack of imagination as does the final scenes during the match. The only thing i can liken this movie to is a poor carry on film. 4 out of 10

GARBAGE!

[Auselan · 4/10 · 7 June 2001]

The only reason to see this film is to appreciate the ~20 seconds of Samantha Janus naked in the shower. Fast forward to this bit, and then return the tape. No seriously. You have been warned. 4/10 (some for her bottom, plus a few for the occasional laughs).

Not worth a try.

[fostrhod · 4/10 · 9 August 2023]

Up'n' under 1998 John Godber. Oh dear what a calamity . It's tough up north, especially when you are a failing ex rugby player, with a failing marriage. With a chance to win big with a former rival and ex of his wife, a bet is made with his house at stake . To turn a bunch of hopeless ageing rugby players who can beat the local champions in the final of a rugby 7s tournament. Throw in some terrible acting and dialogue and a gratuitous shot of Samantha Janus's bum and boobs and you're onto a winner. Can you guess what happens..., Apparently John Godber for a little while was the most performed living play-write in the UK. Watch this to see a cliche driven script which is boring and predictable 4/10.

Haters gotta hate

[avonmill · 9/10 · 9 December 2022]

I really enjoyed this film and have seen it a number of times. If you don't take it too seriously and understand the plot (ie, a lot of reviewers missed the point where the Cobblers Arms got a bye to the final so they HAD to play the best team so the bet would stand), you might like it. Obviously being a low budget late 90s British film, the ending is predictable but the characters worked well together and having Gryff Rhys Jones on commentary brought out a lot of laughs. The film isn't as common as say, Full Monty, which is a shame, but it's a decent lighthearted film that you can watch if you're looking for something not too indepth. There's not a laugh in every scene but when they come, they are funny.

Truly appalling

[anna-day · 1/10 · 22 August 2005]

I was sitting last night, too lazy to turn the TV channel over. That'll teach me. What a load of truly appalling, predictable, badly acted meaningless tripe. Neil Morrisey is poor, even by his standards. Samantha Janus plays some sort of aerobics instructor who fails to charge for her lessons. I used to rate her as a TV actress, but this just shows that she's not destined for Hollywood. It's an attempt at The Full Monty, but lacks any of the humour, skill or funny dialogue that TFM possesses. In fact, the script is the worst part of this. The appearance of Neil Pearson from Drop The Dead Donkey cemented this in every way as a second rate British film that should never have been made. It's movies like this that eat up cash that should instead be given to innovative and interesting new ideas and directors. A disgrace. This was two hours of my life that I'm never getting back. Don't make the same mistake as me, if this appears on your TV screen, turn over.

Why is it such a good movie?

[Chucky-24 · 10/10 · 8 November 2000]

The main reason I gave this film a 10 is because of the shower scene. I'm a massive fan of Samantha Janus and seeing her in any film instantly makes it a classic in my book. The cast were superb. I'm not a big fan of rugby but it was worth watching.....

Fantastic Rugby League Film

[Truewiganer · 10/10 · 12 September 2005]

This film is only for the people who live north of Birmingham, and the few thousand people who support the London broncos. this is a quality film for all rugby league fans, a must have!! if you don't like rugby league then this film is not for you.

its all really northern, and a lot of the southerners will not understand what is going on and some of the language in the film.

a good film to watch after coming in from a rugby league game, weather your team has lost or won, it doesn't matter, its a heart warming story one that not many people will have heard as rugby league isn't a huge sport. should be re-released as the sport is getting bigger and bigger!!

i say it again FANTASTIC!!!

Blokes Version Of The Full Monty

[yassoo · 10/10 · 24 November 1998]

Having heard how great The Full Monty was, I was sadly disappointed when I finally went to see it. The women in the audience thought it was absolutely hilarious, but I only found it mildly amusing. (Maybe being a bloke has something to do with it:-))

A week later though, I went to see Up and Under. What a difference! Good photography, variety of locations, nice use of humour, great actors and altogether a much more rounded film than Monty. (And yes it has got Samantha Janus in it - but that's not the only reason to go see it!) I will be buying *this* on video, but I'll be giving Monty a miss. Shame the soundtrack CD is so pricey.

great movie? who cares its fun!

[paul-tomsett · 8/10 · 23 August 2005]

As much as i enjoy IMDb and indulge in the rating system myself,why does one film have to compare to another?If YOU find something in a film that relates to you or makes you laugh/cry then enjoy it and say so.Don't worry about its directorial merits or cliché filled scripts or wooden acting,you enjoyed it and that made it good. UP 'N'under is such a film for me.I live in the north of england and my town has a rugby league team with great traditions,but i have no love for the sport but i do love UP'N'UNDER.Yes it has all the clichés of sports films the world over,down on their luck bunch of misfits come good against all the odds etc etc.but i enjoy the bleak British weather,the sadness that Gary Olsen(Arthur)& Brian glover(his father in law)who always made me laugh are no more,Griff Rhys Jones drunken Eddie waring impression.Like frank my wife left me and i feel melancholy,and like Phil I've just turned 40 and want to do something while i still can and "before all my bloody hair falls out".Also there is Samantha Janus to admire & some great tunes from hull band(thats where its set)the beautiful south amongst others. So UP'N'UNDER although not the greatest British film ever or even the best film of 1997 for that matter gets 8 out of 10 from me. RIP Brian and Gary.

Trivia

[andrew-talbot · 10/10 · 19 August 2007]

For the funding to be in place, John Godber once recalled, he had to have three things in the movie: Griff Rhys Jones as the local radio commentator, Samantha Janus naked and the Wheatsheaf Arms had to win at the end of the movie.

The end of the original play sees the Wheatsheaf Arms lose. Reference to the film 'Rocky' here. Balboa lost at the end of the first Rocky movie. Godber, as well as the Arthur Hoyle character, was a fan of the 'Rocky' films. 'Up 'n' Under is 'Rocky' set in the North of England. Also, like 'Rocky' there was a sequel to the play, 'Up 'n' Under II' (1985).

A 90 minute sitcom

[bob the moo · 10 September 2001]

It wants to be a charming british comedy. But it's not! Instead it's an episode of a sitcom stretched out. Who cares about any of these people. Let them win or lose - I'm not bothered! For a BBC sitcom the acting, writing and direction is good. However for a movie expecting people to pay to watch I'm afraid it's just poor.

There's very little to love in this film - Yes Samantha Janus is nude in it, but if you want to watch nudity then go rent porn! Nudity doesn't make up for an unfunny comedy.

Atrocious

[andyb-4 · 20 August 2001]

This film is hilarious -because its so bad, not because its funny.

It has a brilliant cast, but it is still amazingly predictable and juvenile. POSSIBLE SPOILERS. The plot is ridden with holes eg how do a really poor pub rugby 7's team who have never played before get a bye to the FINAL of a competition? The final rugby scenes are incredibly tedious, you can guess everything that happens now if you try. There is one good joke when the shapely & feminine Samantha Janus is lying injured, being attended to by the trainer, and the rather shortsighted referee says "we'd better get him off, then".

Apart from the this, seeing Ms Janus nude in the shower is about as good as it gets, but remember she is a rugby player not a slim petite model.

Bottom of the league

[ciarano112 · 24 February 2003]

Could have been called "Brassed Off with Muck". the underlying theme is so similar to Brassed Off,but it does not even come close to the conscience of that film. The only highlight is Samantha Janus's ample bottom in the shower scene with Neil Morrissey.