Boston Kickout is an underrated gem from 1995, boasting early performances from notable actors like John Simm, Andrew Lincoln, and Marc Warren. The film transports viewers back to their teenage years as these three lads navigate life in Stevenage, Hertfordshire – a quintessential in-between town rarely depicted on the big screen.
What sets Boston Kickout apart is its authentic portrayal of this often-overlooked region. Unlike the affluent south or gritty north of England, Stevenage feels palpably real, with neither extreme excess nor poverty. The film captures the limitations and possibilities of growing up in such a place during the 1990s, where limited options led to choices like violence, escape, substance abuse, or marriage.
While not as comedic as The Inbetweeners, Boston Kickout's humor is rooted in its characters' flaws rather than jokes. Lincoln's charismatic but struggling character and Warren's thuggish lout serve as bookends to Simm's more hopeful yet uncertain presence. Despite their rough edges, the actors deliver nuanced performances that ring true to their characters.
The film's plot, centered around four friends waiting for A-level results, is relatively straightforward. They spend their time drinking, socializing, and trying to find their place in the world. As with many British coming-of-age dramas from this era, such as Trainspotting and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Boston Kickout's final act sometimes feels overwrought.
Despite these minor missteps, Boston Kickout remains a fascinating watch for its period setting, characters, and portrayal of Stevenage. It offers a nostalgic look at the challenges and choices faced by those growing up in such an often-overlooked region during the 1990s.
What sets Boston Kickout apart is its authentic portrayal of this often-overlooked region. Unlike the affluent south or gritty north of England, Stevenage feels palpably real, with neither extreme excess nor poverty. The film captures the limitations and possibilities of growing up in such a place during the 1990s, where limited options led to choices like violence, escape, substance abuse, or marriage.
While not as comedic as The Inbetweeners, Boston Kickout's humor is rooted in its characters' flaws rather than jokes. Lincoln's charismatic but struggling character and Warren's thuggish lout serve as bookends to Simm's more hopeful yet uncertain presence. Despite their rough edges, the actors deliver nuanced performances that ring true to their characters.
The film's plot, centered around four friends waiting for A-level results, is relatively straightforward. They spend their time drinking, socializing, and trying to find their place in the world. As with many British coming-of-age dramas from this era, such as Trainspotting and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Boston Kickout's final act sometimes feels overwrought.
Despite these minor missteps, Boston Kickout remains a fascinating watch for its period setting, characters, and portrayal of Stevenage. It offers a nostalgic look at the challenges and choices faced by those growing up in such an often-overlooked region during the 1990s.
. I mean, Boston Kickout is alright, I guess... it's just not that deep. The plot is pretty basic and it feels like they're trying too hard to make it relatable to the 90s scene 
. And don't even get me started on how it's suddenly an "underrated gem" out of nowhere... has anyone actually watched these forums in the past? I feel like this movie has been here forever, and I'm still not convinced it's worth the hype 
.
. And Marc Warren is always so over-the-top in everything he does. It's like they're both trying too hard to be edgy and cool 
.
. But for me, it's just another old movie that doesn't hold up that well 
. Can we move on to something new? 
I'm loving how underrated this film is! I've seen it like three times already 
and I still can't get enough of that Stevenage vibe 
. The cast is absolute perfection, especially Andrew Lincoln - he's just so talented! 
And the way the film tackles those tough themes in a realistic but not too heavy-handed way? 
Perfect. Not everyone's going to love it (okay, maybe some people who live in super posh areas and think Stevenage is boring 
I'm so glad to see more underrated gems like Boston Kickout getting some love! The way the film captures the essence of Stevenage in the 90s is just so relatable 
. I mean, who hasn't felt stuck between being a kid and becoming an adult? The humor may not be laugh-out-loud funny, but it's real and authentic, which is what makes it so endearing 
. And those performances by Lincoln, Warren, and Simm are top-notch! They totally nail the complexity of growing up in a place like that 
. My only minor quibble would be with the pacing of the final act - I get why they wanted to add some drama, but sometimes it feels a bit forced 
. Still, overall, Boston Kickout is a hidden gem that's definitely worth checking out! 
it's like, so underrated rn but that's what makes it so lovable 
they play these characters so well, especially with their flaws being their humor - not just jokes lol. the plot might be a bit straightforward but who cares? it's all about that Stevenage vibe 
which is honestly so refreshing from the usual posh or gritty towns. i'm loving how it shows growing up in that in-between spot where choices are, like, limited but possibilities are still there 
. And those performances from Andrew Lincoln, John Simm, and Marc Warren? Pure perfection! 
. Definitely worth a watch if you're feeling nostalgic for the 90s! 
. Don't @ me about the final act being a bit over-the-top, I get that sometimes these Brit coming-of-age flicks can be a bit melodramatic 
. The way it captures the in-between town life in Stevenage feels so relatable, you know? It's not just about the laughs (although those actors are hilarious 
. The plot might be straightforward, but it's the details that make this film so endearing. And yeah, the final act can feel a bit overwrought, but that's just part of the nostalgic charm 
.
. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth watching - especially if you're looking for something different from The Inbetweeners 
! also, john simm's character is just so relatable i feel like he's speaking straight to my soul 
and can we talk about John Simm's character for a sec? he's soooo underrated as an actor, always been a fan of his work since 2000s 
. Growing up in a place like Stevenage can feel really isolating, but the film shows us that even with limitations, we have choices and possibilities 
.
. Yeah, the ending might be a bit cheesy at times but that's all part of its charm, innit? 
. Sure, some of the plot twists might feel a bit predictable, but honestly, that's part of its charm. For me, it's all about the characters' growth and struggles - we've all been there, right? 
It's not like it brings anything new to the table, you know?
. Where's the depth? The complexity? It feels like a generic "tortured teenager" story that we've all seen before.