Looking for Eric

Released May 14, 2010

1 hr. 56 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

84%

102 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Ever since his wife (Stephanie Bishop) left him, Eric Bishop's (Steve Evets) life has fallen apart. His two teen sons (Gerard Kearns, Stefan Gumbs) have little regard for him, his job at the post office is increasingly unfulfilling and he ends up in the hospital after a car crash. One night, he smokes marijuana and has a vision of his favorite Manchester United soccer player: Eric Cantona. With the help of his idol and his daughter (Lucy-Jo Hudson), Eric tries to get his life straightened out.

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Critics Consensus

Ken Loach's latest is an uplifting, entertaining and amusing socio-drama featuring a match-winning performance from Eric Cantona.

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Martin R

Worth watching when you are travelling. Liked it alot. But not a Saturday evening blockbuster.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/05/23

Full Review

isla s

First off, this is not a film entirely about football, in case people think it is. Its very much a Ken Loach film - a piece of British social commentary, showing the life of a working class man, someone who sees themselves very much as a 'down and out' type. Its a sobering watch I could describe as being about someone trying to keep their head above water, as is the case with most Ken Loach films. Its classed as a comedy and I suppose there are some comedy type moments in it but suffice to say its not what I'd regard a very amusing film for the most part, for obvious reasons (towards the very end it does get more chaotic and I couldn't help but smile a bit but its not a big 'laugh out loud' film mostly). The comedy is mainly present in the scenes showing Eric at ease, laidback with his mates at work and in his house, not with the adolescents he (seemingly) begrudgingly lives with. This is a quirky film but I liked the themes and I thought the main character, Eric Bishop, was played well by Steve Evets. There's even some poignant moments present and it does feel quite realistic, so I'd recommend it on that basis, yes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

nefasto r

This lighter version of Ken Loach is sweet and touching. A simple and funny idea that pays off.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Ken Loach has a very personal mark but there is something that doesn't quite work in this one.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Frances H

Really cute, funny heart warming Brit flick and well worth a watch with a priceless climax!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/28/19

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Audience Member

Another wonderful film from Ken Loach. Beautifully made. The man's a genius story teller.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Ken Loach

Director

Steve Evets

Eric Bishop

Éric Cantona

Self

Stephanie Bishop

Lily

Gerard Kearns

Ryan

Stefan Gumbs

Jess

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Victoria Luxford

BBC.com

Wonderful chemistry between Steve Evets and Eric Cantona... it's an intriguing and relatable movie that will lift your spirits.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 24, 2022

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

This is a deliberate 'feelgood' movie and, while I didn't feel bad, I just didn't feel much of anything.

Aug 29, 2018

Full Review

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

[A] well-meaning misfire.

Jan 3, 2011

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

A banal waste of time. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 18, 2022

Full Review

Stefan Pape

Common Sense Media

One of the most engaging and impressive dramas to come out of British cinema this side of the millennium.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 20, 2021

Full Review

PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

The film's whimsical spirit invites the audience to enter into a fablistic mindset and to relax into its uplifting air of camaraderie.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 3, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Ever since his wife (Stephanie Bishop) left him, Eric Bishop's (Steve Evets) life has fallen apart. His two teen sons (Gerard Kearns, Stefan Gumbs) have little regard for him, his job at the post office is increasingly unfulfilling and he ends up in the hospital after a car crash. One night, he smokes marijuana and has a vision of his favorite Manchester United soccer player: Eric Cantona. With the help of his idol and his daughter (Lucy-Jo Hudson), Eric tries to get his life straightened out.

Director: Ken Loach
Screenwriter: Paul Laverty
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Tornasol Films S.A.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 14, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $55.8K

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