An action-packed slog

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

The film starts off with a Dappy song. And it only gets worse from there.You may think this is all about football hooliganism. It is not. What it concerns, is a dumb young footballer who gives a lot of his fortune to some of the 'boys' he used to hang around with when he was a troubled yoof under some kind of naive obligation, and to no-one's surprise they take advantage of him. About a million and one irritating "sick, bruv", "whass going on" and "you're my fam"s later, he finally realises what a colossal idiot he is, and tries to renegade on his free spending days. But the tough leader of his former homies has other ideas, and threatens the soccer star's family if the cheques stop being cashed. There's also several sub-plots involving him going out with a female interviewer and the ensuing scandal when someone takes pictures of them together, and his attempts to keep his little brother out of mischief when the little squirt decides to try out make a name for himself away from the shadow of his more famous sibling.Right, where to start... no-one here has any ability in front of the camera whatsoever, and would embarrass the kids from Hollyoaks with their carry-ons (And knowing how much I despise THAT show, this is truly devastating criticisms) Also, there seems to be a distinct lack of tangible personalities. One minute, the love interest to the main character is a feminist who refuses to be won over by charm and flowers. Next, despite him being massively late for a dinner on their first date, she falls into his bed at the drop of a hat. Also, what about his physio buddy, determined to keep him on the straight and narrow... but yet turns up at his plush apartment in tow with a couple of bimbos and booze one night, with training the next day? And without spoiling the ending (I couldn't ruin the film more than it already is, though) what's with the reaction of the youngster with the gun? Sloppy scriptwriting? No... just plain awful.Going back to the finale, I have not seen one all this year with so many loose ends. But, who cares? By then, I was just glad it was all over. It's just a stupid flick, made by stupid people, for stupid people. 2/10

This film is rubbish, terrible, dull and boring. It's seems like it was written by a class of 10-year-olds. A complete waste of time, the worst film i have seen this year. DO NOT bother to watch it. The acting is wooden. The script is laughable. The direction seems to be from a film school drop out. This films plays more like an episode of grange hill than a serious film. The product placement is blatant, the situations ridiculous. The club scenes are more a nod to Hollywood, than Manchester. Film crew appear on camera, terrible sound quality, and (to repeat myself) wooden acting. The production team, the director, the crew and all those unfortunate enough to have tried to act in this shambles should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. It is garbage.

Adam Deacon winner of a Bafta last month gets his first top billing. Adam Deacon has a mile long catalogue of TV and film credits to his name. So he did well to win the Bafta Rising Star award.What can I say about Payback Season?Not a great film. I tried, I really did try to get into Payback Season. Luckily for me I used my Cineworld Unlimited card to watch this, or else I'd be asking for some payback. Deacon plays Jerome Davies, a successful premiership footballer whose living the so called footballers dream. Girls, money,fast cars, you name it he can buy it. But things soon turn ugly whenhis long time criminal buddy Baron comes into the picture asking Jerome for a loan. Reluctantly Jerome gives into his request and loans Baron the money. The loan turns out to be the start of Jerome's worries when Baron puts friendship aside and threatens Jerome to fund his criminal enterprise or he'll make sure he never plays football again.Performances and script are a lot to be desired. Deacon for starters is barely convincing as the lead. I just didn't buy into his character. And David Ajala as Baron looked like he was auditioning for Idris Elba - The early years. I didn't take Baron the drug dealer (who runs the streets) that seriously at all. The supporting performances are absolutely dire and are a mixture of improvisation and poor dialogue. The only saving grace is Leo Gregory who does a good job as Jerome's mate and physio Andy. Script is weak and unimaginative like it always is with these films. And nothing else really happens. Sorry, I wish I could write more, but there's nothing left to write about. This is Danny Donnelly's directorial debut and he also wrote this film. Credit to him, he's managed to get his film distributed on a limited release, so that's something.As for giving Payback Season a recommendation. I don't recommend you see it in the cinema. Save your money and time and wait till it hits Film 4, which won't be long.Maybe you think I'm being too harsh here? You know, UK Film Council being scrapped, young directors and actors need to be given a chance and all that. It's true and I'm in full support of all of that. But I'm still entitled to my opinion.ticket-for-one.com

I was not expecting an Oscar worthy film before going to see Payback Season. At most I was expecting a relatively endurable film. However I was pleasantly surprised at the high level of acting talent within the film. The storyline was rough around the edges but all in all I must say and enjoyable if intense cinema experience. If your a fan of fast cars, eye candy and football I would say this film is visually definitely down your street. Some would say it is a 'lads' film but I for one thoroughly enjoyed Payback Season. This film gives the viewer an insight into the way jealousy can get out of hand and there is a real positive message deep within this gritty street drama. A positive message people from all walks of life can relate to. There is moderate sexual related scenes and violence but nothing too graphic. Plus emotion that even had me tearing up a little! The film ends on a cliff hanger maybe leaving way for Payback season two perhaps? All the actors are on point giving no less than 100% to each of their roles. Deacon's Jerome is highly believable and well and truly deserved of his BAFTA award. A must see for British Film fans.