The Class of 92, 2013.
Directed by Ben Turner and Gabe Turner.
SYNOPSIS:
The players that inspired a generation: Class of 92 is a cinematic documentary detailing the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United footballers.
To clarify, the writer of this review is an Arsenal fan. Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and the two Nevilles made my life a misery for the first 15 years of my life so watching this film brought up some slightly unsettling memories. The Class of 92 focuses on the titular United scholars from children to thirty something legends, framed as a documentary which attempts to focus less on the football, and more on the male bonding.
As the viewer can imagine, the second David Beckham appears on screen, the tone of the film shifts entirely. Beckham alone is larger than life, not only a footballer but a global superstar. Compared to Butt and Scholes, both being quiet and revealing, Beckham is almost comedic, revealing only what the viewer already knows: “following the sending off against Argentina, I received death threats.” It’s a shame that directors Ben and Gabe Turner shy away from controversy, instead relying simply on the viewers prior knowledge of United.
Not everything fails. Taking a leaf from Senna’s book, the cutaways are tense and are genuinely moving. Moments of hysteria and ecstasy are well presented with talking heads of Danny Boyle and Eric Cantona adding an extra layer of star power to a film that lacks any real subjective undertones.
Watching United win the Champions League and endless Premiership titles are only truly entertaining for fans of the club and excruciatingly repetitive and dull for anyone else. Sky Sports could perfectly sum up the film in a short five minute segment without the repetition of seeing the Neville brothers complain at the talent of others.
The Class of 92 never tries to find a different audience. Fans of Manchester United will revel in the nostalgia, while fans of football will find it vaguely entertaining, re-watching the same clips we’ve all seen over the past 15 years. Maybe for the United fan The Class of 92 is the documentary they’ve been waiting for. Sadly for the rest of the public, it’s a five minute Sky Sports clip drawn out over 90 minutes.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Thomas Harris
Originally published December 4, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
