The Hooligan Factory

The Hooligan Factory is a 2014 British comedy directed by and starring Jason Maza that parodies the popular football hooligan genre and the various clichés associated with it. The film cleverly lampoons iconic Brits hooligan movies such as The Football Factory, Green Street, and Cass, mixing humor with sharp satire. Set against the backdrop of football violence and gang culture, the plot follows a young man who gets drawn into the world of football hooliganism, facing absurd and hilarious situations that highlight the ridiculousness of the stereotype. By combining slapstick comedy, spoofs, and a self-aware script, The Hooligan Factory offers both fans of the genre and newcomers an entertaining and witty take on the hooligan film trope.

The Hooligan Factory has received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audience alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating of 33%, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. The IMDb rating sits at 4.8 out of 10, reflecting lukewarm reception from viewers. Critics praised the film's intent to spoof the football hooligan genre and its cheeky humor. For example, some noted its clever references to popular hooligan films and appreciated the earnest effort by Jason Maza and the cast. However, many reviews criticized its execution, mentioning that the comedy often falls flat and the pacing can feel disjointed. Some critics described the humor as relying too heavily on crude jokes and slapstick that lack originality. The film was also noted for a limited production value and a script that doesn’t fully capitalize on its parodic potential. While a niche audience might enjoy the film's self-aware silliness, mainstream viewers and critics found it uneven and forgettable, with The Guardian calling it "a moderately amusing but ultimately disposable spoof." Overall, The Hooligan Factory is seen as a comedic attempt with a specific appeal, but it struggles to maintain consistent laughs and doesn't break significant new ground within its genre spoof category.