“Cass” is an entertaining football hooligan movie. It’s not quite as good as “The Football Factory” or “Rise of the Footsoldier” but it’s still worth checking out if you like hooligan films. It has some interesting things to say about issues such as race so you might it find it a little more thoughtful than some of the other similar films out there.

Based on the true story of Cass Pennant (Nonso Anozie “Entebbe”), who was a black orphan raised by white parents in London. He becomes involved in the violent hooligan scene of the 70s and 80s as he fights with his fellow West Ham football firm members. He spends some time in prison and tries to find a more legitimate lifestyle upon his release yet he cannot escape the violence of his past.

Nonso Anozie does a good job as Cass Pennant. The other hooligans are reasonably entertaining but they are nothing special. Most of them are just there to whack one another with beer bottles, metal bars and anything else that they can get their hands on. There are some more tender moments where Cass spends time with his parents. These scenes are surprisingly quite touching. The real Cass Pennant has a cameo as a bouncer.

“Cass” shows the routine racial prejudice blacks faced in the 70s and 80s from the whites but it also shows the abuse they get from other blacks that do not like to fully assimilate into society and view those who do as traitors. The language throughout is very strong so do be aware of that before going into it. I would have liked a few more hooligan riot scenes but what is on offer is pretty good. It’s not a revolutionary film or anything like that but it is entertaining. I especially recommend “Cass” for those that have enjoyed some of the other hooligan films out there.