Like It Is *** (1998, Steve Bell, Ian Rose, Roger Daltrey, Dani Behr) – Classic Movie Review 4036

Director Paul Oremland’s 1998 British ‘coming-out’ tale is occasionally hesitant but overall surprisingly entertaining and credible.

Bare-knuckle fighter Craig (impressively played by British amateur featherweight champion Steve Bell) swaps his violent life in Blackpool’s underworld for love and pain in London’s gay clubland. Struggling to accept that he is gay, Craig meets Londoner Matt (Ian Rose) outside a dance club. Matt works for shady music producer Kelvin (Roger Daltrey) and Matt’s flatmate is singer Paula (Dani Behr).

Written by Robert Gray, the story involves, acting impresses and the handling feels mostly convincing and accurately detailed.

Also in the cast are P.J. Nicholas, Chris Hargreaves, Jude Alderson, Stephen Burke, Emile Charles, Suzy King, Sean Simpson, Dickon Tolson, Paul Broughton, Charlie Caine, Chris Ross, Tony Van Silva, Ursula Lea and Suzanne Hall.

Steve Bell won the ABA Featherweight Championship in 1997 and in 2001. He captained the England boxing team at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and then turned professional.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4036

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