Mean Machine (film)

Mean Machine is a 2001 British sports comedy film directed by Barry Skolnick and starring Vinnie Jones, Jason Statham, David Kelly, David Hemmings, and Danny Dyer. It is a remake of the 1974 American film The Longest Yard (also known as The Mean Machine) starring Burt Reynolds.

The film tells the story of Danny Meehan (Jones), a former England national football team captain who is disgraced after being caught fixing an international match and assaulting two police officers. He is subsequently imprisoned. While incarcerated, he is tasked with coaching a team of fellow inmates for a football match against the prison guards.

The plot follows Meehan's efforts to assemble a competent team from the diverse and often volatile prison population, dealing with rivalries, corruption from the prison administration, and the personal challenges of his teammates. The film culminates in a high-stakes football game where the prisoners aim to prove themselves and challenge the authority of the guards.

Mean Machine features a blend of comedic elements and dramatic sports action. It explores themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the struggle against injustice within the prison system. The film was generally well-received for its performances, particularly by Jones, and its portrayal of prison life. It was a commercial success in the United Kingdom.