I usually don’t watch sports comedies but I had a feeling that Goon might be worth watching. After all, it’s based on Doug Smith’s autobiography, meaning most of what you’re about to see really happened. And I was in the mood for something different. Goon is intelligent and stupid at the same time, and if you scratch beneath the surface, it actually sends a very powerful and inspiring message. Even the message is intelligent and stupid at the same time: know your limits, accept and enjoy them.
Seann William Scott’s effortless performance of Doug Glatt along with Jay Baruchel as a comic relief are the things that I really liked. Additionally, I didn’t know that I would enjoy that whole hockey macho vibe too. The storytelling is a bit off though as if the plot just keeps on going leaving characters and their motivations in its wake. However, this is just a minor complaint and it won’t prevent you from having a good time.
The best thing about Goon is its authenticity. Not only it’s based on a true story but the production also went to great lengths to recreate that vibrant sports atmosphere. The immersion factor is off the charts, especially if you love hockey. And if you don’t, this will be a completely new experience for you, just like it was for me. Hockey is a truly strange game and I guess the only game where fights aren’t interrupted. I guess they toned it a bit in the recent decades, but still. This also means there will be quite a few bloody fights here complete with slow-motion shots of blood squirting all over the place.
Doug Glatt is a bouncer at a local club and also a huge hockey fan. His parents don’t like his lifestyle, especially since his brother is a doctor. However, one day Doug gets into a fight and easily wins prompting a call from a local hockey club. He accepts it and suddenly finds himself in this world of hockey he’s only seen on television. Will he make it?
You can watch Goon as a relaxing sports comedy but you can also delve deeper if you want. You can think about life choices, happiness, and all that crap. This is also an underdog story, a story about a loser dreaming to make it big or just making it. Like so many of us are. You should know that there’s a sequel out, Goon: Last of the Enforcers but it’s not as good as the original. Still, if you’re looking to continue in the same direction, I’ll guess it will do.
Director: Michael Dowse
Writers: Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg, Adam Frattasio, Douglas Smith, Scotty Glatt
Cast: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Liev Schreiber, Eugene Levy, Kim Coates
Fun Facts: Seann William Scott gained weight for the role of Doug Glatt, as well as taking intensive skating lessons and fighting on ice.
Rating:
IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1456635/
