Inspirational and extremely violent hockey movie!

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2012)

'GOON': Four Stars (Out of Five)
An inspirational and extremely violent hockey movie about a dim-witted outcast that finally finds his place in the world as a 'goon' for a semi-pro hockey team. The film was based on the book 'Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey' by Adam Frattasio and Doug Smith. It's a biography based on Smith's successful career as a minor-league hockey 'enforcer' from 1988 to 1998. Sean William Scott stars as the character based on Smith in the film (Doug Glatt) and it was directed by Michael Dowse (who's previous directing credits include the headbangers comedy 'FUBAR' and the 80's themed comedy 'TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT'). It was adapted for the screen by Jay Baruchel (who also co-stars in the film) and Evan Goldberg (who usually works with buddy Seth Rogen on such screenplays as 'SUPERBAD', 'PINEAPPLE EXPRESS', 'THE GREEN HORNET' and 'THE WATCH' but this time teamed with their mutual friend Goldberg instead). The movie is funny but more importantly it's a great inside look at the professional world of hockey!
As the film opens Doug Glatt (Scott) is a bouncer who's not happy with life and feels extremely undervalued by his family, especially his father who's a successful doctor (Eugene Levy). He idolizes legendary hockey goon Ross Rhea (Liev Schreiber) and spends most of his time hanging out with his hockey obsessed best friend, Pat (Baruchel), who hosts a commentary show on the sport. One day while the two are at a game a player climbs in to the stands attacking them (after being provoked by Pat) and calls them a homosexual slur. This upsets Doug, who has a gay brother, and he beats the crap out of him. His actions really impress the coach of his hometown hockey team (Nicholas Campbell) and he's asked to join the team as an enforcer. His success there leads to an invitation to join the Halifax Highlanders in Canada where he finally finds purpose and unity with his fellow teammates. He also attracts the attention of a girl (Alison Pill) for the first time and instantly falls for her.
Supposedly Doug Smith has been quoted as saying he's very happy with the film and it has been praised by hockey enthusiasts as an authentic look at the game, in all it's bloody glory. Baruchel and Goldberg's script is both witty and inspiring and Dowse's directing is sentimentally fitting. The film has a nice 80's feel to it (just like Dowse's 'TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT', which was a pretty good film as well). All of the actors are more than adequate in their roles; Schreiber is especially memorable and Scott is about as likable as he's ever been. Some may see the tale as sort of a 'FORREST GUMP' style glorification of idiots but I think it's extremely touching and heartfelt. It's inspirational as well as extremely humorous and a grade A crowd pleaser all around.
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