Very original and very formulaic at the same time.

Rating: 6/10 (15 July 2012)

"Goon" is an exceptionally crude and formulaic film. I would not recommend it for you unless you can deal with the ridiculously foul language (unnecessarily so) and the fact that at its heart it's EXACTLY like practically all other sports films when it comes to the movie's structure (hence, it's really predictable). Yet, despite all this, the movie still has something worth seeing--a nice guy playing the lead. Now this is really odd, as this nice guy is also a guy hired to play hockey for one reason--because he can beat the crap out of just about anyone! Seann William Scott plays 'Doug'--a 20-something loser who has nothing going for him. However, quite by chance, he attends a hockey game and ends up getting in a fight with one of the players! The crowd loves it, as Doug beats the snot out of the guy. Inexplicably, with this as his ONLY known skill, he's given a tryout by a minor league team. He can barely skate and has no skills but inexplicably gets the job. And soon, he's a fan favorite, as his fists become legendary.
Eventually, he does well enough that he's advanced to the next level in hockey--and this is where the film becomes VERY formulaic down deep. The team (not surprisingly) can do nothing but lose but eventually, with Doug's help, they turn it around and are contenders (yawn) for the playoffs. It's really disappointing, as before this plot began, the film was crude but VERY original. Now I am not saying that the film is ruined, but the plot is the same you'll find in "The Natural", "Semi-Pro", "Angels in the Outfield" and a bazillion others--a loser team somehow turns it around and MIGHT just make the playoffs (and they ALWAYS do).
So is it worth seeing? Sure...if it's your sort of thing. Although I think for what it is, "Slapshot" is a superior film--more original, far funnier and (if possible) a bit more family-friendly.