The world needs more Goons like Doug Glatt

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2012)

Few and far between, we are occasionally given a film that rises into immortality, and takes its place in the lexicon of classic sports flicks. Goon is destined to be accepted among them. Goon is a film about a lovable bruiser Doug Glatt (Sean William Scott) who can't find much more viable employment or purpose other than being a bouncer at the local bar. Feeling alienated by his family and longing to find his "thing" in life, he turns to his best friend Pat (Jay Baruchel, who also produces and co-wrote the script). Wanting to cheer Doug up, Pat takes him to a local hockey game for a night of corn dogs and mayhem. When things turn ugly and a player climbs into the stands to flatten foul and loud-mouthed Pat, Doug comes to the rescue and beats the pud out of the unsuspecting player. The crowd eats it up and the local coach is impressed to boot. A new light shines on Dougie, and he begins a journey on the path to his rightful place in life. Things don't come easy for Doug; he can hardly skate, and the teams he plays for are in disarray. But Doug knows he's good at one thing; being strong, and he doesn't take his calling lightly. Through Doug's can-do attitude and never-back-down to opposition mentality, the team starts finding it's rhythm and in return, Doug finds enlightenment, love and acceptance among his peers (although his parents aren't quite as understanding). What sets Goon apart from other sports flicks is that it feels authentic. Doug's character of an indestructible goon with a heart of gold brings the audience in as we laugh at his unfortunate anecdotes and wince at his undeserved pain. In the climax of the movie between good goon Doug "The Thug" Glatt and the league's bad goon Ross "The Boss" Rhea (Liev Schreiber) the crowd stands on its feet in what is an unbelievable "can this really be happening?" sports moment. I found this to rank up there with some of the greatest sports moments in movie history (i.e. Rudy running out of the tunnel, etc.) My adrenaline was pumping and goosebumps were popping. What happens when an unstoppable force hits and immovable object? Check out this flick to find out. You shan't be disappointed.