Beer, Buddies and Brawls (Not Necessarily in That Order)

Rating: 7/10 (25 July 2012)

Seann William Scott proves himself capable of carrying a comedy in this potty-mouthed, and very funny, movie about a lug head who's hired by a flailing hockey team because he's good at fighting.
Jay Baruchel, who wrote and produced the film, also stars as Scott's buddy and chief supporter, doing his best to make up for parents (the dad is played by Eugene Levy) who are disappointed with a hockey player son. The ever-delightful Alison Pill is also in the cast as Scott's love interest, and I just want to say that it's about time someone gives this woman a starring role in something. And Liev Schreiber is cast as a crusty soon-to-retire hockey player who serves both as Scott's idol and his arch nemesis.
The film is based on a true story, and I suppose I should be at least a little appalled at its unapologetic tendency to glory in brute violence for the sake of brute violence. But I don't look to movies to teach me moral lessons, so I thought it was a lot of fun.
Grade: A-