Best Coaching Movie Ever Made

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2008)

I caught this movie on TV last week, having missed it in theaters a few years ago - not being very interested in 'hockey' movies. As I started to watch it, I could tell within 10 minutes that it was going to be terrific, mostly due to the excellent performance of Kurt Russell. Why he was not nominated for an Oscar is beyond me, because his character is the Hannibal Lecter of sports coaches. The whole movie is really about coaching and team building, perhaps the best example since "12 O'Clock High", and doesn't bore the non-hockey enthusiast with endless games, much like "Rocky" and boxing, instead focusing on character. Being Canadian (where the movie was filmed, by the way), I was also happy not to have over-the-top patriotic rhetoric. Though there are 'goofs' on historical accuracy, it is always enjoyable to see a period of history replayed. An excellent film, and a must see for anyone of any age and level of sports interest.