slap happy

Rating: 8/10 (3 July 2005)

Truly original movie. Newman proves yet again why he's the best actor of all time in this seedy, hilarious little slice of hockey heaven. Plenty of great movies since owe a debt of gratitude to it, including Fargo and Almost Famous. This movie really tells it like it is in a way that seems to have been forgotten. The script zings along like they're all just making it up off the top of their heads. Truly inspired and probably slightly shocking to today's audiences. Even better, there are no clunky sentimental plot threads. The "romantic" story lines are realistic and touching in a blunt sort of way that really rings true. Fun and crazy sure, but also hugely influential and important. One of the ten greatest movies of all time, no question. Go the Hanson brothers!