Maybe a bit dated in its "shock" value but still very funny

Rating: 8/10 (26 September 2005)

"Slap Shot" caused controversy when it was released in 1977 because it was essentially marketed on the basis that it was the rudest movie you'll ever see - and it starred Hollywood's famous "clean man" icon, Paul Newman.
The movie is a bit outdated now in the sense that its "shock" value isn't relevant - it looks tame compared to anything else profane out there (in terms of language) like "Nil By Mouth" or "Casino." However, in terms of humor it still delivers. Paul Newman stars as a hockey coach who tries to revive a dying team - they begin to use on-ice antics such as swearing and violence to help win games.
The Hanson Brothers (a trio of nerdy, vulgar players) are responsible for most of the outrageous humor whereas Newman relies more upon the stuff he's always been good at.
The overall finished product is hardly great but it's effective. This was yet another George Roy Hill/Paul Newman teaming and it showed once and for all that they really are a terrific duo (like Scorsese and De Niro or Burton and Depp) and even when "Slap Shot" is failing it's still amusing because of Newman's presence and Hill's direction.