"Goalkeepers are crazy"

Rating: 6/10 (6 August 2010)

I don't know who first said that,but it has become a bit of a truism,and,like most truisms,it has a kernel of truth. No other position in the field of play is so exposed.One error can live with you for ever.You've got to get down among the flying boots and up among the flying elbows.You've got to judge speed,angles,flight of the ball and organise your defence.In fact you've got to be crazy to want to be a goalkeeper.Mr S.Stallone fits the bill in "Escape to Victory". His antics reminded me of Rene Higuita of "Scorpion kick" fame the Colombian international goalie who served time for his connection to the Medellin cartel. I'm not sure who the movie was aimed at.Stallone to attract the Yanks? Pele to attract the Brazilians?The great Bobby Moore to keep us Brits happy? Many of Mr Huston's later films were not exactly fireworks at the Box - Office but I guess video and now DVD saved this one. A bit like "The Great Ecape" - everybody knows what happens and it is impossible to criticise seriously because it's just a bit of trivia that the Old Man knocked out between the things he really wanted to do. Just go with the flow and you'll be O.K.