Corny but rather old-fashioned adventure set in World War 2.

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2008)

During the second world war... Prisoners of War are stuck in a Prison Germany War Camp. Former Soccer British Player John Colby (Two-Time Oscar Winner:Michael Caine) passes his time in prison by playing soccer with the inmates. When a major Nazi officer (Max Von Sydow) also loves the game of soccer, he asked Colby if he could form a team to play against all-star German players. The major wants the game to be played in Paris, France to attract people from all over Europe. An ambitious American Soldier Robert Hatch (Sylvester Stallone) wants to be in the team but he wants to escape as well by one of the inmates making him an good looking fake passport. But Hatch's plan becomes more complicated, when the other prisoners asked him for his help to contact the resistance as well. Now Hatch and the others have to plan to escape during the high profile game in Paris.
Directed by John Huston (The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, Moby Dick) made an entertaining, old-fashioned adventure that is loosely based on a true story. Caine and Von Sydow certainly add class to this movie. Stallone does his best with his role but some viewers might find it unintentionally hilarious to see Stallone being a soccer goaler is certainly one of the film's least realistic moments. Although an box office disappointment, "Victory" has become an cult favorite for years.
DVD has an good anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an decent Dolby 2.0 Mono Sound. The DVD's only extra is the original theatrical trailer. "Victory" does has some good moments, especially when Pelé shows up on screen and there's some good camera work by Cinematographer:Gerry Fisher (The Exorcist 3, The Ninth Configuration, Wolfen). "Victory" is basically good simple entertainment but it is occasionally silly as well. Worth a look. Panavision. (*** ½/*****).