Slap Shot: Rude, crude, vulgar, violent, funny, and way ahead of its time. Slap Shot is like looking through the past to inspiration of films such as Semi Pro, The Mighty Ducks, and basically every other sports comedy made since. Although it wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but I can say it was really really funny. For real.
Reggie Dunlop (played by Paul Newman) is the player/coach of the Charleston Chiefs. Unfortunately, the mill is closing and forcing the team to fold. In order to inspire his team and put people in the stands, Dunlop tells the team a retirement center in Florida is interested in buying, and the Chiefs start playing like a bunch of goons, none more so than the Hanson brothers. The Hansons, by far the most entertaining aspect of the film, are three bespectacled brothers who play some of the dirtiest hockey seen. All of this is against the style of star player Ned Braden (Michael Ontkean). Throw in some off-ice marital drama, and you have the storyline of Slap Shot.
There are so many laugh out loud moments in the movie, it’s hard to determine which is my favorite. I think the best example of the movie is when a massive fight breaks out before the game even starts; before even the referees come out. All of it is ending with the ref telling one of the Hansons that he better cut it out, to which he replies “I’m trying to listen to the ****ing song!”. Referencing, of course, the national anthem. It is very vulgar, so if that isn’t your style, I would stay away. If not, go ahead!
Weekday Matinee 