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Against a backdrop of the local factory shutting down and the layoffs it brings, a minor league hockey coach fights for the future of the team by encouraging his players to boost the violence on the ice. The inspiration for the film came from the "Hanson Brothers," who were actual hockey players shooting the film in off-season. To laud this film I might point out its depiction of the inner struggles of a coach and his team, grudgingly turning away from fairness and sportsmanship in an era of pure survival, but this movie is really just plain fun. It's a unique hollywood film featuring non-actors who deliver an irreplaceable authenticity and humor, and a fine role for Paul Newman.
I am a serious fan of hockey and bought this DVD on the recommendation of many hockey players that voted Slap Shot as one of their all time favorite movies. It's about a team that cannot win a game until they bring in new players, well known for their roughness. Although Slap Shot is not a great movie it has very funny moments. Even if you aren't a fan of the game, you could enjoy the absurdity of some of the characters such as the Hanson brothers; the only way the three brothers know how to play the game is just down and dirty, which turns the team around and they start to win games. One players refuses to play dirty but in the end (the very end) it's his actions that help the team to victory. If you want a light-hearted look at the game of hockey, Slap Shot is worth the purchase.Read full review
Great movie. Hilarious and really shows old school comic hockey at its best. Not for kids. Language is really inappropriate.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Remember ice hockey in the 1970s? The violence, the fights, the fans screaming when 2 or more opposing players squared off? Paul Newman plays Reggie Dunlop, the player/coach of the minor league Charlestown Chiefs who are losing a lot and can't draw any fans. Then, he decides that, if "old time hockey" doesn't sell, then maybe violence will. So the Chiefs, aided by the 3 Hanson brothers who were recently acquired on the cheap by the Chiefs' GM (Strother Martin) and who introduce the team to on ice fights that bring in the fans, become championship contenders, though they find the team will fold after the current season. This movie was groundbreaking in its time as it used the uncensored locker room language used by all athletes in locker rooms, on the field or ice, in baseball dugouts, and anywhere males converse with one another in their universally understood sports related patois. Newman is comedically brilliant as Reggie Dunlop, the player/coach of the team and Strother Martin is also as Joe McGrath, the GM of this team. The rest of the cast are mostly unknowns, except for Michael Ontkean as Ned Braden, Melinda Dillon as a disaffected player's wandering wife, and Jennifer Warren as Dunlop's separated wife. The 3 Hanson brothers were real hockey pros, 2 of whom - IIRC - played in the NHL. What "Bull Durham" was for baseball is what "Slap Shot" is for hockey, a somewhat vulgar but laugh out loud enjoyable time. It's not something the NY Times would give 5 stars, probably, but it's a 5 star movie IMNSHO.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Watched this twice since it was released - it is one of the greatest hockey movie ever - reminds me of the senior A games I went to when I was younger - always good for a slap down.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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