When I initially sat down to watch Goon, I wasn’t really expecting much. As I stood up as the credits rolled by, I had become thoroughly impressed. Goon tells the story of Doug “The THUG” Glatt, a hockey player who gets drafted by a minor league team for one purpose…TO FIGHT! Doug is an extremely nice (maybe even too nice at times) man, who can has an out of this world grit, that can truly fight! It’s really Seann William Scott who shines brightly in the movie and ensures that it doesnt ‘t slide into the realm of “some idiot with a hockey stick” movie. Seann brings a sweet sincerity to the character of Doug, who possesses an almost dog-like loyalty to people, even when the loyalty isn’t reciprocated.
Jay Baruchel (also writer) plays Doug’s best friend Pat, Doug’s true friend with the mouth of 10 sailors. The comedy throughout the film is solid, and some of the best scenes are played out in the team’s locker room. One such scene is with the team’s goalie, as he angrily tells Doug and the audience there are two rules:
- STAY AWAY FROM MY F**KING PERCOCETS.
- AND DO YOU HAVE ANY F**KING PERCOCETS?
Another standout comedic scene, has to be the inspiring speech the coach delivers (as he mashes the unfairness of his impending divorce with the rallying speech of the team winning), a confusing speech, to say the least, that ends with the “Gay Porn HARD!” war cry. (You’ve got to see it!) The movie shows quick glimpses of greatness, but never truly comes into it’s own until the last 15 minutes. As the story of hot prospect Xavier Laflamme unfolds, the footage tape of his past career shows just how exciting the sport of hockey is as he bobs and weaves through his opponents and along the ice.
The whole film builds up to the final fight, and the payoff is well worth it. Throughout the movie, we watch Doug get into countless fights, never fearing for his safety. As more and more black eyes and bruises appear on Doug’s body, the audience comes to realize that he’s just a man. One of the best scenes in the film is when Doug has a sit-down dinner with the films antagonist Ross “The Boss” Rhea (Liev Schreiber), and Doug heroically explains his philosophy of teamwork:
“I do what my team needs. If my team needs me to bleed. Then I bleed.”
And bleed Doug does, and the fights in the film makes you feel as if you’re viewing a UFC highlight reel rather than a sport that has been portrayed by a Disney movie. (Ducks fly together!) If you get that reference leave it in the comments! The film builds up to the climactic fight between Ross and our hero Doug. It’s pretty epic right before it begins, and mid way through you just want it to be over. There’s blood, tooth loss, and even a K.O. And for that reason alone, I’m sure all my fellas would apprecitate this film.
The DVD is available through Amazon retailers. Watch the trailer below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itXRNxErUwM
