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The bloodbaths that follow not only win the side games, but
also a level of notoriety that gets fans' bums on seats and
even earns them a busload of followers who travel to away
games with them.
Slap Shot is not family viewing - there are more F-words
flung about than even I've heard in a while - and lots of
sex references and bare bottoms shown. However, it is about
ice hockey and that's a sport not generally known for high-brow
players (or followers).
The games footage is fun, with many real-life players involved
in the action, and two of the key actors - Paul Newman and
Michael Ontkean - do very well on skates. Ontkean in fact
was the highest scorer for his college/university ice hockey
team so his style is first-rate.
Off-field, Slap Shot is about the women and wives
left behind and the sort of lives journeyman players have
playing professional hockey.
One amazing thing is how dated the uniforms and equipment
have changed in 25 years - the game you see now is soooooo
different.
Slap Shot has been rated among the best sports movies
ever made and I'm not sure that is true for an Australasian
audience. It has moments of brilliance and utter hilarity,
however, some of it goes a bit over the top - particularly
the fashion.
If you don't happen to be an ice-hockey fan, or love a bit
of blood and guts on a sporting field, then it is still worth
watching for Newman's naughty performance and cult wonders
the Hanson Brothers.
Conclusion: Movie 80%, Extras 75%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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