Goon (2011)

Think to yourself.  What was the last great comedy you watched that had you in stitches from beginning to end?  A film so funny, you had to restart it once was done to make sure you caught all those missed lines?  A movie that had so many great lines that you had to share them with your co-workers the next day?

Have you heard of Goon?

What's also funny is that this movie is now three years old, and many have yet to experience it.  I think with all the movies that I own, this is the one that has been passed around from person to person the most.

At it's true core, this is a film with lots of heart.  But to really see that, you need to get through much violence and vulgarity.  Neither taking away from the film.  In fact, both are needed to help move the story along.  Really, with a name like Goon, you weren't expecting cute puppies now were you?  No, this is a movie with lots of saucy language, and enough blood to rival some slasher flicks.  If neither you can handle.  I might not suggest watching this.  Sexual comments and racist remarks reveal themselves in almost every scene.  But not to the point that you are revolted.  Actually you will probably find yourself having a good laugh.  The blood, is well, it's flowing.  But not to the extent of an Eli Roth movie.  This is a hockey movie after all, not a gore fest.  Keep in mind thou.  This is a violent movie.

Now a bit about this movie.  The story follows the rise of our Goon, from a nobody to a somebody.  In the hockey world, a Goon is a bully, an enforcer, and a body guard.  They don't score, they don't set up that great shot, and generally don't get to see the ice all that often.  And most of all they don't seem to have a heart.  They are relentless.  Except that our Goon, Doug Glatt (Sean William Scott) does, in fact have a heart.  He cares way too much actually.  He accepts his roll on the team as a reason and a purpose.  One that only he can achieve. He's kinda lovable actually.  A bully with a heart. We follow him through his journey and see how he connects with others and the new world that he has entered.  And we cheer him on.  From that first moment he learns to skate, to the penultimate battle we know that he is destine to have.  We find ourselves now rooting for the bully, the underdog if you will.

Many years ago I watched Slap Shot, and like many others I considered this one of the funniest sports movies of all time.  And it has stood the test of time.  People still talk about that movie.  People are still quoting it.  Sports television networks still post little clips from the film.  The Hanson brothers have continued on as legends in their own right.  And with Goon, we now have that movie for our generation to boast about.  The same that others did for Slap Shot.

Recommendation : In the mood for a good laugh?  Definitely see this hidden gem!