Slap Shot

Starring:  Paul Newman, Strother Martin

Also Starring:  Jennifer Warren, Michael Ontkean

Director:  George Roy Hill

Box Office Gross:  N/A

DVD release date:  1/5/1999

Special Extras: The list of bonus items includes production notes, cast and director backgrounds, and the theatrical trailer. While not an extensive list, the production notes is an interesting read, and helps explain where the film came from. The cast backgrounds are up to date (DVD published in 1999) and interesting, as many of the cast members are not well-known. Web links.

Options:  English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono). Subtitles in Spanish, English (captions)

Summary:  A failing ice hockey team finds success using constant fighting and violence during games.

 

Review:

From the trailer, "Behind the comedy the sex and the wild excitement lies the story of one man trying to find his place in an absurd world. There's never been a move like Slap Shot, and there may never be another. "

If you only want to watch one hockey move, this is it. Few sports movies provide the reality of a sport along with great comic relief. Hockey is a brutal sport, and Slap Shot shows this in detail. You can feel the body slams and cheap shots thrown by the players. But it has more than that, a cast of characters which provide incredible comedy.

Paul Newman leads the cast of characters in this rags to riches story. With names like the Hanson Brothers, "Ogie" Oglethorpe, "Dr. Hook McCracken", and Dave "Killer" Carlson, it's a cast of screwball hockey players who thrive on violence to win games and please the fans. The Hanson Brothers (Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson and Dave Hanson) are still around doing shows at professional hockey games, proving the lasting humor in the movie.


The best thing about it is the Hansons. They're these three brothers with one brain to share between them, but they inadvertently inspire the team to begin brawling on the ice in order to boost ticket sales. The more fans that are cheering the Chiefs, the more confidence they have, and the more games they win. The brothers look and act like each other, and when they're talking (usually all at the same time) they're virtually indistinguishable.

Universal did a good job with the video transfer, the picture is crisp and clear. My only complaint is the long introduction Universal stuck on the title screen, which isn't even good advertising. The sound leaves something to be desired, it is only two channel mono.

Mild nudity and foul language makes it inappropriate for the younger kids (it's no "Mighty Ducks") but adults will find it hilarious. One of the funniest films ever to come out of Hollywood, this is the kind of movie that makes its own rules as it goes along. Go buy or rent it!

DVD Rating:

Look: 4/5

Sound: 2/5

Extras: 3/5

Total:  3/5