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Released in February of 1977, this comedy film directed by George Roy Hill grossed almost
$30-million at the box office, and depicts the story of a minor league hockey team that
resorts to violence and fights to help bolster their waning popularity in a struggling mill
town. Far too handsome to actually be a hockey player, the timelessly talented Paul Newman
leads the cast of misfit rejects and quirky characters - whose bygone vernacular is often
offensive and crude, but undeniably funny. When one character rudely tells Newman he
sucks ***, the charming leading man smugly retorts, "All I can get." - which is perhaps
why the salad-dressing salesman also stated this is his personal favorite of his many
movies. The R-rated story develops rather slowly over its 123-minute runtime, and no
real plot is established until the half-way mark, but despite the poor pacing, it's still
entertaining. Perhaps due to the film's age and style, I was initially bored and unimpressed
with the film so many have called one of the best sports-movies ever. But the more I thought
about it, the more I enjoyed with the goofy humor, original characters, and believable
performances. Featuring more fist-fights and high-sticking than actual puck-slinging, the
rowdy team even takes their punches into the stands during one crazy hectic moment. The
visual style, costumes, and music are all instant throwbacks to a different era, and
watching this movie today plays out like a sort of 1970's time-capsule. Between all the
shouting and improvised antics, some of the dialogue can be difficult to hear - and although
amusing, it's doubtful I'll be compelled to watch this picture again. Capping-off the
raunchy proceedings off with a bizarre and non-traditional ending, this is however a
great guy-flick, especially for hockey fans. "Slap Shot", a "Juvenile antics provide fleeting
enjoyment."
Now lets bring in the rate-o-matic for my score... a GOOD. While I understand and appreciate
why many hockey fans hold this film in a special place in their hearts, I for one wasn't as
impressed by it... Paul Newman is always great to watch, but otherwise, I have to score it
a SIX.