On S List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Slap Shot (1977)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
11/15
11/15:
Slap Shot is an unusual hockey picture at the hands of George Roy Hill.
He's primarily known for directing mediocre films, notwithstanding
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It's also
the third film collaboration between him and Paul Newman with the other being
The Sting.
What makes Slap Shot easy to get into is the camaraderie among the ensemble. They gel together so well that
winning isn't the point. The finale is fitting because it's a representation of what the movie is all about.
It's hard to single out anyone in terms of performances, but I have to say the biggest difference maker is the inclusion
of the Hanson Brothers who are played well by Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, and David Hanson, all former professional
hockey players. At this point, it should be obvious it's the one that Mike Myers stole the idea from for
Wayne's World by modeling Dana Carvey's character after one of them.
The reason for the rating of '7' is the inconsistency of the pace. Some parts are kind of amusing with several others
that are quite funny, but the rest is tedious. Hence, there are a lot of ups and downs to prevent full entertainment.
Also, it doesn't help matters any when the supposedly hockey scenes have been turned into WWF on ice.
All in all, the lack of realism makes it hard to call Slap Shot a hockey picture.