Hit In The Funny Bone By A "Slapshot"

"Slapshot" is one of those great sports flicks that came out of the 70's.
However, this isn't "Brian's Song" or "Bang the Drum Slowly" by a longshot. Why?? Cause the movie is freakin' hilarious! The slapstick humor and superb acting make this film stand on its own two feet--an absolute timeless classic.

I can't believe that I had written 30+ reviews and neglected to write a review on my favorite sports comedy of all time. Make no mistake--this movie will have you rolling around the floor and still laughing by the end of the movie. There were so many classic one liners and scenes that make me crack a smile just thinking about it.

In summary, Paul Newman is the player/coach of the fictional Charleston Chiefs. The team is horrible--event the fans harass the players and tell them how bad they are. As a result, rumor gets out that the team will fold at the end of the season. So, Paul Newman's character (Reg Dunlop) starts a rumor of his own--instead of the team folding, it will be sold and relocated to Florida the following season. Dunlop uses this as a motivational tool to psyche the players up and play better hockey. Well, his plan worked. With the addition of the colorful Hanson Brothers (each of the three wears these horrible black glasses with tape across the bridge to hold them together), the team makes a run for the title. Other main characters on the team include the goal scoring Ned Braden, the team fighter Dave "the Killer" Carlson, and Denis Lemieux (I think that's how it is spelled) the French Canadien goalie. Finally, the Hanson Brothers provide a spectacle for the fans--not only can they score goals and get into big fights, but they display such a flair of showmanship that brings Chief fans to their feet.

The humor is nonstop throughout the movie. Much of it is your typical "3 Stooges Humor" where physical actions alone make way for humor. For example, the organ player gets hit in the head with a puck while playing during a Chiefs game way up above the ice. Or, there is a bench clearing brawl where everyone on the team usually gets their butts kicked.

Then there are the classic one liners. There is the typical locker room talk among the players which is usually vulgar and obscene, but outright hilarious. I hate it when the movie is played on TV and the language is edited. Even though it is a little overdone at times, the foul language is typical for macho hockey players when they are all roomed together. The dialogue was very well-written, and it is the sole element that makes the movie an absolute classic.

Most of the humor is hockey related, but the not-so-hockey fans will pick up on it as well. The movie is just so much fun from start to finish. What also helps to make the movie is excellent acting. Newman delivers a standout performance as the over-the-hill, foul mouthed Reg Dunlop. Strother Martin also is great as team's run down, cheapskate general manager. The other members of the team also add such individuality and creativeness to their characters. So, if you are looking for a great comedy, especially with a little sports flavor, then take a take the "slapshot."