Paul Newman Delivers a Slapstick Performance in This Goofy Sports Comedy
Introduction:
Gather ’round, you young whippersnappers, and let old Ben Dover tell you about a movie they used to make back in the day, when movies were actually good. “Slap Shot” (1977), directed by George Roy Hill, is a sports comedy that follows the misadventures of a minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Hockey? That’s about as exciting as watching paint dry.” But trust me, this movie is anything but boring. It’s got more laughs than a clown car full of hyenas, and more action than a demolition derby. Paul Newman’s sports comedy classic is beloved, infamous, and, yes, pretty darn problematic by today’s standards. This movie’s got it all: hockey brawls, foul-mouthed dialogue, and a satirical take on the world of minor league hockey that’s as rough around the edges as the players themselves. But let’s get one thing straight: while Slap Shot has aged into something of a cult favorite, it hasn’t exactly aged gracefully in every respect.
Paul Newman, that silver fox of the silver screen, stars as Reggie Dunlop, the player-coach of the Chiefs. He’s a washed-up has-been who’s desperate to keep his team from folding. When he realizes that violence sells tickets, he turns his team into a goon squad of hockey hooligans. The result is a hilarious and chaotic spectacle that will have you rolling in the aisles. So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s both funny and exciting, “Slap Shot” is the perfect choice. Just don’t expect any deep philosophical insights or Oscar-worthy performances. Do expect some problems if watching through a lens of 2024. This is a movie that’s all about having a good time.
Review by Ben Dover: 4 out of 5 hooligans.
A hilarious and entertaining sports comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre.
“Slap Shot” is a hilarious and irreverent look at the world of minor league hockey. The film is full of over-the-top characters, slapstick humor, and outrageous situations. Paul Newman is perfectly cast as Reggie Dunlop, the cynical and world-weary coach of the Charlestown Chiefs. He delivers a performance that is both funny and endearing. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly the Hanson Brothers, a trio of goons who are as dumb as they are violent.
The plot revolves around the Charlestown Chiefs, a down-and-out minor league hockey team on the brink of collapse. Paul Newman stars as Reggie Dunlop, the team’s aging player-coach who decides that if they can’t win games, they might as well turn hockey into a series of brawls to sell tickets. Cue the arrival of the Hanson Brothers—three thick-glasses-wearing goons who can barely skate without knocking somebody’s teeth out but know how to throw a punch like they’re auditioning for Rocky. Their chaotic antics spark a winning streak that’s more about broken noses than broken records.
Paul Newman, bless his heart, delivers his usual charismatic performance, oozing that old-school charm while gleefully embracing the film’s outrageous humor. His character, Reggie, is a hustler with a heart of…well, maybe not gold, but something like aluminum. There’s an odd sort of joy in watching Newman go from smooth-talking ladies’ man to a maniac encouraging players to fight on the ice. It’s a different side of him, and it’s fun to watch—assuming you can get past some of the other things going on.
And now, we have to talk about those things, because Slap Shot is loaded with ‘em. Let’s be honest: if you’re looking at it through the lens of 2024, it’s cringeworthy at times. The film is drenched in ’70s-era attitudes that haven’t exactly aged well, with plenty of casual sexism, homophobia, and some old-fashioned “locker room talk” that would make a modern HR department break out in hives. There are moments that seem to revel in pushing the envelope—what was considered edgy back then now lands somewhere between awkward and downright offensive. It’s like the movie is daring you to still find it funny.
However, if you can look past (or rather, look through) the problematic parts, there’s no denying that Slap Shot remains a biting satire of professional sports. It’s a film that celebrates the absurdity of minor league hockey while skewering the idea of violent entertainment as a way to sell tickets. The story is rough, the humor is crude, but there’s a certain honesty to it—these guys are desperate, and they’re gonna do whatever it takes to win, even if it’s ugly.
The film’s humor is often crude and politically incorrect, but it is also undeniably funny. The hockey scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, and the film’s ending is both satisfying and surprising. “Slap Shot” is a classic sports comedy that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
Now, I’m not going to lie, there are a few things about “Slap Shot” that I didn’t love. The film’s language is often quite salty, and there are a few scenes that are a bit too violent for my taste. But overall, “Slap Shot” is a hilarious and entertaining film that is sure to please fans of sports comedies.
Just remember that this is a relic of a different time, capturing the spirit of ‘70s sports culture for better or worse. For some, it remains a hilarious cult classic, while others will find it hard to stomach. But whether you love it, hate it, or are somewhere in between, you can’t deny that Slap Shot left its mark on sports movies—even if some of that mark could use a little sanding down.
Oh, and one more thing. This whole “hockey” thing, it’s just a bunch of hooliganism, if you ask me. It’s not even a real sport. It’s just a bunch of guys running around on ice with sticks, trying to hit a puck into a net. What’s so exciting about that? I’ll tell you what’s exciting: baseball. Now that’s a real sport.
Anyways, I’m off to catch the game. You kids have fun with your “Slap Shot” and your “fighting” and your “hockey”. I’ll be over here, enjoying a real sport.
Starring:
- Paul Newman as Reggie Dunlop
- Strother Martin as Joe McGrath
- Michael Ontkean as Ned Braden
- Jennifer Warren as Francine Dunlop
- The Hanson Brothers as themselves
Special Effects:
The special effects in “Slap Shot” are minimal, but they are effective. The hockey scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, and the film’s violence is both comical and believable.
Music:
The music in “Slap Shot” is a mix of classic rock and roll and original score. The film’s soundtrack is both catchy and memorable.
Rating:
I give “Slap Shot” 4 out of 5 hooligans. It’s a hilarious and entertaining sports comedy that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown:
“Slap Shot” tells the story of the Charlestown Chiefs, a minor league hockey team that is struggling to stay afloat. When the team’s owner threatens to fold the franchise, player-coach Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman) comes up with a desperate plan to save the team: he turns them into a goon squad of hockey hooligans. The Chiefs’ new violent style of play quickly catches on with the fans, and the team begins to win games. However, the Chiefs’ success comes at a price, as the team’s violence begins to spiral out of control.
Famous Quotes:
- “Old time hockey.”
- “I’m listening to the fucking song!”
- “Who own da Chiefs?”
- “Puttin’ on the foil.”
- “Dave, you suck.”
Interesting Facts:
- The Hanson Brothers were based on real-life brothers who played for the Johnstown Jets, the team that “Slap Shot” is loosely based on.
- The film was shot on location in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and many of the extras in the film were local residents.
- “Slap Shot” was a box office success, grossing over $28 million on a budget of $2.3 million.
- The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of minor league hockey.
- “Slap Shot” has become a cult classic, and it is considered to be one of the greatest sports comedies of all time.
Photos:
Trailer: