Introduction Slap Shot
"Slap Shot", released in 1977, is a cult classic that takes place during the tumultuous 1970s, a time of great social change and upheaval in American society. The film is set in a small town in Maine where the local hockey team, the Chiefs, are struggling to stay relevant amidst declining attendance and a dwindling fan base. The story follows Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman), the coach of the Chiefs, who has had enough of the team's lackluster performance and decides to take matters into his own hands. In an effort to boost morale and attract more fans to the games, Reggie introduces a new strategy: roughhousing on the ice, which he believes will make the game more exciting and appealing to spectators. However, this approach leads to chaos and violence both on and off the ice, as the players begin to engage in increasingly brutal behavior. The team's new reputation attracts attention from local authorities, who are eager to shut down the Chiefs for good. Amidst the mayhem, Reggie finds himself caught between his desire to succeed as a coach and his growing sense of responsibility towards the well-being of his players. Throughout the film, "Slap Shot" tackles themes such as machismo, violence, and the darker side of American culture during the 1970s. It also explores the complexities of male relationships and the ways in which societal pressures can shape our behavior. The movie's blend of humor, satire, and social commentary has made it a beloved classic among many film enthusiasts.
Plot and Themes Slap Shot
"Slap Shot" is a 1977 American comedy film directed by George Roy Hill. The movie follows the story of Reggie Dunlop, played by Paul Newman, who becomes the coach of the minor league hockey team the Syracuse Bulldogs. The plot revolves around Dunlop's unorthodox methods to improve his team's performance on the ice. He comes up with the idea of using goons and enforcers on the team to intimidate opponents and protect their own players. The goons are a group of rough, rugged men who fight more than they play hockey, but they also have a code of honor that Dunlop tries to exploit. Throughout the movie, there is a lot of violence, both on and off the ice. The goons engage in fights with opposing players and even with each other. They are also involved in various forms of mischief, such as vandalism and theft. Despite the chaos caused by the goons, the Bulldogs start to win games and gain popularity. However, their success attracts attention from the National Hockey League (NHL), which leads to a conflict between Dunlop's approach and the more traditional values of professional hockey. The themes of "Slap Shot" include the corrupting influence of violence, the power of teamwork, and the struggle for individuality in a conformist society. The movie also explores issues related to class, with the goons coming from working-class backgrounds and being seen as outsiders by the more affluent players on the team. Overall, "Slap Shot" is a comedy that uses humor and satire to comment on various aspects of American culture. It has become a cult classic among hockey fans and those who enjoy offbeat comedies.
Performance and Direction Slap Shot
"Slapshot" (1977) is a cult classic, known for its over-the-top humor, outrageous characters, and offbeat storyline. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and direction in this movie: **Actors:** * Paul Newman as Reggie Dunlop: Newman gives a memorable performance as the aging hockey player who becomes the coach of a misfit team. He brings his trademark wit and charm to the role, making Reggie both likable and relatable. * Michael Ontkean as Ned Braden: Ontkean's portrayal of the clean-cut, by-the-book hockey player is excellent. His reactions to the antics of the other players are priceless. * Strother Martin as Joe McGrath: Martin brings his signature dry wit to the role of the team owner, and his interactions with Reggie are some of the film's funniest moments. * Carl Weathers as Coon Carlson: Weathers is hilarious as the rough-riding, hard-partying hockey player. His physical comedy skills are on full display in this film. **Direction:** * George Roy Hill's direction is a big part of what makes "Slapshot" so enjoyable. He knows just when to push the envelope and make the humor work. His use of music, editing, and camera angles adds to the overall energy and irreverence of the film. * The pacing of the movie is well-balanced between humor and drama. Hill knows how to milk a joke for all it's worth without overstaying its welcome. **Criticisms:** * Some viewers might find the humor in "Slapshot" too over-the-top or raunchy. The film does feature some graphic content, including nudity, sexual innuendo, and violence. * The plot can be a bit thin at times, relying more on the characters' antics than on a compelling storyline. **Conclusion:** Overall, "Slapshot" is a cult classic that has aged well due to its irreverent humor and memorable performances. While it may not appeal to everyone, fans of offbeat comedies will find plenty to enjoy in this film.
Technical Aspects Slap Shot
'Slap Shot', a comedy film released in 1977, is indeed an iconic hockey-themed classic that boasts some impressive technical achievements for its time. Cinematography: The cinematography in 'Slap Shot' was handled by David Myers. While not revolutionary for the era, it is notable for showcasing the fast-paced action on the ice with a keen eye for detail and capturing the chaotic atmosphere of an NHL hockey game. The camera work is often dynamic, following players and pucks across the ice to create a sense of tension and excitement. Sound Design: Although 'Slap Shot' was made before the widespread use of digital sound systems, it still features a robust audio mix that effectively immerses the viewer in the world of professional hockey. The sound effects are well-executed, capturing the distinct sounds of sticks cracking against pucks, skates gliding across ice, and crowd noise during games. Visual Effects: Given its release date, 'Slap Shot' does not rely heavily on visual effects. However, there are some notable moments where CGI is used to enhance specific sequences. For instance, during a memorable fight scene between the Hanson Brothers (played by the real-life Hanson Brothers, who were also the film's consultants) and their opponents, digital blood splatters are added to create a more realistic effect. Additionally, when a player hits the glass surrounding the rink, a subtle CGI "shatter" effect is applied. Lighting: The lighting in 'Slap Shot' is often bright and contrasty, which helps to emphasize the physicality of hockey. This approach also makes it easier for the camera to capture fast-paced action shots without worrying about low light levels. Editing: Editing plays a crucial role in making 'Slap Shot' an entertaining film. The pace of the editing matches the frenetic energy of the on-ice action, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the story. Notable is the use of quick cuts during fight scenes or when players are jostling for possession of the puck. Overall, while 'Slap Shot' may not have been groundbreaking in terms of technical achievement, it still holds up well today due to its entertaining blend of hockey action, humor, and memorable characters.
More Details Slap Shot
'Slap Shot' is a 1977 comedy film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin, and Jennifer Warren. The story follows Ned Brainerd, a veteran of the minor league hockey circuit who takes on a new role as coach for the hapless minor league team, the Hanson Brothers. The film was produced by United Artists and features a mix of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and memorable characters. Some interesting trivia about the production includes: 1. The Hanson Brothers - The main characters in the movie are played by real-life hockey players Steve Dalkowski, Jeff Carlson, and Dave Hanson. They were all minor league hockey players who were discovered during a tryout. 2. The Filming Locations - Many of the film's exterior scenes were shot on location in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. This includes many shots of the Xcel Energy Center, which was then known as the Met Center. 3. The Hockey Teams - While not all the teams depicted in the movie actually existed, some did. The Hanson Brothers, for example, played for the Tulsa Oilers in the Central Professional Hockey League. 4. The Strother Martin Character - Strother Martin plays a corrupt and eccentric coach who tries to bribe the Hanson brothers. He was known for his eccentric performances on screen. 5. The 'Slap Shot' Fight - The iconic fight scene between the Hanson Brothers and a group of hockey players from another team took over 15 hours to film. 6. Paul Newman's Improvisation - Paul Newman is known for his improvisational skills, which he showcased in several scenes throughout the movie. 7. The Soundtrack - The film's soundtrack features music by Elmer Bernstein and includes classic rock songs like "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. 8. The Hanson Brothers' Music Career - After the success of 'Slap Shot', the real-life Hanson brothers released a country-rock album titled 'Hanson Brothers Hockey Rock'. They also toured with their band, performing at various venues around North America. 9. The Impact on Minor League Hockey - 'Slap Shot' helped popularize minor league hockey and inspired many fans to follow the sport. It has since become a cult classic and is still widely enjoyed today.
Conclusion Slap Shot
Here's a potential conclusion for the movie 'Slapshot': "Slap Shot" is a sports comedy that, at its core, is about the power of teamwork and camaraderie in overcoming adversity. The film tells the story of Charlie Conlan, a former minor league hockey player who becomes coach of the Charleston Chiefs, a struggling team in the major leagues. With the help of his new teammates, Charlie learns to put aside his personal biases and embrace the unique personalities of each player on the roster. One of the strengths of "Slap Shot" is its well-developed characters. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances from Paul Newman as Charlie Conlan and Michael Ontkean as Ned Braden. The chemistry between these actors is palpable, making their interactions on-screen feel natural and believable. Another strength of the movie is its witty dialogue. The screenplay by Nancy Dowd is full of clever one-liners and humorous exchanges that had this reviewer laughing out loud multiple times throughout the film. However, "Slap Shot" also has some significant weaknesses. The plot can be somewhat predictable at times, with characters making decisions that feel like they were made solely to advance the story rather than based on their own motivations or personalities. Additionally, some of the supporting cast members are underdeveloped and feel more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out people. In conclusion, while "Slap Shot" has its flaws, it remains a charming and entertaining film that is well worth watching for fans of sports comedies. The strong performances from the leads and the witty dialogue make up for some of the movie's shortcomings, making it a worthwhile addition to any hockey fan's DVD collection. Overall, I would give "Slap Shot" 3.5 out of 5 stars.