Toon Talk: Goal! The Dream Begins
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(c) Touchstone
In summary, the film sounds like just another sports flick, mired in all the clichés that go along with the genre. However, like Santiago weaving in and out of the opposing team players in the big match, the plot expertly avoids falling into such traps, delivering an involving and exciting story that, like a footballer in the rain, isn’t afraid to get a little wet. Director Danny Cannon takes no easy outs in Goal!, investing the viewer in Santiago’s quest to succeed as much as the character is; you feel all the blood, sweat and tears it takes for him to fulfill these, his wildest dreams.
The key to the film’s success lies in the performance of Santiago by Kuno Becker, the Mexican-born actor who is a big star in his native country but mostly unknown in the United States. With a passing resemblance to a young Antonio Banderas, Becker brings a naturalness to his role that makes him immediately endearing and relatable. Not since Gael Garcia Bernal (who was originally cast in this role) in Y tu Mama Tambian has a Latino actor made such an impressive splash on international screens.
Already a huge hit in Mexico and England, Goal! is already set for not one but two sequels; Goal! 2: Living the Dream (set in Spain) is currently in production with Becker and the rest of the outstanding cast, with a third chapter (set in Australia) in the “Santiago trilogy�? soon to follow. If the first installment is any indication, I’ll eagerly await returning to the stands to cheer on Santiago Munez just like a real football fan.
Toon Talk Rating: A-
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In this ‘Toon Talk’ feature, I will briefly highlight a recommended film or DVD, outside of the Disney universe, of similar interest to the main subject. Soccer Super Star Before Goal!, there was Bend It Like Beckham (2002, Fox), another favorite football film with an unlikely yet likable hero. While the family of Jesminder (Parminder Nagra) is preparing for her sister’s big fat Indian wedding, she just wants to score - on the soccer field, that is. Endearing characters, a clever script and an awesome soundtrack add up to a colorful crowd-pleaser. Directed by Gurinder Chadha and co-starring a pre-Pirates Keira Knightly and Jonathan Rhys Meyer, the DVD is available from 20th Century Fox Home Video. |
Coming Soon in Toon Talk:
- An all-star cast voices a collection of suburban animals that go Over the Hedge in the latest from DreamWorks Animation (May 19).
- The phenomenally successful Disney Channel movie High School Musical makes its Disney DVD debut on May 23.
- Get your kicks on Route 66 with the newest Pixar release, Cars (June 9, Disney).
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-- Kirby C. Holt
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http://www.cafepress.com/MagicBear
Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ...
Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.
The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted May 12, 2006