Next Goal Wins (2023)
18KNext Goal Wins (2023). 1h 43m | PG-13
“I was really excited when this ended up being the Monday mystery movie. I had been looking forward to it, I didnu0026#39;t expect it to be great, just wanted it to be fun and it is.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s classic Taika Waititi humor, much like Ryan Reynolds; you need to like the person to enjoy their movies because their films are simply extensions of themselves and their humor. If youu0026#39;re not a fan of Taika, this might not be your cup of tea.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe movie is genuinely fun and funny. Every character appears incompetent, yet many seem to have life figured out. Bad analogy, but itu0026#39;s akin to watching a child play something badly or a homeless man dancing in the rain, dog chasing itu0026#39;s tail-technically futile, but they have no worries and are having the time of their lives. Thereu0026#39;s an innocence and purity to them, and despite their shortcomings, the movie remains uplifting.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMichael Fassbender felt miscast, but considering itu0026#39;s based on a true story, maybe he was a perfect fit as the actual coach in real life? However, still felt the movie wouldu0026#39;ve been better served if the actual team took the spotlight instead of the coach. A case where the supporting characters outshone the lead.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe 5 stages of grief bit was really funny. I kind of wish they had called u0026quot;the Hollywoodu0026quot; the Neymar. What happened to the bleeding guy in the clinic? He was so random.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eReally cool underdog story, reminiscent of sports comedies from my primary school years in the late 2000s. Like a movie Adam Sandler shouldu0026#39;ve been in. While the plot is one thatu0026#39;s been done many times, it feels refreshing touch because itu0026#39;s been a while since a film like this was made.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe movie emotionally kicks into high gear in the last third. The daughteru0026#39;s voicemails added a great emotional touch, providing depth without being too obvious until their purpose is revealed. I found myself asking u0026quot;why?u0026quot; a lot-pick up the phone. The movieu0026#39;s nothing extraordinary but itu0026#39;s decent.”
