Goalie

I always have low expectations when I watch hockey movies. Usually because they tend to miss what makes the game great. This movie gets it. The heart, the people that it isn't just a sport to, that they can't walk away from, that they are willing to sacrifice everything for. People who don't feel that way may not get it. But somehow this little movie pieces together a pretty compelling...almost tone poem at times...about that very soul of the game. I found out after some of the monologues were taken from a poetry book about Sawchuk. I don't know who is writing poems about hockey goalies this beautiful, but I am guessing they were a Goalie themselves. Well done.

Wow, this is a really good biopic. Better than the one on Gordie Howe or the one on Don Cherry. I'm talking about those because it's hockey but it's also better than the Ty Cobbs movie and a lot of those. It's darker than the usual stuff but but it shows a lot about human nature of pressure by others and the pressure to provide a family. That movie also shows how it was hard to be an athlete back in the days, you were threated like a dog. Paid a merely just enough to makes ens meets.

The story of Terry Sawchuk portrayed in the film Goalie is the journey of many Hockey players from that era. I recently read the autobiography of Gordie Howe and many of his accounts match up with events and themes from this movie, Howe was Sawchuk's teammate and the portrayal of Jack Adams played by Kevin Pollak is right on the money with history. One thing I noticed even though the film featured historical figures the NHL did not participate in this whatsoever the team's classic uniform's were not worn and I surmise it is because this is a dark harsh story that didn't paint the league in a great light. I think if you are a Hockey fan this film is a no brainer it is important to understand the history of the Sport and the men that carried the game forward like Mr. Sawchuk. To say these guys were a different breed is an understatement I have nothing but respect for the players that made the game what it is.

Goalie is based on the career of one of hockey's greatest goalies. It is also based on a book of poetry based on the tragic life of Terry Sawchuk. One would think hockey and poetry are opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum . However the emotional journey of Sawchuk lends itself to poetry. The film portrays Sawchuk as a tragic figure, struggling to be everything to everyone and the cost of success in the world of hockey in those early days as I am sure it still is today.

An in depth look at the life of Terry Sawchuk in and around his world in hockey. Refreshing to see a rag to riches without it all being sunshine and rainbows. A lot of struggles and constant obstacles to overcome. I was impressed by this being a made for TV movie since it's better than a lot of movies that I've seen in theatres. Worth a watch if you are or ever were a hockey fan.