Goalie

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.

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.

For someone who grew up in Canada during the halcyon days of the pre-expansion NHL, this movie is like taking a shower in ice water. The name of Terry Sawchuk evokes memories of young boys scrambling on outdoor rinks all across Canada, fueled by the dreams of someday becoming our big-league heroes. This movie takes on the unenviable task of dashing those dreams to dust in an entertainment art form, without losing the interest of the viewer. The film makers gambled with unusual devices like real-time interviews with a few hockey legends (portrayed by actors) and on-screen title cards when some of the greats of that era are introduced. I think they succeeded in enhancing the documentary feel of the film although others have disagreed on that score. The performances, especially by Mark O'Brien and Kevin Pollack are nuanced and compelling. I gave the film full marks because it succeeds in keeping viewer interest throughout the telling of such a difficult and tragic story.

A story that shows all of the brutality of hockey in the 50's and 60's. As a kid, I just saw heroes playing a game but this movie shows the reality. Players were treated as property and could be traded any time to anywhere. Wives were left to take care of the family often without any help from the player. Owners treated the players as little better than slaves. Excellent performances from all but extra credit to Georgina, Mark and Kevin. The story was a bit unsettling as we see the gritty existence of the hockey player. They barely made enough money to make ends meet and the tension that existed in the Sawchuk household likely reflected an unspoken truth.

Was hoping for more bright things about Terry Sawchuck and his records that we're set and remain unbroken. Unfortunately, it focused too much on his demons & dark side of his life. The bright side is costumes and the historical aspect of the film we're great.