Goalie

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.

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.

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.

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.

I've always been fascinated with Terry Sawchuck. Growing up in Canada and idolizing goalies since the age of nine. Knowing the details of his life always made me wish that someone would make a film about him. If movies can be made about Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe then surely Sawchuck is deserving of the honor as well. While I wouldn't describe it as a fabulous movie it was a fine effort and does an excellent job capturing the idiosynchrasies of the era in pro sports and the physical and emotional hardships endured by professional hockey players during a time when missing a game or two due to injury could mean the end of your career. I think the main actor did a fine job capturing Sawchuck's notoriously sullen disposition and moodiness. Telling it like it was instead of trying to glamorize his image was the right way tell the story. On the down side, I find it a bit disappointing that we couldnt see Sawchuck wearing the Motor City's famous logo on his jersey. Probably due to budget constraints the movie had to make due without official NHL logos and this takes away from things a bit. I'm also not crazy about the way they ended the film and thought it could have been done better. Overall though it's a movie that real hockey fans and especially goalie fans should see. I'm certain that most will appreciate the effort.