Goal! The Dream Begins: Daft But Enjoyable

Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)
There is finally a decent movie about football (soccer), a sport which doesn't seem to grab the interest of movie producers. With FIFA sanction and real life footage from premiership games featuring superstars such as Beckham and Zidane, there is a sense of realism injected into the movie. Aside from the real game results and settings, Goal follows the fictional character of Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) and his rise from rags to riches. Having spent his life as an illegal immigrant in LA, Munez lands himself a months trial at Newcastle United. This commences the highlight of the movie, that is the trials and obstacles that Munez goes through to earn his rightful place in the squad.

The stuff you read in magazines about a footballers luxurious life is all there, the parties, the alcohol, the women, the clubbing, and even video games. All these are introduced to Munez by fellow teammate and contrasting character Galvin Harris, whose party life takes a toll on his game. This is however as far as the character depth goes for both characters. Despite this, the cast has done well with what they've got, with Alessandro Nivola providing the audience with a humerus and slightly touching performance. The film is by no means a successful hit, but at the end of the day leaves the audience feeling good. Check out the trailer below.

Imbd rating: 6.8/10

Ahilan K