Surely one of the greatest sports films ever made – and almost positively the funniest – cult classic Slap Shot delivers an unlikely blend of ludicrous ice hockey violence, bizarre sports world characters and gripping rooting-for-the-underdog drama.
Paul Newman is hilarious as Reg Dunlop, player-coach of the Charlestown Chiefs hockey team. It is a joy to watch an actor of Newman’s calibre getting his hands dirty in a flick which is, essentially, a slapstick (excuse the pun!) comedy mixed with a dash of kitchen-sink realism.
The story, the characters, the action, the humour, the drama, the acting: it is all fantastic. Helmed by George Roy Hill, who once again directs Newman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting), Slap Shot is heaps of fun!
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You can find more information on this U.S. movie on Wikipedia and IMDb.
As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching trailers. This trailer is pretty harmless and gives you the flavour of the film. However, it does not really capture what a brilliant film this is – so do not be put off if you watch it!
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Title: Slap Shot
Language: English
Direction: George Roy Hill
Screenplay: Nancy Dowd
Cinematography: Victor J. Kemper
Editing: Dede Allen
Stars: Paul Newman, Strother Martin, Michael Ontkean, Lindsay Crouse
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Wonderful Cinema 
A fabulous movie for the general public and a great reminder to hockey fans during the off-season about what life is really about.
Well said!
After watching this trailer I can’t believe I have never watched this movie yet. Will be checking it out in the near future. Nice Review.
Thank you!
i have always loved everything about this movie. thanks ) beth
You’re most welcome!
I had to share a room with a brother who is 10 years younger than me. By the time he was 11, he was yelling, “Frog pussy!” at random, inappropriate intervals. But it was okay, because it was from the greatest hockey movie ever.
That’s hilarious!!
Wow, I’ve never seen this one, seem really funny! Got to find it. Thanks
‘Slap Shot’ has to be my favourite sports film of all time and I have watched it too many times to count. The dialogue is great and the action superb. The Hanson brothers add a great unpredictability to proceedings, too. This film is a must-see for any sports fan out there. However, I would stay clear of the two sequels which were awful to say the least, even though the Hanson brothers are in them.
Also one of my favourite films of all time – CN
Sounds great…not seen it and I need a pick me up film tonic after watching ‘into the Wild’ l last night…
GREAT review of a true classic. I played hockey in high school and college, and we had this flick memorized. It works as both a sports film and a lampooning of the “Goon Era” of the 70’s NHL era. A true classic! As a hockey player I really respect that Paul Newman did all of his own skating in the film … not easy!
Many thanks, Stephen. It’s wonderful to get feedback on this film from a hockey player.
Paul Newman was a king, wasn’t he.
Great film, funny as hell. Save my life last sunday!!!!
Such a great film, isn’t it!
Great sports film, gritty, human and a laugh.
Such a laugh!