Next Goal Wins

For decades Hollywood has produced quite a number of underdog films: "Invincible", "The Replacements", "Miracle", "The American Underdog", "The Hill", "Hackshaw Ridge", to mention a handful. We all, to whatever degree, like to see someone overcome their obstacles in life for it gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. So, when I saw the trailer of "Next Goal Wins", I simply had to see it, and what I received was more that just seeing a team winning a game.

This story, based on true events, follows the American Samoan soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 Australian loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching in 2014, the team, desperately needing  a seasoned coach, hires down-on-his-luck Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world's worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy/drama. After a point, the president of the American Samoan soccer team organization, Tavita becomes disillusioned by Rongen's coaching approach since their cultures are so entirely different., but knows that they have to work together in some capacity.  

Others to round out the cast are Kaimana as Jaiyah, David Fane as Ace, Rachel House as Ruth, Beulah Koale as Daru, Will Arnett as Alex Magnussen, Elisabeth Moss as Gail, Uli Latukefu as Nicky Salapu, Sisa Grey as convenient store cashier, Chris Alosio as Jonah and Taika Waititi as American Samoan priest. 

This was directed in that tongue in cheek style that no one can succeed at as well as Taika Waititi ("Eagle vs Shark" '07, "Boy" '10, "What We Do In the Shadows" '14, "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" '16, "Thor: Ragnarok" '17, "Jojo Rabbit" '19, "Thor: Love and Thunder" '22) plus shorts, TV, videos and a music video. Other than Fassbender, Arnett and Moss, I've really not heard of the supporting cast here, and it truly has everthing to do with Waititi's ability to bring these characters from a non-communicative, disjointed team to become a communicative and cohesive team to obtain what it was that was missing as a real team--on and off the field. If you like this filmmaker's brand of directing, his "Akira" is in production at this point. It was cleverly written by Taika Waititi (Eagle vs Shark" '07, "Boy" '10, "What We Do In the Shadows" '14, "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" '16, "Jojo Rabbit" '19,"Thor: Love and Thunder" '22) plus shorts, TV and videos and Iain Morris ("The Inbetweeners" '11, "The Inbetweeners 2" '14) plus TV, based on the documentary, "Next Goal Wins". What makes this story more compelling than meets the eye is that it's not about winning a soccer game as much as it's about connecting with others in family and life in general. These players had to realize that they first were to strive to connect, and then, only then, they could even begin to succeed in whatever--this being to get at least one soccer goal. The only issue I had with this script was that a number of the comedic lines seemed forced and contrived. I'm not sure if this was a writing or acting issue with some of the performers that don't have an abundance of experience. Otherwise, it was a stand up and cheer film.

If you like the other films that Waititi has directed, you'll love this since it has a similar style. If you want to see Waititi in golden form, rent "Jojo Rabbit". It was uproarious! This film was humorous, heartfelt, and seriously brought home a definitive message that we all can learn from. Waititi also gives a very funny turn as an American Samoan priest that was humorous and meaningful.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                          Rated: PG-13                                     104mins.