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Let's have a little fun today.
I want to know what your favorite hockey movie is?!!
Why?
Because it's boring as hell in the hockey world this week, it's hot as hell and.... well, hell is spelled H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS!
When you jones for some hockey and have watched all the Jackets replays you can stomach, have read all the news/blogs/rumors available, played Skraut's vids until they burnt holes in your screens - what hockey flick do you then pop in the DVD player to continue your hockey fix?
I have listed the more popular ones below and have posted a poll to get your vote. If you choose "other" please leave a comment and let us know. I'll post my fave below!
SLAP SHOT
Considered by many to be the godfather of all hockey movies and a classic amongst all sports films.
YOUNGBLOOD
Features the late Patrick Swayze as Derek Sutton and Rob Lowe as Dean Youngblood. These two were both considered the "young" studs at the time in the film biz. Not gonna win many awards for acting or screenplay but does have some good ole fashioned violence, bad language and nudity. Mix this in with a hockey back story and viola - we have a movie I can appreciate!!
Love the 80s tag line!
THE MIGHTY DUCKS
This movie was so good that it spawned two sequels and Disney named a damn team after it! C'mon admit it -- you've all seen it and part of you wants to clap when Charlie Conway coverts the 1 2 3 Triple Deke! This movie is the ultimate hockey guilty pleasure!
A bit of MD trivia for you - did you know that star Heidi King was a graduate of Wright State University? More (useless) trivia - Wright State is also yours truly Alma Mater.
MIRACLE
Disney did a great job at capturing what many say is the greatest single sporting event in the history of U.S. sports with this movie. Who doesn't like Kurt Russell as the late Herb Brooks? Whose eyes don't tear up when TEAM USA defeats the Russians and goes on to capture the gold medal? Who else doesn't recite the line "Do You Believe In Miracles? - YES!!!" when the final few seconds tick off the clock?
MYSTERY ALASKA
The movie has it's moments (I particularly like the "Skank" character). It's good but not great. It's packed full of stars like Russell Crowe and Burt Reynolds. It's not quite the classic it hoped to become but was/is enjoyable and may top some folks hockey faves charts.
The one thing I always take away from the movie (and don't ask me why) but Russell Crowe ain't no gladiator on skates. Not even special effects or camera tricks could hide his skills (or lack thereof) on blades.
HAPPY GILMORE
I went back/forth as to whether to include this one on this list. Bottom line, this movie is about an aspiring hockey player on a golf course - that is enough for me to include it. Besides Sandler wears a Boston B's sweater through the majority of the movie and the scene where he beats the shit out of Bob Barker is all hockey baby!
THE ROCKET:
THE LEGEND OF ROCKET RICHARD
Many of you probably haven't seen this movie as it was primarily released in Canadian cinema. I expect next to no votes for it as a fave BUT this is a movie worth watching for all hockey nuts. It's very well done and does a great job of showcasing Richard's legend and legacy in Canada. Think Babe Ruth in the states.
This movie also features up and coming actors Sean Avery, Vincent Lecavalier, Stephan Quintal and Mike Ricci among others!
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?
THE STORY OF THE 1980 U.S.
HOCKEY TEAM
Every time I finish watching the move Miracle I immediately pop this sucker in the DVD player. It's a documentary of the 1980 team that originally aired on HBO. If you've never seen this be prepared to be inspired and have a box of Kleenexes close by. It truly is an amazing story and there is nothing like hearing about it from the original cast!
THE CUTTING EDGE
I figured I'd have to toss the "chick flick" lovers a bone with this one. As with Happy Gilmore I struggled a bit as to whether or not to include this one but alas, here we are. As with that movie this one focuses on a hockey player (in this case D.B. Sweeney who plays a former one due to injury) who takes up another sport - in this case pairs ice skating. Sweeney (who even has a hockey last name) falls in love with a rich spoiled girl, they go through the ups/downs, do the Pamchenko, win Olympic gold and live happily every after.
I'll admit, if I'm channel surfing and this one pops up -- I'll leave it on.
Toe pick!
Those are the big ones but there are some others out there that may catch your fancy like:
"The Mystery Of The Million Dollar Hockey Puck" (I can't make this stuff up folks)
"Pucked" (haven't seen it but the name alone tells me I should!),
"MVP - Most Valuable Primate" (I'll pass)
and....
Making It Rain Featuring Mike Commodore (okay - that one I did make up)
For those keeping an eye out for future hockey movies watch out for "Hit Somebody". This one is directed by big time hockey fan Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, etc) which according to IMBD is
"The story of a hockey player with a talent for fighting. Based on the song of the same name by Warren Zevon, which was written by Mitch Albom."
Again, please leave comments, especially if you've selected "other".
-LTL
My vote: Miracle (and then the HBO documentary)
