Goal! Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Every Dream Has A Beginning
Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago harbors the dream of being a professional footballer. However, living in the Barrios section of Los Angeles, he thinks it is only that—a dream. Until one day an extraordinary turn of events has him trying out for Premiership club Newcastle United.
| Kuno Becker | Santiago Munez |
| Alessandro Nivola | Gavin Harris |
| Marcel Iures | Erik Dornhelm |
| Stephen Dillane | Glen Foy |
| Anna Friel | Roz Harmison |
| Kieran O'Brien | Hughie McGowan |
| Sean Pertwee | Barry Rankin |
| Cassandra Bell | Christina |
| Tony Plana | Hernan Nunez |
| Miriam Colon | Mercedes |
| Gary Lewis | Mal Braithwaite |
| Frances Barber | Carol Harmison |
| Emma Field-Rayner | Lorraine |
| Kevin Knapman | Jamie drew |
| Brian Johnson | Himself |
| Danny Cannon |
6.80 out of 10 (5926 votes)
Visitor Reviews
get the lads round, get in the beers
posted on 29 Jul 2009You have to judge 'Goal' on its own terms. The film sets out to be a franchise, has been slickly marketed as a rags-to-riches story, carries the official (and difficult to receive) FIFA seal of approval, and celebrates its comic book debts. This isn't Roy of the Rovers, it is Billy's Boots; a poor boy catapulted into the world of big business soccer (and it is soccer, not football - this one is aimed at the American market), intoxicated but not overwhelmed by what he finds there.Of course it is stereotypical and formulaic, but it isn't trying to be anything else. We can all throw rotten tomatoes at Beckham's wooden cameo, but at the preview screening I attended in Toyko, a whisper of awe went round the sold-out theatre as soon as he appeared - and that is exactly what the filmmakers are aiming for. It's a fun date movie for Japanese couples who will unashamedly cheer Santiago's quest for glory, an audience who know nothing of homophobic, sectarian or racist chants aimed at opposition players. The Brit fans, especially Newcastle fans, will wait for the DVD, get the lads in, throw a few cold ones down their throats and take the pish mightily, all the while learning all the clichéd lines so they can do it again next Friday night. This film will find its audience, sorry audiences, and make money.'Goal' takes on the difficult challenge of bringing football action to celluloid and does the best job yet, though fails to convince entirely. There is just something about football that makes it difficult to fake. The story line pushes all the right buttons, father-son estrangement then reconciliation (after a fashion), rocky romance, professional rivalry, friendships turned sour, mentors outgrown... There are no surprises, all the boxes in the sports movie genre are ticked off, but earnestly done and satisfying enough if you are into that kind of thing. If you clapped for Tinkerbell and booed at pantomime then this movie is for you. If you think 'Cool Hand Luke' was a Jesus allegory, stay away.
An almost believable football film
posted on 01 Jul 2009This film was cracked up to be the first serious football (soccer to some people) film. Whilst I am not sure it lived up to the hype that I heard, I still thought it was a good effort. Though at times it was predictable I thought they got some parts spot on. What I thought was particularly good was the way they portrayed the passion of the Geordie (Newcastle) fans. As for the actual football scenes, I thought they were good. it seems exceptionally difficult for 'Hollywood' films to make sport films that are not cheesy or that the outcome is so blatantly contrived it makes a nonsense of what went on before. This films action was only mildly 'cheesy' in fact the training scenes I thought were top class. As for the story it is quite good in its simplicity, and that helped to make the film more enjoyable, the acting was fine, though I am not sure that this film really challenged the actors real acting ability. All in all this I think this is an enjoyable film which is definitely worth a watch.
Charming Soccer Movie!!!
posted on 23 Jun 2009Well, i have to say that this movie was a big pleasure to watch. Kuno Becker who played the rising football star Santiago Munez do a great job of acting.A lot of soccer movies in the past have been annoying, but this one is gonna take you to the next level. It's a wonderful story about a young Mexican boy, which wanna reach his dream to be a professional soccer player. From the beginning to the end of the movie you feel with him, somebody who has a big talent and needs only a chance to show what hard work with a big heart can do for reaching your dream. I am exciting of waiting for the sequel.So don't forget everybody has dreams you only have to believe in yourself.
Enjoyable fare
posted on 09 Jun 2009Goal is a well made film with good casting,nice cinematography & adept direction by Danny Cannon (a bit different than Judge Dread!!).This was a very enjoyable film to watch that although contained no great surprises - was still a good ride nonetheless. Kuno Becker was quite excellent in the lead role & was very convincing as the poor Mexican kid who followed his dream to England.The in-game sequences with the actors merged with real game footage were done quite seamlessly & were quite believable. It was also good to see some of the Premier League's top players in cameo's - oh yeah & as well as some of Real Madrid's squad ;)
Time difference
posted on 05 Jun 2009In the last game between Newcastle and Liverpool, it seemed like a normal lunchtime match in the UK.So if this were the case, how could Sant's grandma be watching it during the day in LA? That seemed like sunshine coming through the bar windows . . . By my rough calculation, it would have been 3 or 4 am in LA? The first time San got to play in Newcastle, I thought it was a good piece of writing that he played in the rain. I can't imagine that an Angeleno would have very much experience playing in the rain. I have another question-- do they have quotas for the number of non-EU players they can have in the team?
About time, a football (soccer) film not about hooliganism
posted on 28 May 2009After seeing one Football film after another been released that was about just hooligans. From the likes of Green Street and Football Factory (not seen them to be honest) it was nice to see a film about FOOTBALL.The first thing that comes to mind is that it's like a Million Dollar Baby type rags to riches sports tale. That captures the excitement and emotion of watching a football match anywhere. And if you don't like football it's worth watching as an inspirational drama with great performances.For football fans it would be great and inspiring if you want to be the next Beckham or Owen. I wouldn't get to excited about Beckham's appearance it was only one scene.One thing that's wrong with this film is that some people may find it a little predictable in some of the match scenes. And it was a little boring in some areas, and has yet to cover allot of areas in the football world.But these things don't let the film down to much and I would recommend it. I even cried at the end.Loved it! 10/10
Great Film!!
posted on 26 May 2009GOAL is a really great film with an exciting storyline. The different parts go really well together. It is a typical football fan's film and is great fun to watch. The characters are great and the acting is superb! I would recommend anyone who likes footie to go and see it, especially if you're a Newcastle United fan. It features Alan Shearer, Keiron Dyer, Lee Bowyer, Steven Gerrard and Patrick Kluivert. It is well worth a visit and is definitely worth 10/10!!! I took a friend who hates football but she decided she would go. She thoroughly enjoyed the film and would also recommend it. My overall opinion is: a great film that flows well and is very enjoyable!
I would say this film is 'Bend it Like Beckham' meets 'Gattaca'
posted on 22 May 2009In 'Goal' Kuno Becker plays Santiago Munez, an illegal alien living in Los Angels. Despite his hardships, Santiago loves to play soccer. So much so, that he is really quite good. Good enough to get the notice of a former scout of Newcastle United. Santiago gets the opportunity to go to England and try out for this premier football team. But if he does not make it, he will not be able to return to Los Angels.This is a heartwarming tale of one man's struggle to become something more. Despite the obstacles and the disapproval of his father (Tony Plana), he goes for the goal. Only to find that it is not going to be that easy after all.I would say this film is 'Bend it Like Beckham' meets 'Gattaca'. Not that Santiago needs to meet any DNA tests, but he is in a world that is virtually unknown to him. He has to keep secrets about himself in order to fit in because most expect him to fail. Some will even try to make him fail.
Well Made, Authentic Looking Movie
posted on 20 May 2009A nice, entertaining film even though it has quite a predictable ending. There is extensive use of Spanish in the movie (subtitles provided for those parts) which adds to the authenticity of the character. Moreover the lead character of Munez has been etched out beautifully as well as his response when confronted with a new environment, that is Newcastle.The supporting cast has done an excellent job. The work of Alessandro Nivola as the celebrity footballer, Stephen Dillane as Munez' mentor at Newcastle, Marcel Iures as the stern but loving coach (quite a resemblance to Sir Alec Fergusson) stand out. Anna Friel as the girlfriend is clearly wasted, as her character is not well-defined.Becker is excellent as Munez and deserves special mention for injecting a lot of feeling into the character. It was as though you could feel the pain and the pleasure of a rising footballer through him. Being the first movie that I have watched of his, I can safely say that he does have a bright future ahead of him as a fresh new face in Hollywood.
Not bad!!
posted on 14 May 2009I have seen worse football based films, i mean, when Saturday comes was shocking (why would a big club like sheff utd sign a thirty something non league player???) anyway, i think becker plays the part really well and looks like he has emotion and passion for the sport but the rest of the acting is wooden. Also, the part Beckham had was shocking, i mean did he even have one acting lesson? if not, he needed it (and another hundred) One of the goofs not pointed out is when Newcastle are playing Liverpool at the end, liverpool equalise through a Steven Gerard header to make it 2-2, when the opposing team score, the rules are that the team that conceded the goal re-start the game. In this film it isn't, After liverpool score they re-start for some strange reason..Anyway, not the best but you could definitely find worse sport based films...
An All Time Favorite
posted on 06 May 2009Right from the beginning this movie dose a great job of keeping your attention. It shows how hard it really is for any athlete, in this case a soccer player to make it pro. Even though the movie is not based off of a true story it feels as if it should be and there are many obstacles that(Munez)has to overcome throughout the movie. Overall the movie has become an all time favorite of mine and i have already seen it twice. It is a sleeper and if you are a fan of the English premier league or just of soccer in general you should definitely go and see this movie. Its worth your time and money and i think that you too will fall in love with it just like i have. So please go see the movie Goal cause you definitely won't be disappointed.
A bit cheesy, but football action is well filmed
posted on 28 Apr 2009Another football film, that doesn't really capture the essence of the game. It's clearly been made for the American audience, and as such (with fifa endorsement) contains a lot of big name players, Shearer, Raul, Beckham etc etc. Even Sven makes an appearance chatting up a girl in a club (quite amusing).That said, No-one would like a flashy player doing as many silly tricks in their team (especially if he were American). All highlights are cut down to a minimum (so as not to lose the US audience). No mention of dull 0-0 draws. There's still not been a good footy film (why?) Closest yet is definitely Jimmy Grimble, or(if you must) Escape to Victory...
score
posted on 24 Apr 2009I saw this film in Italy a couple months ago and I wish it would be released in the US sooner! I think the film will attract male soccer enthusiasts and their girlfriends, as well as other female soccer enthusiasts, if the publicity is done right. I love the film- it has some documentary angles, lots of action, and some drama. It's definitely not boring ever, and the scenes of the games are very real and captivating. The acting is so good that you feel it's not quite a movie with actors, but with those actual characters from real life making a movie. Of course that is true with some of the cameos! It's excellent if you love soccer, exciting, well done, and it doesn't hurt that the main character is so charismatic... plus he's hot!
Fictional account of a young Mexican longing to play football in the UK.
posted on 31 Mar 2009This is a football story. 'Football' as in the game we Americans call soccer. Experienced young Mexican TV actor, Kuno Becker, stars as Santiago Munez, a young man living in Los Angeles and working with his dad in the family lawn care business, playing pick-up soccer when he can, and one day spotted by a former UK soccer star Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane). Foy thinks he has a certain quality that, if developed properly, could have Munez competing with the best. He gives Munez a challenge, make his way to Newcastle, he will get him a try-out. Coming up with the money for the ticket, as well as a passport, are big obstacles.The movie actually begins when Munez and his family sneak through a hole in the border fence at night, and make their way to Southern California. His dad is of the old school that says "This is your place in the world, just work hard and support your family." But grandma understands and helps Munez get his passage to Scotland, via Mexico.Alessandro Nivola does a good turn as soccer star Gavin Harris, talented but bent on partying all the time. He and Munez end up helping each other. Scot, Anna Friel, plays Roz, a team nurse that Munez warms up to.I found myself hoping this movie had been based on a true story, but it isn't. Still, it is good fiction, overly dramatic in spots, but a very watchable movie about an underdog trying to realize his dreams.SPOILERS FOLLOW. Munez is not well prepared for the rough game the UK soccer teams play. Plus, he hides his asthma problem and in one scrimmage causes him to be fired. Given another chance he does well, but he is on his way home again. Finally he does well, is given a chance to play varsity in a championship game, and scores the winning point on a penalty kick.
It's football, not soccer!
posted on 09 Mar 2009"Goal!" is in it's essence the story of a talented football player from a simple background who overcomes the odds to rise like a shooting star at a big-time football club. In reality, thousands of football players have done this, with the difference being that they had to overcome worse things than a disapproving father and asthma.All in all, the plot and story is.. well, likable but that's about it. Kuno Becker does have skills, and his acting is not that bad. But the parts I enjoyed the most those with the character of "Devin Harris". But overall, it felt like a 1 1/2 hour long commercial for the brands involved.But to be fair, "Goal!" has a decent cast, a endearing story and some great football skills to match. Sadly, it doesn't live up to the hype, which football movies seldom have in advance.The major problem with this movie is perhaps not even self-induced. Football, unlike Basketball and American Football, cannot be portrayed on screen. The magic of football cannot be captured, it has to be experienced.
Nothing is impossible when you can not stop dreaming.
posted on 21 Feb 2009What a wonderful experience! I saw this movie twice, and i could not stop to see it again. Kuno Becker was so fantastic, I was touched when the first credit was token by a Mexican guy. This is an example that nothing is impossible when someone follows a dream, no matter how difficult could be. This movie goes more farther and teaches to go on and on. I hope a lot of people can see it no for football but message. And the drama is not exaggerating it is so realistic like the life of Hugo Sanchez when he went to Spain to play and at the end that guy became the king of football. I am very proud for being Mexican but more happy that oder people from other country did that point of view. Please forgive my English is not to good. I hope this movie can win some awards around the world. And this is the beginning of the 2006 world cup football party
Go for it
posted on 11 Feb 2009Remember that movie with Emilio Estevez, "The Mighty Ducks"? Yes, that one where Estevez was the coach and took the ice-hockey team to victory, with a young Joshua Jackson being the star and the real Mighty Ducks providing their name to get some publicity. Or for that matter, remember "Miracle", something similar with Kurt Russel last year I didn't see? More specified, remember the boy who had a dream and it was impossible for him to make it happen? If you do, welcome to "Goal!", if you don't, then welcome to "Goal!", Movies like this one you can watch them with different perspectives; the first one being you know what's going to happen and consider it dull and predictable; the second one being you don't know and you are surprised.What about a third one, being you know what's going to happen but you let yourself go, try to enjoy the ride and accept it might be a good movie after all? Two paragraphs above, I mentioned "The Mighty Ducks", because it is predictable and obvious, but also because it is enjoyable and because it is a good film.That we can appreciate these movies depends very much in the way the story is told, and the situations of the characters. Our hero here is Santi Munez (Mexican talent Kuno Becker), a good hearted Latin "lad" who lives the American Dream and divides his time in helping his dad (Tony Plana) with the family business and playing in a soccer team. He's talented and, of course, he dreams of playing the game he loves professionally.Then of course (it's not my intention to keep saying the expression, but for a little while), his father doesn't support the idea; not even when important Glen Floy (a charming Stephen Dillane) says it could actually happen. Of course he's busted his ass to maintain the family after his wife left them, and of course he thinks there's no future in a stupid soccer dream. But of course there's always someone willing to help, and Grandma Mercedes (Miriam Colon) will do it.What follows is not more known by me than by you, but luckily director Danny Cannon is in love with his characters, with their story and most importantly, with the game. His camera moves passionately throughout Santi's trainings with coach Dornhelm (Marcel Iures), his love developments with Roz (the incredibly beautiful and extremely talented Anna Friel) and the life of his family back home; all solidly told by a team of four screenwriters.So the movie is an advertising for the Spanish team Real Madrid and its player, it's an opportunity for Kuno Becker, who's really promising, to make a name in the industry. For me it's also (I hadn't mentioned it) a display of Alessandro Nivola's big talent. The actor is the best of the film and he reaches dramatic levels we are not used to witness in these types of films. The movie is worth watching just for him, but there is more; and it works.
Best movie in long time
posted on 28 Jan 2009Congratulations!!! it is a great movie and you can learn a lot from it. Two hours with a lot of emotions and what happens in real life. The word FAMILY is so important in everybody life, sometimes parents does not show their loves to their kids and that creates frustration on them. What happened if his grandmother did not help Santiago? He still being an illegal in L.A. without a dream. But she made it possible. Santiago made it possible too, because he believes and has faith on himself, fighting for what he wants, but at the same time suffer a lot because he did not feel his father support, his asthma, but he makes his dream come true. If we talk about rolls: Kuno Becker one more time doing an amazing job. It did not surprise me because every roll he had, shows the potential he always had and how great actor he is. You do not need a famous actors to do a great movie. Everybody has a dream and this movie encourage everyone of us that everything in life can be possible if you have a GOAL!!!! Cynthia cdeborah_01@yahoo.com
Such a motivation..
posted on 10 Jan 2009I was bored and was trying' to catch something light to watch and started playing goal.. but i got more!! This is one hell of a movie.. Its about a guy, having a dream to be a professional footballer.. And as one can guess he's going to complete his dream.. But you just cant predict.. what's going to happen next.. You ll scream watching this movie, u ll feel sorry for Santiago's circumstances, and u 'll smile when he achieves something.. Kuno Becker fits in his character so perfectly.. With other characters playing their part nicely too.. It's a must see for everybody.. esp. for people who like football.. It ll be like some part of your dream getting completed with Santiago..
goal a good film
posted on 08 Aug 2009I thought the critics were a bit harsh towards the film. Luckily i had the cinema to myself,this was a treat so was the movie. In a season of slap,bang,wallop I found the story touching and refreshing. Kuno Becker/Santiago Munez in the starring role was a very good karmic choice, bearing in mind the original lead actor pulled out. The storyline was touching and reached the required emotional areas.For one who does not really follow the sport, I found the movie accurate and interesting. Man of the match for me was Eric Dornhelm/Marcel Lures an acting masterclass, let us hope we see more of him, a highly underrated treader of the boards. Further credit to Stephen Dillane and the effervescent Alessandro Nivola for if without would have been a different ball game! A good movie worthy of my mark, probably the best football film ever made, which was not that hard.