Couldn’t be happier than to start off the first round of posts with a treasure of a film like “Goon”. Before you get your panties in a twist, let’s establish a couple of things. Yes I am aware this is Sean William Scott. Yes I am also aware that this film is Canadian. And three… it’s a MAGNET production, which you’ll be hearing about a lot in the posts to come.
“Goon” in a few words is like “Fight Club” on ice, or perhaps a better comparison would be to say that it’s like “The Blindside” for Canadian men. But the most important thing to know about this film is that it is fantastic. Take this insight with a grain of salt as I am a super fan of all things MAGNET produced but it’s a credit to their style and their ability to take surreal stories and encourage the audience to suspend their disbelief.
After sitting through my third viewing of this film, I realized that the most engaging aspect of Sean William Scott’s character, Doug Glatt, is that on the surface he appears super human. Doug can take a hit and he can most certainly throw his fare share of punches. However, it’s not Doug’s strength that makes him such a strong character. It’s his heart. Doug is a loner character type with a strong desire for acceptance and a heart for others. It’s his obsession with the team and his desire to bring out the best and then protect those around him that brings a unique empathy to what would otherwise be a film about beating the snot out of French Canadians.
As a forewarning, “Goon” has it’s share of intense moments and some especially fantastic violence. Not for the feint of heart. For those of you who find films like this particularly riveting… you’re welcome. This one is a treat.
