Goon

3 stars

Rating: 18A
Stars: Jay Baruchel, Nicholas Campbell, Liev Schreiber, Seann William Scott

Dim-witted goon goes from nobody to hockey star.

What’s the story?
Doug Glatt (Scott) is an average Canadian with a below-average IQ. He works as a bouncer, but really has nothing going for him. However, things drastically change when Glatt attends a hockey game and, while in the stands, gets into a fight with a team's tough enforcer. This catches the attention of Rollie Hortense (Campbell), a minor hockey league coach, who decides to sign Glatt to be the enforcer on his team. Glatt's main assignment on the ice is to protect a former star who lost his shine after being knocked down by the infamous brute, Ross Rhea (Schreiber). But Glatt soon realizes it's not all fun and games as he struggles to fit in with his teammates and convince them that he is worthy of being on the team.

Why see it?
Goon has all the on-ice violence that a die-hard hockey fan can ask for. The fights scenes are filmed very well and happen often so there's plenty of action. The acting is solid as Sean William Scott is almost unrecognizable as the beefy Doug Glatt and Liev Schrieber as Rhea is unforgettable. Not to mention, Goon has a great Canadian feel to it with writers Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg (Superbad) being products of Montreal and Vancouver respectively.

Problems?
Schreiber seems to be the real star of the film doesn't get enough time on screen. The romance between Glatt and his love interest Eva is often awkward to watch and unconvincing. Also, the film lacks sufficient character development and if you're turned off by too much violence, this movie is not for you.

All in all:
A mildly entertaining comedy with plenty of on-ice violence.