Film Review: "Next Goal Wins" (2023).

"Inspired by a true story" comes Next Goal Wins. This sports comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi, written by Waititi and Iain Morris, and based on the 2014 documentary of the same title by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. The film follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around.

In August 2019, it was announced that Fox Searchlight Pictures had set up an initially unspecified project with Waititi attached to pen the script and direct prior to his obligations to Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). It was later revealed as being a feature film adaptation of Brett and Jamison's 2014 documentary. In September, Michael Fassbender entered final negotiations to star in the film. In October, he would be confirmed to star. By November, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Armie Hammer, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Rhys Darby, Angus Sampson, Luke Hemsworth, Kaitlyn Dever, Frankie Adams and Waititi rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, with a budget of $14 million, principal photography commenced and wrapped in January 2020. Filing took place in Honolulu, Hawaii. In December 2021, it was announced that Will Arnett replaced Hammer, due to the latter being accused of sexual assault by multiple women. The part, initially intended as a cameo, was expanded when Arnett joined. The film was originally set for an April 21, 2023 release date, before being postponed to September 22, 2023, and then to its November 17, 2023 release date.

It's worth seeing, however-particularly for Fassbender, who adds to his gallery of great performances with a turn as a down-on-his-luck, maverick coach that nearly steals the film whole.

The pace is a little leisurely, and it doesn't demand to be seen on a big screen, but much like the characters it portrays the film is an unassuming winner. Much of the comedy is too broad to truly satirise the subject matter, unable to nail the emotional beats when it finally confronts the true reality and horror of the situation. I suspect the strangely good-natured feel of the film will win the hearts of many viewers, but my own head remained too muddled by its uneven and oddly indecisive approach to embrace whatever quirky virtues it may possess. There is a gentleness here present in all Waititi films, but that soft touch does not quite work in a story dealing with the humanist idea of underdogs defying all odds, a theme diluted by the excess of supporting characters and secondary ideas. Many filmmakers have made excellent comedies about football - Waititi is the rare one to be out of his depth in finding humour in the material, and offering anything meaningful to say about the mob mentality of underdogs. The film lingers rather too long towards the end on drawing out its message, but it is a thoroughly engaging exploration of sport, culture, community and the nature of achievement.

Simon says Next Goal Wins receives:

Also, see my review for Thor: Love and Thunder.