Goalie (2019) User Reviews

Not always sunshine and rainbows!!

[vandrist · 7/10 · 14 July 2019]

An in depth look at the life of Terry Sawchuk in and around his world in hockey. Refreshing to see a rag to riches without it all being sunshine and rainbows. A lot of struggles and constant obstacles to overcome. I was impressed by this being a made for TV movie since it's better than a lot of movies that I've seen in theatres. Worth a watch if you are or ever were a hockey fan.

A Very Good Movie

[osborneshawn · 7/10 · 4 January 2020]

I've always been fascinated with Terry Sawchuck. Growing up in Canada and idolizing goalies since the age of nine. Knowing the details of his life always made me wish that someone would make a film about him. If movies can be made about Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe then surely Sawchuck is deserving of the honor as well. While I wouldn't describe it as a fabulous movie it was a fine effort and does an excellent job capturing the idiosynchrasies of the era in pro sports and the physical and emotional hardships endured by professional hockey players during a time when missing a game or two due to injury could mean the end of your career. I think the main actor did a fine job capturing Sawchuck's notoriously sullen disposition and moodiness. Telling it like it was instead of trying to glamorize his image was the right way tell the story. On the down side, I find it a bit disappointing that we couldnt see Sawchuck wearing the Motor City's famous logo on his jersey. Probably due to budget constraints the movie had to make due without official NHL logos and this takes away from things a bit. I'm also not crazy about the way they ended the film and thought it could have been done better. Overall though it's a movie that real hockey fans and especially goalie fans should see. I'm certain that most will appreciate the effort.

Dark & not enough light

[captainf757 · 5/10 · 31 December 2020]

Was hoping for more bright things about Terry Sawchuck and his records that we're set and remain unbroken. Unfortunately, it focused too much on his demons & dark side of his life. The bright side is costumes and the historical aspect of the film we're great.

Tough

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 23 February 2020]

Legendary Detroit Red Wings goalie Terry Sawchuk played in the days where protective masks were considered unmanly. At the time of his death, he was the all-time leader among NHL goalies with 447 wins and with 103 shutouts. These records have only been surpassed by five players and his shutouts by only one person, but he will forever be the best goalie of the Original Six NHL era.

However, every save Terry makes adds one more gash to his face and means that he needs one more drink to numb the pain. Even with a wife and seven children at home, he can't escape the depression he's suffered since his childhood.

Kevin Pollak plays Red Wings coach Jack Adams, adding some star power to this film. Sadly, it was made with no NHL endorsement, so there are no actual jerseys or arenas in the film.

Much like Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story, this movie proves the difference between being a hard man and one that must deal with the scars of the past by any means necessary. It's a sobering watch. And I liked the documentary style that was used to film it.

Wonderful Canadian Biopic

[bobbyhattaway · 10/10 · 9 June 2019]

A story that shows all of the brutality of hockey in the 50's and 60's. As a kid, I just saw heroes playing a game but this movie shows the reality. Players were treated as property and could be traded any time to anywhere. Wives were left to take care of the family often without any help from the player. Owners treated the players as little better than slaves. Excellent performances from all but extra credit to Georgina, Mark and Kevin. The story was a bit unsettling as we see the gritty existence of the hockey player. They barely made enough money to make ends meet and the tension that existed in the Sawchuk household likely reflected an unspoken truth.

Hockey and poetry.

[marileeit · 8/10 · 12 June 2019]

Goalie is based on the career of one of hockey's greatest goalies. It is also based on a book of poetry based on the tragic life of Terry Sawchuk. One would think hockey and poetry are opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum . However the emotional journey of Sawchuk lends itself to poetry. The film portrays Sawchuk as a tragic figure, struggling to be everything to everyone and the cost of success in the world of hockey in those early days as I am sure it still is today.

The ironman's journey.

[dupuifx · 10/10 · 9 June 2019]

Wow, this is a really good biopic. Better than the one on Gordie Howe or the one on Don Cherry. I'm talking about those because it's hockey but it's also better than the Ty Cobbs movie and a lot of those. It's darker than the usual stuff but but it shows a lot about human nature of pressure by others and the pressure to provide a family. That movie also shows how it was hard to be an athlete back in the days, you were threated like a dog. Paid a merely just enough to makes ens meets.

Surprisingly great

[cody-27132 · 8/10 · 1 June 2020]

I always have low expectations when I watch hockey movies. Usually because they tend to miss what makes the game great. This movie gets it. The heart, the people that it isn't just a sport to, that they can't walk away from, that they are willing to sacrifice everything for. People who don't feel that way may not get it. But somehow this little movie pieces together a pretty compelling...almost tone poem at times...about that very soul of the game. I found out after some of the monologues were taken from a poetry book about Sawchuk. I don't know who is writing poems about hockey goalies this beautiful, but I am guessing they were a Goalie themselves. Well done.

Reality Bites - Hockey Dreams Dashed

[pkerr21 · 10/10 · 7 November 2019]

For someone who grew up in Canada during the halcyon days of the pre-expansion NHL, this movie is like taking a shower in ice water. The name of Terry Sawchuk evokes memories of young boys scrambling on outdoor rinks all across Canada, fueled by the dreams of someday becoming our big-league heroes. This movie takes on the unenviable task of dashing those dreams to dust in an entertainment art form, without losing the interest of the viewer. The film makers gambled with unusual devices like real-time interviews with a few hockey legends (portrayed by actors) and on-screen title cards when some of the greats of that era are introduced. I think they succeeded in enhancing the documentary feel of the film although others have disagreed on that score. The performances, especially by Mark O'Brien and Kevin Pollack are nuanced and compelling. I gave the film full marks because it succeeds in keeping viewer interest throughout the telling of such a difficult and tragic story.

Fundamental Hockey Story

[Kunzersteven · 9/10 · 3 February 2023]

The story of Terry Sawchuk portrayed in the film Goalie is the journey of many Hockey players from that era. I recently read the autobiography of Gordie Howe and many of his accounts match up with events and themes from this movie, Howe was Sawchuk's teammate and the portrayal of Jack Adams played by Kevin Pollak is right on the money with history. One thing I noticed even though the film featured historical figures the NHL did not participate in this whatsoever the team's classic uniform's were not worn and I surmise it is because this is a dark harsh story that didn't paint the league in a great light. I think if you are a Hockey fan this film is a no brainer it is important to understand the history of the Sport and the men that carried the game forward like Mr. Sawchuk. To say these guys were a different breed is an understatement I have nothing but respect for the players that made the game what it is.