DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 118 minutes, audio commentary, 3 featurettes, music video

STUDIO: Touchstone Pictures/ Milkshake Films

RELEASE DATE: 9-12-2006

GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS is an exciting drama about a poor illegal Hispanic guy who wants to play soccer or what the rest of the world except the USA calls it- Football. Some very well shot and energetic soccer matches are displayed in this movie. It is the first of a proposed trilogy. GOAL! is basically the story of Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) when he gets to chance to follow his dreams of playing soccer/ football and his struggle to get there. His father doesn't think much of Santiago's dream. His father thinks his dream is also his son's dream (he even goes to steal his son's money to buy a truck for the business). Things change when Santiago does make it to Newcastle, England. He finds a new father figure and gets help from his mentor/ friend, Geln Foy (Stephen Dillane). Eventually he has a friend in a fellow player, Gavin, and finds a nurse he loves. The favorite actor of the film has to be the guy playing the owner of the Newcastle team. He is just so perfect in the role. GOAL! sucked me and I wouldn't mind visiting Santiago again if they make a sequel.

VIDEO: 2.40:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)

The transfer isn't bad. Image detail is good. The way the film was shot in two different locations (Los Angeles and England) with different color feels is captured quite well.

AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish DS, French DS

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish

Dialogue is clear and the surround mix is gorgeous.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The film's audio commentary is with director Danny Cannon, screenwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. The audio commentary provides some great info about the production, the locations, and the film.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME- A look at the soccer games they filmed for GOAL!

BEHIND THE PITCH- A behind the scenes look at the making of teh film with interviews from cast and crew.

GOLDEN MOMENTS OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP- The title explains it all.

Also included is a Happy Mondays music video for "Playground Superstar".

FINAL ANALYSIS: GOAL is a great drama about a person who follows his dreams. Rent it now.

this review is (c)9-12-2006 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission (except for excerpts and a link to the review). Look for additional content at http://enterlinemedia.livejournal.com and send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com