Next Goal Wins

Next Goal Wins

Dutch coach Thomas Rongen attempts the nearly impossible task of turning the American Samoa soccer team from perennial losers into winners.

  • Released: 2023-09-22
  • Runtime: 104 minutes
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Stars: Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Frankie Adams, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Rhys Darby, Angus Sampson, Chris Alosio, Sisa Grey, Russell Satele, Kaimana, Semu Filipo, Ioane Goodhue, Taika Waititi, Hio Pelesasa
  • Director: Taika Waititi
 Comments
  • docbennett-472-557329 - 15 May 2024
    Good Director, Good Storyline, Bad Movie
    We got to about the 20 minute mark when in typical Hollywood fashion they had to introduce a trans as one of the heroes of the film.

    Sad they have to makeup that character as the troubled player.

    Great supporting players make the movie watchable.

    Funny at much of it only to be ruined by the unbelievable.

    Even Fassbender's hardest work couldn't save the poor decision on characters.

    Making fun of the religious beliefs of the island inhabitants was a poor writing choice. Of course if they had been Muslim the film would have never made the joke.

    Totally understand why the film did so poorly and why the other reviews have it down near 5.
  • deepfrieddodo - 1 April 2024
    More Joy From Waititi
    Waititi's filmography evokes a special kind of joy when centering on the cultures within Oceania, giving delightfully humourous insights into Maori, Pasifika, and in this case, Polynesian populations. Next Goal Wins is no different, delivering the heart-warming and hilarious true story of the world's worst football team, America Samoa, seeking it's first ever goal.

    Familiar faces crop up in the cast as wonderfully endearing characters take the spotlight, transforming the harsh outsider through their kindness. This arc is carried through by a mixture of daft dialogue, emotional subplots, and the occasional slapstick. The film is very much a comedy, but as is often the case in Waititi's work, it packs an emotional punch to add drama into a sports film that doesn't require sporting fandom to enjoy.

    The portrayal of Jaiyah, who is fa'afafine, adds to the rich depth of the plot. Having Kaimana, who is also fa'afafine, play the character is also a welcome addition, respecting the culture on display. If anything, Waititi's own character, a zany priest not dissimilar to that of his in Hunt For The Wildepeople, is the only one that doesn't land as well as others in what is a roster of silly, but still believable, characters. In fairness, though, that narration role is very light.

    Visually it is stunning, no small thanks to the location, and familiar music mixed in with native hymns creates a nice soundtrack adding to the soothing atmosphere created. Next Goal Wins a whole lot of fun for the whole family, but it's draw goes beyond that of just comedy.
  • kegeji - 13 March 2024
    Enjoyable, funny and a bit crazy
    A fantastic story made even more fantastic by the fact that it is based on a true story. The film is extremely funny, with a lot of dark humor and irony and I like it because it doesn't take itself too seriously. Michael Fassbender's performance is impeccable, but honestly the non-A-list actors gave performances that have nothing to envy of the big names in Hollywood. Taika Waititi's style is immediately recognizable and well summed up by his cameo and I really appreciated how he managed to deal with very delicate topics with levity but also with great respect. Recommended, I will definitely see it again!