 
Goal! The Dream Begins [Blu-ray]
By: Buenavista Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 47
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 On: 2008-10-08
Bought this and a couple of others for my soccer-obsessed, 12-yo son. Hes seen it about 12 times, since Christmas. Loves it!! Weve watched it with him, a couple of times. I was surprisingly pleased at the storys holding my interest, the charm of the lead actor, and that it made watching a bit of soccer pretty exciting. Little corny, in places, but all in all, a nice film.
 On: 2008-08-31
fantastic. I had to get the second one through a private party. It is only found in South America and Europe. Im waiting for the third one to come out on video. If you like coming of age films and sports underdog success story, this is for you. I compare it to the Rookie and Invincible.
 On: 2008-07-31
This movie was too hollywood for me and we knew exactly how it would end so I gave it to a friend of mine and said he could keep it.
On: 2008-07-24
Bend it like Beckham was previously the Rocky of Soccer, but it was too weird to really fit the genre. This is a true sports movie - training montages, lots of failure, good slips of games, etc. The story is basically a poor Mexican illegal immigrant from LA going to England to pursue his dream of being a pro soccer player (I guess the US teams werent good enough for him?). Lots of setbacks and challenges ensue, but the story works itself out very well. I enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommended for anyone who likes the Rocky genre of movies.
On: 2008-07-24
Amazing movie, not just for football fans, but for anyone. For those of you who enjoyed, the second one is equally terrific, and they will soon be releasing the third. - 5 STARS!
 On: 2008-06-08
This is actually much worse than Rudy or Hoosiers, as in way more cliched, predictable, and ultimately unbelievable. And I love soccer. I got a hell of a lot more out of watching Bend it Like Beckham, which has far more compelling human elements mixed in with the fantasy. But Goal! is mildly disturbing, ridiculous fantasy. It actually made me wince. Plus I generally cringe at the idolatrous worship of Premier League football. Just keeping it real, folks. I personally prefer Serie A, La Liga, and my regional MLS and USL clubs. And kicking it around the yard, of course. You could do a lot better than watch this.
On: 2008-05-17
I am not a football fan, although I had been to a real foot-ball stadium, & that was about thirty years ago. It was in Dortmund, West Germany, where I was undergoing factory training with O & K Orenstein Kopel AG.
A German service engineer had invited me to watch a foot-ball match between the home team & a team from Munich, during one weekend. I cant recall who won, but to me that was the first & the last time I had seen a real foot-ball game.
Since I am not a football fan, I dont watch the EPL or World Cup on television. In fact, I just dont understand why people can get so frenzy with watching foot-ball matches on television.
The last time I had seen a foot-ball match on television was while watching the action movie, Escape to Victory. It starred Sylvester Stallone & Michael Caine, plus a handful of real-world foot-ballers - Pele, Bobby Moore - I could not recognise the others.
The movie was about a foot-ball match between a ragtag group of Allied prisoners & a German foot-ball team, which the Nazis had originally planned to promote as a propaganda event during WWII. To the chagrin of their German captors, the Allied prisoners had used the closing of the game as a brilliant escape with the spectators.
Last night, after channel surfing, & also checking out the synopsis, I finally settled down to watch a movie entitled Goal! The Dream Begins.
Frankly, all the actors or actress in the movie were unknown, at least to me, with the exception of Tony Plana, whom I last saw as the prison warden in the action movie, Half Past Dead, opposite Steven Seagal, who played an undercover agent.
In a nutshell, the movie traced the exploits of a young Mexican immigrant, Santiago Nunez (played by Huno Decker, a Latin American actor) from Los Angeles, working in the building maintenance crew with his divorced father (played by Tony Plana).
He often dreamed of becoming an international foot-ball star. In fact, he spent most of his evenings in street-corner matches.
One day, while dribbling with his ball, he was spotted by Glen, a visiting talent scout from UK, who was a retired foot-ball player with Premiership Club Newcastle United.
Glen called his ex-boss/club manager, Erik, to inform him of his talent finding. Erik agreed to give the young man an opportunity, & Glen invited Santiago to come to UK.
Santiagos hard-headed father was dead against the whole idea, as he believed that the entire family could only made it through hard-work by setting up their own building maintenance business. To discourage the son, the father even snatched part of the sons own meagre savings to pump into the new business.
Fortunately, his grand-mother was supportive of his dreams, & managed to get him an air-ticket & some cash to fly to UK via Mexico city.
Upon arrival, he got in touch with Glen, who invited him to stay in his private home. Glen then arranged for him to go for his "screen test" under the watchful eye of Erik.
It was raining heavily that fateful day, & the foot-ball grounds were a muddy mess, & so poor Santiago flunked his first "screen test".
Glen pleaded to Erik to give the young man a chance. Santiago got one month to prove himself.
At this point, the movie traced his trials & tribulations as a rookie in the premiership club. As usual in most movies, he also got romantically entangled with a beautiful nurse. He also got teamed up with another newly recruited footballer, Gavin, from Germany.
The latter was a night owl & party animal, who introduced him to the booze, the parties, the clubbing, & the women, often associated with the decadent lifestyle of foot-ball stars we read in the papers.
Santiago (as well as Gavin) almost got kicked out of the club, if not for the unwavering support of Glen, the nurse/girl-friend, the coach, & of course, the club manager/boss, Erik, who truly saw the raw talent in the young man.
It was quite fun to watch Erik showing the young man the importance of being a team player in a club, & sharing some important pointers about game discipline.
I like one particular confrontation dialogue between Erik & Santiago, who uttered: "The only one who can tell me Im not good enough is you. And even then I may not agree with you."
Of course, the movie ended with a critical match in London, where both Santiago & Gavin finally demonstrated their natural ballistic prowess with their heads & legs.
I have really enjoyed watching the movie. Despite some minor technical goofs here & there, & from an overall standpoint, it has been entertaining & warm to watch. Interestingly, David Beckham had a cameo role in the movie.
For me, it also has many interesting learning points.
In the course of pursuing our fondest dreams, one should always remember all the people who cared, especially those who have extended their encouragement &/or help in one way or another as we move forward.
In the case of Santiago, his grand-mother, his mentor in the person of Glen, his girl-friend, his coach in the club, & of course, the club manager/boss, Erik, all played their contributing part in his journey to personal success.
Even his hard-headed father, who often refused to acknowledge the sons phone calls whenever the latter had called home, had drilled into him the importance of standing up for himself, with no excuses whatsoever.
In fact, the father was very proud of his son, when he happened to witness one of his sons foot-ball matches on television, while visiting a local pub in Los Angeles.
This important fact was only made known to Santiago by the grandmother, after the father had died of a sudden heart attack on a job site. The earlier news about his fathers unexpected demise had somewhat tormented him, which affected his training.
This personal realisation about his fathers eventual acknowledgement certainly gave him the necessary closure to move on with his own life as a foot-ball star. In fact, that was his defining moment, as he had earlier made several vain attempts to seek understanding & recognition from his angry father.
What I am saying in the end analysis is that, warm support of the spouse &/or family plays a very important role in ones journey in life.
On: 2008-03-14
Filled with cliches, stereotypes, and music videos for the MTV crowd. But hey, its got soccer! No, seriously, it feels like it couldve been edited to half this length. But as I was logging on to write this review, I learned there was a sequel. Okay, that explains the length! Its not exactly full of surprises, telegraphing everything well in advance despite not really needing to telegraph such an old hat of a plot. And yet, like the title of this review says, very watchable. I didnt turn it off. I couldnt decide between 2 and 3 stars until I saw all the gushing reviews by everyone else. They need to be offset, because this is a far cry from, oh, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM or WE ARE MARSHALL.
On: 2008-02-15
I like it a lot. personally. its an everyday story of getting where you want to be or go. No matter the tests that you have to pass to get to the top. Well done it is great to see soccer pro players like Raul,Ronaldhino,Beckham or Zidane not forgetting the great views of the Soccer stadiums. About time for us the soccer lovers to have a movie about that sport. About the bluray dvd. personnal opinion It really makes a tiny difference against HDDVD I said a tiny because comparing the 2 formats which are the ones I have. My 360 and a stand alone bluray unit. I do see the difference when watching movies.
On: 2008-02-05
I have this movie on Blue Ray and the quality was absolutely fantastic as AI am sure is the standard format. All that aside this movie is fantastic, it has a way of pulling you into the movie and making you feel how Santiago must have felt during the final game of the movie and how hard he worked to get there. Its a real tribute to people who step out there on there own with only there dreams to make it happen.
On: 2008-01-18
There arent a whole lot of options out there for soccer fans, which makes this movie all the more worth seeing!
I found myself surprised ... I was prepared for a sappy story with all the predictable cliches. Rags to riches, kid works hard, boy gets girl, yadda yadda. What I didnt expect was above average acting, great locations (Newcastle and London), realistic soccer action, and even a few twists and turns.
Its not the greatest film ever made, but it is certainly above average. Enjoy!
 On: 2008-01-15
Well I was watching this movie while I was taking therapy, and instead of getting better I felt like I was getting tortured . The plot is just so un original, and the acting is just crap . The movie was increadibly boring, and you knew what was going to happen . On the positive side it looks good, but thats about it .
On: 2007-12-07
This was a very good movie. If you like soccer, you will like the intense game footage. If you are not so into soccer, it still has a really good storyline.
On: 2007-09-30
Goal! brought realism to the world of football(Soccer). A fantasy, yet full of real-life reactions and desires. Kuno Becker is humbling in his role.
On: 2007-09-21
ONE OF THE BEST SOCCER MOVIES EVER. ITS SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE. ITS A MUST HAVE IF UR A SOCCER FAN. ENJOY IT!.
On: 2007-09-17
I live in Australia and this doesnt work on my playstation 3, should have read the description more carefully. But seriously why cant blu ray be more like hd dvd and be region free it is just stupid, how can you call yourself a next generation medium when it still has the same annoying problems as its previous medium. As well as hd dvd looks way sharper, in closing blu ray sucks balls! Love this movie though
On: 2007-08-19
I think the message in the film is good.However it drags a bit.
I believe it is a good film for older atletes,perhaps high school age and above.
The actor playing Danny gave a great performance!
On: 2007-08-16
A great family film even if your child doesnt play soccer (football in England). Entertains while providing a positive message. Perfect for Friday nights!
On: 2007-08-11
First of all, I am not a soccer (or Football for the rest of the world) fans but find this movie to be highly entertaining.
The story focus on Santiago an illegal alien living in LA who was offered for a trial for Newcastle United ,as he impressed a soccer scout while playing on local playground. The catch, he has to go to England to show himself without the blessing of his father.
When Santiago made up his mind and went to England without his father approval, the usual stumble blocks appear. Even we know that this movie will have a happy ending (Hey, the title already gave it away), I still enjoy tremendously every single minute of it.
This is director Danny Cannon finest work, unlike his earlier works as director (Judge Dredd, I still know what you did last summer) which are only mediocre then later he co-produced hit series CSI and directed some episodes that he started to do big screen again.
Great stuff. Highly recommended !!
On: 2007-06-09
This is a rags to riches story in which a young Mexican man is transported from the barrios of Los Angeles to the soccer fields of England. It is a matter of being at the right place at the right time, when a former soccer player and scout spots Santiago Munez at a local match in L.A. and arranges a try-out for him. Battling asthma and culture shock, Santiago goes from the balmy weather of southern California to the freezing rain in England. He misses his family, especially his younger brother and his grandmother, but his angry father refuses to talk to him on the phone and nurses a grudge about Santiago leaving home without telling him. Kuno Becker plays the likeable hero and hell have you cheering him every step of the way. One criticism I have is that the movie doesnt show much of what makes Santiago great and his promotion through the ranks often comes as a surprise. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining, "feel good" movie.
On: 2007-04-18
This is a fantastic movie! Goal reminds you what it is like to be young and have a dream. I really liked all aspects of this movie. The plot, the acting, the soccer moves...everything was outstanding. Despite what you may think from the title, this movie is not corny, far from it. You will walk away from this movie with a smile and a reinvigoration to get something accomplished. The soundtrack is great too!
On: 2007-04-08
A movie in which the happy ending is a given just when you hear its title. Yet this movie captures your interest and it keeps you at the edge of your sit because it s done in a very realistic way. Until Santiago reaches his GOAL he has to overcome big obstacles. It is not so much the heartless kicks he gets and falling with his face on the mud. It is the way he is taught from his father to take things in life. A rather fatalistic way of thinking, which does not allow him to follow his dreams and believe in himself and in his abilities. The moment he gets rid of this mind frame is the turning point. From that moment on the way to success is wide open. A good reminder for parents never to set limits to the dreams of their kids.
The movie also very realistically portrays how easy it is for kids that suddenly find themselves with millions and with fame to loose their focus and end up in oblivion (frying burgers is fine) but addicted to drugs and alcohol is really sad.
This is a very entertaining movie for the whole family.
On: 2007-03-26
Finally, Hollywood has realized the appeal of the beautiful game. Soccer, the worlds sport, has never had too many good fictitious films made about it, until now. My whole family enjoyed this movie. I grew up in a soccer family, attending New York Cosmos games in the heyday of the NASL. When you were at one of those games, watching Pele, Beckenbauer, et al. you felt you were witnessing something great. This movie leaves you with a great uplifting feeling in the same vein as Hoosiers & Rudy!
Highly recommend it.
On: 2007-03-16
A fairy story that comes true in todays cynical world, great acting, great cast, great location/environment scenes, rags to riches/success story, the old world and the new clashes and in doing so changes for the better the lives of all in the story, cant wait for part 2 !
On: 2007-02-18
outstanding ! i enjoyed this so much i watched it back to back ! yea it probably helped that i am a real soccer fan, but ill tell you honestly, the movie will capture your interest from the start and it will keep it ! isnt that what movies are supposed to do ?
by: jpski3332002 On: 2007-02-05
After a plethora of inspirational sports movies, some of the masses may be getting tired. Inspirational, like many, but more tightly woven than most, `Goal! The Dream Begins is a foot ahead of most sports films. This time were offered a different venue. Soccer may not be a convincing viewers choice, but most jock movies since `Hoosiers know how to tell a good story. This film excels at getting our attention, gives us believable dialogue that wont make most cynics cringe, and provides an underdog character we easily care about.
Such is the trek of Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) whom we see as a boy crossing the Mexican border with his family into the US as an illegal immigrant. Narrowly escaping the border patrol, we poignantly see his father ordering him to leave his soccer ball behind and hurry up. This practical tension sets up the family drama. Fast forward ten years, and we see him grown up, and his family is divided. Living in Los Angeles, the Munez family must live on small means with manual labor and a paternal household where the mother has abandoned the family. Santiago shares a bedroom with his much younger brother, and the grandmother gives everyone a boost with her devout presence. As with so many sports underdog movies, the father is against his son becoming a pro ball player. Here it isnt clear whether hes a practical skeptic (like in The Greatest Game) or a jealous man. We cant judge him too harshly, for he has his own dream coming to fruition: his own construction business.
One day Santiago is spotted by British soccer team manager, Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane), who wants to acquire him to his UK team. His dreams are truncated by his father, but fostered by the grandmother. (Is there ever going to be a movie where the father supports his underdog son? Im sure there are already, but we are short of them.) Anyway, great developments occur as he gets acclimated to his new English team, playing for New Castle. His first practice is hardly stellar. In the cold, English rains, he is out of his league. The language barrier, which most Americans would struggle with, demonstrate a foreign English. (Some colorful British expressions will be lost on the American audience. Most did on me.) Merciless teammates are intolerant of their foreign acquisition and give it to him for his lack of immediate progress in ethnic terms. Jaime and Kevin round out the group and give him enough slack, with Foys line of second chances, to deliver him a shot at his dream. In the meantime, "Santi," as he becomes known, fancies a beautiful nurse; one who brings out the best in him and is unwilling to consummate a relationship with a potential star. "Its not footballers I have a problem with.," she explains, "Its the fame." With Kevins ego, Santi almost takes a plummet, but at least he survives. Watch this beautiful movie, and see how well it all flies.
`Goal!..` is easily a crowd pleaser, but it wins for craftsmanship and good form. The acting is good, the editing is judicious, and the story weaves its way to the goal line. (Alessandro Nivola, who plays Kevin, makes a special transformation from the passionate man, David in Junebug to the egotistical soccer star, doing more than changing accents.) Music usually accentuates sports movies well, but I have a particular affection for the special way the alternative music and the score pump adrenaline and weave sentiment into the various scenes. Goal! The Dream Begins wins on many levels. (Excellent entertainment.)
On: 2007-01-16
This was a wonderful story, not as much about soccer as it is about the difficulties and triumps of this young man. Very inspiring and motivating! Makes a great gift for all young and older adults.
On: 2007-01-12
An incredible film on faith. It teaches us to stay on track even when circumstances and voices are telling us to abort. We must always use our gifts to influence and build up those who need to go somewhere and assist them by dialoguing with others. A wonderful movie about friendship, family, mentorship and pouring out of ourselves in others. The reward is fulfillment, satisfaction and dreams manifested. In this life!
Ronald Joseph
On: 2007-01-11
An incredible film on faith. It teaches us to stay on track even when circumstances and voices are telling us to abort. We must always use our gifts to influence and build up those who need to go somewhere and assist them by dialoguing with others. A wonderful movie about friendship, family, mentorship and pouring out of ourselves in others. The reward is fulfillment, satisfaction and dreams manifested. In this life!
Ronald Joseph
On: 2007-01-04
great soccer movie. anyone who plays or is around soccer will love it.
On: 2007-01-01
Very well made fictional account of a Mexican-American soccer player from a poor LA neighborhood. A rags to riches story with several twists and turns along the way. If you like these type of sports movies, you will really enjoy Goal! Very good plot and very well acted - A must see for the sports fan.
On: 2006-11-13
a movie that is not un-realitisc in the world of soccer. good acting and very good story line.
On: 2006-11-13
I just watched this movie and absolutely loved it. I know in some ways its a bit corny and the story has been done so many times but this film rises above the rest with a great cast and a real genuine atmosphere that captures perfectly the mood and feel of a football game.
Kuno Becker was very convincing as Santiago Munez a Mexican who starts life playing for a small local side in LA before being discovered by a former scout and setting off to England to play for Newcastle United.
At first he finds the transition difficult and almost gives up but the last half hour in particular is very heart warming. The movie over all is very engaging and a treat from start to finish. Even if you dont like soccer I still recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good sports film. This is part one of a trilogy and I cant wait for the second one to come out!
by: jen-jay On: 2006-11-08
There are many movies about sports, some very good, some really bad and this one falls into the very good category. "Goal!" is the typical sports movie about an exceptionally talented young amateur who is given a chance to shine among the professionals and win the heart of the girl he loves. However, "Goal!" works this premise and makes it fresh and entertaining. Director Danny Cannon had complete support by FIFA and Newcastle United and it shows, he has created some of the most realist and remarkable football scenes in film.
Kuno Becker is very good as Santiago, although at times he is overshadowed by other members of the cast. It seems as if he lacked some presence on screen. However, he is still young, and certainly will improve with the years. Alessandro Nivola steals the movie with his performance as Gavin, a notorious football star whose convoluted public life begins to take its toll in his performance in the field.
Cannons approach to the story may seem clichéd, but the movie is never boring nor tiresome. Sure, he follows every rule in "Sport Movies Handbook" but he does it with care, good eye and love for the sport. Just like sport movies should be done. The movie flows smoothly between remarkable football scenes and Santiagos struggle with his own personal demons. While at times it seems that both Cannon and Becker are more comfortable in sports scenes, the movies dose of drama is well handled and completes an enjoyable experience. Even though its frankly predictable most of the time, it transmits passion, emotions and a love for the game that few movies do. Thats why "Goal!" can be considered a successful and important film. It is the first film about football soccer that transmits the emotions that have made the sport to be the most popular sport in the world. And thats got to be worth something.
It may not be a perfect sports film; however, "Goal!" is the beginning of an adventure, and hopefully, of a new way to make football movies. This initial film of what is called the "Goal! Trilogy" delivers high energy entertainment for fans and non-fans of the sport.
On: 2006-11-08
This one is a pretty typical sports movie. Im not saying that as a bad thing--if you enjoy a sports related movie, youll probably like this one. But its not something you need to rush out and see.
Santiago is a Mexican kid you illegally comes to the US with his family. While playing soccer in a park he gets noticed by a former scout from England who promises to get him a tryout with Newcastle United. Of course there are obstacles for Santiago, including a lack of funds and a dad who just wants his son to give up on his dream and help him start his own lawn service company. Santiago overcomes these obstacles, as well as some the film doesnt tackle--like how does he get a passport to get into England?
If you think things are easy once he makes it to the tryout then you obviously havent seen many sports films. Santiago has several screw ups that almost prevent him from making the team. The plot of the film is whether or not Santiago will overcome these extra obstacles (with the help of a girl and a player looking for redemption) and make it onto the field so he can triumph in a big game.
Again, you can probably figure out where this one is going in the first five minutes, but that doesnt make it a bad movie. The movie may lack originality, but its still entertaining--especially if you follow soccer and can enjoy cameos from Zidane and Beckham.
On: 2006-11-07
this is one of those rare sports movies thats entertaining and inspiring for kids and adults. i rate it as a well above-average story of a young mexican-american who gets a chance to try out with new castle united. my 7 and 10 year old, both soccer players, loved it!
On: 2006-11-07
Synopsis: Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) is a twenty-something Hispanic illegal (or should I say "undocumented alien") living with his Grandmother, Father and little brother in downtown Los Angeles. He works with his Father as a gardener during the day, hustles as a bus boy in a Chinese restaurant in the evening and plays soccer in the park whenever he can fit it in. Santiago is a superior player but his talent and potential seems to be taking him nowhere until he comes under the scrutiny of an ex-professional English soccer player Gavin (Alessandro Nivola). After a couple of brief encounters between the two Gavin convinces Santiago to come to England and play for United, a first division team. If Santiago can pay for his own plane faire Gavin promises the boy a try-out. As youve already guessed Santiago makes the journey and gets his big opportunity. The only question is can he perform up to expectations?
`The Goal is an entertaining, inspiring sports film about seizing the day and having the courage to pursue ones dreams no matter what the cost. While it doesnt quite deliver the emotional impact of `Rudy or `Miracle, its still well worth the watch. Kuno Becker is good-looking and likeable in the role of Santiago, youll find yourself rooting for him in no time. I would venture to guess this movie will find a ready made audience among the Hispanic/Latino community, but the story transcends ethnic boundaries
by: the_regulator On: 2006-10-31
Goal is a great modern day rags to riches sports story. Santiago Munez leaves with his family to cross the border into the United States at a young age, leaving his homeland behind. What he takes with him is a great skill and even greater passion to play the game of soccer (aka futbol). When he gets older, he is noticed by a former player while playing with friends in a dirt lot. The man soon sets things in motion for Santiago to come and try out for a team in England. His father dismisses this, seeing it as a fools dream and is constantly upset with Santiago that he does not try harder to fit the role of provider by working in his soon to be very own landscape business.
Soon Santiago is on his way, if only for a short time. He will encounter obstacles that seem to powerful to overcome, and will also get distracted by a multitude of outside influences that may or may not be within his immediate control. The film does a good job of bringing forward how big futbol really is outside the United States, and that for some guys their entire dream can be over in one "tackle". Santiagos is one of incredible hardship that is not missing second chances here and there. Romance, Rags to Riches, Friendship and Loyalty are all themes that abound in this well told story. The cinematic appeal is high as we get some truly amazing action sports shots on the field as well as the intriguing architectural landscape of the city that hosts his team, Newcastle United.
Just when it appears he has encountered one to many obstacles in his quest to play, Santiago gets devastating news from home that only further seems to hurt him. This however, is not necessarily true, because as in Santiagos case, what hurts you only makes you stronger.
Overall the film is never over the top in any specific category, it has more grit than sap, and is simply a great story. Albeit fictional, it still brings forward the theme that if you want something bad enough, your dreams can come true. Kuno Becker is superb in his role as Santiago Munez.
by: mikeonalpha99 On: 2006-10-20
Slickly made and featuring a terrifically involving performance from its lead man Kuno Becker, Goal is the epitome of a your rags-to-riches fairy tale, a truly romanticized ode to improbable dreams. Thankfully, the direction and performances are good enough to get us through the progressively hackneyed storyline and a screenplay that seems intent to offer up almost every single cliché in the book.
Illegally crossing into America as a child, Santiago Muñez, grows up in the barrio of East Los Angeles, sure of only one thing - his indelible love of soccer and that one day he wants to do something with his talent. He supports himself by working as a kitchen hand in a Chinese restaurant and as a gardener for his blue-collar dad, Hernan (Tony Plana) who tells him to stop dreaming and focus on supporting his family.
Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane) - a part-time talent scout and a former championship footballer with contacts in U.K. soccer world - spots Santiago playing and manages to persuade Erik Dornhelm (Marcel Iures), the German manager of Newcastle United, to give Santiago a tryout if he comes to the U.K.
With the help of his kindly grandmother (Miriam Colon), who tells him "to follow his dream," Santiago arrives in London, takes the train north and turns up unannounced on Glens doorstep. Now in the cold and rainy Northeast England, Santiago has a month to prove himself worthy of playing alongside the cocky playboy David Beckham-like star Gavin Harris (Alessandro Nivola).
Apart from the obviously clichéd look of the film - Los Angeles is filmed in shades of burnt out orange and the UK is constantly awash in rainy washed-out blue - the poor Santiago is faced with many hurdles and indeed looks like an exotic looking fish out of water as he fights to stay on the reserve soccer team and achieve his inevitable path towards football glory.
The drama comes from the fact that he keeps mucking up. Hes not used to playing in the rain and mud and theres the problem with his asthma that he keeps secret from Dornhelm and the attractive team nurse (Anna Friel) whom he has a crush on. Hes on the team and then hes off the team, then theres a tragedy at home which forces him to rethink his priorities, and then hes faced with the inevitable moral choice of being an upright young man rather than party with the irresponsible Gavin.
The stereotypical characters are all here - the conceited and uncaring agent, the kindly grandma, the love-interest nurse, the cheering coach, the nasty team member, the truculent father, the quietly supportive kid brother. The film starts off very strong - the best scenes are those set in Los Angeles - but the story steadily begins to hinge on contrived coincidences and eventually starts to look like one long training session.
Becker is the main reason to see this film - hes an actor with a big future, a charming, ruggedly fine-looking presence, and even though his playing scenes are clearly doubled, we get a strong feel for the character both on and off the pitch.
Of course, we do get caught up in it all as the film surges to its astonishingly predicable conclusion, which mainly tugs at the heartstrings because this fine cast has managed to earn our sympathy. Perhaps the next two installments of this story - yes, theres a Goal 2 and 3 soon to be released! - will generate a bit more invention and creativity and finally make this franchise of Santiagos journey, a story that we can truly root for. Mike Leonard October 06.
On: 2006-10-19
Slickly made and featuring a terrifically involving performance from its lead man Kuno Becker, Goal is the epitome of a your rags-to-riches fairy tale, a truly romanticized ode to improbable dreams. Thankfully, the direction and performances are good enough to get us through the progressively hackneyed storyline and a screenplay that seems intent to offer up almost every single cliché in the book.
Illegally crossing into America as a child, Santiago Muñez, grows up in the barrio of East Los Angeles, sure of only one thing - his indelible love of soccer and that one day he wants to do something with his talent. He supports himself by working as a kitchen hand in a Chinese restaurant and as a gardener for his blue-collar dad, Hernan (Tony Plana) who tells him to stop dreaming and focus on supporting his family.
Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane) - a part-time talent scout and a former championship footballer with contacts in U.K. soccer world - spots Santiago playing and manages to persuade Erik Dornhelm (Marcel Iures), the German manager of Newcastle United, to give Santiago a tryout if he comes to the U.K.
With the help of his kindly grandmother (Miriam Colon), who tells him "to follow his dream," Santiago arrives in London, takes the train north and turns up unannounced on Glens doorstep. Now in the cold and rainy Northeast England, Santiago has a month to prove himself worthy of playing alongside the cocky playboy David Beckham-like star Gavin Harris (Alessandro Nivola).
Apart from the obviously clichéd look of the film - Los Angeles is filmed in shades of burnt out orange and the UK is constantly awash in rainy washed-out blue - the poor Santiago is faced with many hurdles and indeed looks like an exotic looking fish out of water as he fights to stay on the reserve soccer team and achieve his inevitable path towards football glory.
The drama comes from the fact that he keeps mucking up. Hes not used to playing in the rain and mud and theres the problem with his asthma that he keeps secret from Dornhelm and the attractive team nurse (Anna Friel) whom he has a crush on. Hes on the team and then hes off the team, then theres a tragedy at home which forces him to rethink his priorities, and then hes faced with the inevitable moral choice of being an upright young man rather than party with the irresponsible Gavin.
The stereotypical characters are all here - the conceited and uncaring agent, the kindly grandma, the love-interest nurse, the cheering coach, the nasty team member, the truculent father, the quietly supportive kid brother. The film starts off very strong - the best scenes are those set in Los Angeles - but the story steadily begins to hinge on contrived coincidences and eventually starts to look like one long training session.
Becker is the main reason to see this film - hes an actor with a big future, a charming, ruggedly fine-looking presence, and even though his playing scenes are clearly doubled, we get a strong feel for the character both on and off the pitch.
Of course, we do get caught up in it all as the film surges to its astonishingly predicable conclusion, which mainly tugs at the heartstrings because this fine cast has managed to earn our sympathy. Perhaps the next two installments of this story - yes, theres a Goal 2 and 3 soon to be released! - will generate a bit more invention and creativity and finally make this franchise of Santiagos journey, a story that we can truly root for. Mike Leonard October 06.
On: 2006-10-07
GOAL! Motivational guru Anthony Robbins calls a goal a dream with a deadline. I sense it is far more than that. A goal is a hearts desire whose bliss will not be denied and must be manifested in some way, shape, or form. Such is the story of a young man in the Barrios of Los Angeles who lives for the game ... in between his day and night jobs. Hence the center of this mythic story this hero portrays. The one thing in your life that you would do without pay and do with your entire heart ... just for the sheer experience of it ... is the key to your blissful contentment. Even though his father says "people like us have to work", the dream just wont die ... and our hero is off to England and kicking the goal. Just the kind of film that makes you want to watch the World Cup and European Championship footage all over again! Its all about faith and love and seizing opportunity when it happens and fighting for your dreams ... that allow them the chance to come true.
On: 2006-09-29
Goal! is a well-done soccer version of the road to glory in athletics. It is a true Cinderella story that makes the impossible possible and fulfills the one in a million shot at stardom.
The soccer player, a young hispanic man in Los Angeles, gets a one-time chance to tryout for English Premier League power Newcastle. As the movie progresses, more and more people believe in the young mans dream.
His family relationships are present and well-developed in the movie as is a budding romance. We see the young player learn about the consequences of his decisions. There are enough conflicts and challenges in this movie that keep it interesting.
The soccer presented in the movie is very well-done. We see actual professional players make cameos on and off the pitch..no headbutts, though. A few times I felt like I was watching an actual English Premier League game...there are just a few too many spin moves over the ball but they look cool.
This is a good movie with a good begining and good ending. I am glad I watched it and recommend it especially to soccer fans.
On: 2006-09-28
Goal! is a well-done soccer version of the road to glory in athletics. It is a true Cinderella story that makes the impossible possible and fulfills the one in a million shot at stardom.
The soccer player, a young hispanic man in Los Angeles, gets a one-time chance to tryout for English Premier League power Newcastle. As the movie progresses, more and more people believe in the young mans dream.
His family relationships are present and well-developed in the movie as is a budding romance. We see the young player learn about the consequences of his decisions. There are enough conflicts and challenges in this movie that keep it interesting.
The soccer presented in the movie is very well-done. We see actual professional players make cameos on and off the pitch..no headbutts, though. A few times I felt like I was watching an actual English Premier League game...there are just a few too many spin moves over the ball but they look cool.
This is a good movie with a good begining and good ending. I am glad I watched it and recommend it especially to soccer fans.
by: gradyharp On: 2006-09-27
Yes, this is another sports biography that offers a stage on which to play out the drama of the possibilities of dreams of the disenfranchised to become a reality. There are many, many films like this one and will doubtless be more: something there is about the team spirit in the identity crisis of whether or not the poor (financially) new guy will be able to make the physical grade that draws large audiences. It is a formula and it often works despite weak structure and production values.
In the case of GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS the viewer can put aside the doubts as to whether the film can make it on its own: this little low profile movie is well written (Mike Jefferiess story adapted for the screen by Adrian Butchart), well directed by Danny Cannon who knows well how to integrate live sports scenes into the drama, and consistently well acted by a troop of excellent actors, beginning with the very vibrant, handsome, and charismatic Kuno Becker (Lucia, Lucia, Imagining Argentina, Once Upon a Wedding, English as a Second Language), a 28 year old Mexican actor with an assured future in the lead role of Santiago. The supporting roles are classy contributions by the gifted Alessandro Nivola (The Sisters, Junebug, The Clearing, Laurel Canyon, Loves Labours Lost, Mansfield Park etc), the very beautiful Anna Friel, Stephen Dillane, Marcel Iures, Tony Plana, Miriam Colon to mention only a few.
The story is secondary: as a child devotee of soccer Santiago immigrates illegally into the US with his family, grows up in Los Angeles working as a gardener, a dishwasher and other menial tasks while he consumes his spare time with developing his unique talents for soccer. Despite his fathers insistence that he remain with the family business of gardening, Santiago is discovered by a scout on vacation from England, a bond develops and soon Santiago is off to Newcastle to pursue his dream of being a professional soccer player. The rest is pretty obvious - the ups and downs of an asthmatic kid competing in the wild world of sports. The star of the moment is Alessandro Nivola and despite the differences in their goals and social life they become friends who help each other in tender ways. There is of course a love interest, telephone calls and encouragement form Santiagos grandmother, adjustments to life in the UK -all altering the road toward Santiagos eventually attained goal.
The film is a bit lengthy (two hours) for the content, but then we understand this is the first of a trilogy, so get used to the story and the characters as they all remain constant for the next two installments. Whatever reservations you may have about sitting through another predictable sports movie just relax them: Kuno Becker alone is worth the time invested in this very fine little film. Grady Harp, September 06
On: 2006-09-26
Yes, this is another sports biography that offers a stage on which to play out the drama of the possibilities of dreams of the disenfranchised to become a reality. There are many, many films like this one and will doubtless be more: something there is about the team spirit in the identity crisis of whether or not the poor (financially) new guy will be able to make the physical grade that draws large audiences. It is a formula and it often works despite weak structure and production values.
In the case of GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS the viewer can put aside the doubts as to whether the film can make it on its own: this little low profile movie is well written (Mike Jefferiess story adapted for the screen by Adrian Butchart), well directed by Danny Cannon who knows well how to integrate live sports scenes into the drama, and consistently well acted by a troop of excellent actors, beginning with the very vibrant, handsome, and charismatic Kuno Becker (Lucia, Lucia, Imagining Argentina, Once Upon a Wedding, English as a Second Language), a 28 year old Mexican actor with an assured future in the lead role of Santiago. The supporting roles are classy contributions by the gifted Alessandro Nivola (The Sisters, Junebug, The Clearing, Laurel Canyon, Loves Labours Lost, Mansfield Park etc), the very beautiful Anna Friel, Stephen Dillane, Marcel Iures, Tony Plana, Miriam Colon to mention only a few.
The story is secondary: as a child devotee of soccer Santiago immigrates illegally into the US with his family, grows up in Los Angeles working as a gardener, a dishwasher and other menial tasks while he consumes his spare time with developing his unique talents for soccer. Despite his fathers insistence that he remain with the family business of gardening, Santiago is discovered by a scout on vacation from England, a bond develops and soon Santiago is off to Newcastle to pursue his dream of being a professional soccer player. The rest is pretty obvious - the ups and downs of an asthmatic kid competing in the wild world of sports. The star of the moment is Alessandro Nivola and despite the differences in their goals and social life they become friends who help each other in tender ways. There is of course a love interest, telephone calls and encouragement form Santiagos grandmother, adjustments to life in the UK -all altering the road toward Santiagos eventually attained goal.
The film is a bit lengthy (two hours) for the content, but then we understand this is the first of a trilogy, so get used to the story and the characters as they all remain constant for the next two installments. Whatever reservations you may have about sitting through another predictable sports movie just relax them: Kuno Becker alone is worth the time invested in this very fine little film. Grady Harp, September 06
On: 2006-09-22
In the style of the Rookie and Invincible, Goal! is the same type of movie where an amateur has dreams of going pro. This was a good movie, not great. It was way to long and had a lot of story that could be left out.
On: 2006-06-24
`Goal! is part of the trilogy that will be concluded the next year, featuring the ambitious football player Santiago Munez. The likable hero is played by Mexican actor Kuno Becker who was impressive in `Lucia Lucia. American actor Alessandro Nivola plays the role of the star player of Newcastle United Gavin Harris while from UK side Stephen Dillane, Anna Friel, and Sean Pertwee appear.
As a little boy Santiago and his family moved to Los Angles illegally from Mexico. Now a grown-up and working with his father, Santiago is also a gifted soccer player in the local team and his talent is found by one English traveler Glen Foy (Dillane). Foy leaves his card, and tells Santiago that if he wants to be a professional football player, he should come to Newcastle, England.
If I say Santiago really flies to this northeast industrial city, helped by his kind-hearted grandmother, it would not be a spoiler anyway because `Goal! gives away where it is going from the very beginning. It treads well-known course of popular rags-to-riches story, and in spite of that formula - or because of that formula - the film works as enjoyable football version of fairy tale. Well, sort of. Of course, those who watches the football games in Europe every week would know that his success comes too easy, and these days the process of becoming a pro football player is more complicated. But I didnt hate the story.
No, what I didnt like is not that part; it is the football sequences that are not convincing enough to me. Dont get me wrong here because the film captures the atmosphere of the pitch very well. However, despite the clever choice of Newcastle, and its powerful footages of the football games and its enthusiastic fans (and they are real ones as the film wisely secured the approval from every party involved, including FIFA), the scenes where Kuno Becker plays are obviously helped by editing and special effects. Becker does his best, and I like his character and his (too) straightforward approach to it, but the gaps between his scenes and those of the real game are too conspicuous.
And there are cameos from real football players like Beckham and Zidane. It is surely amusing to see them delivering their lines rather awkwardly.
Football, or soccer, is no stranger to films, and you may remember films like John Huston-directed `Victory, `Mean Machine, and of course `Bend it Like Beckham with Keira Knightley The city of Newcastle, its football team and its dedicated supporters can also be seen in `Purely Belter." But as far as I can remember, `Goal! is the first example of a film that takes up football game itself as the theme and presents it as entertainment. It is a success, but I cannot be sure whether the second one can keep up with the expectation of the fans now eagerly watching the World Cup worldwide.
On: 2006-06-04
"Goal" is a highly entertaining movie that is likely to be appreciated not only by those who love soccer, but also by those who dont have the faintest idea of what that sport is about. If you belong to the first category, dont miss this film: it is not overly original, but it is pretty entertaining and dynamic, managing to transmit at least part of the energy and passion that we associate with soccer. In case you belong to the second category, it is high time you learn at least something about soccer, specially now that the 2006 World Cup is about to begin :)
The plot is simple, but good. The main character is Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker), a young immigrant from Mexico that lives in Los Angeles. Santiago loves to play soccer, but works as a gardener with his father in order to earn money for his family. One day, a scout sees him in a game and is thoroughly impressed, so much so that he ends up offering Santiago a try out at an important English club, Newcastle United. Santiago is enormously happy, but his father isnt, because he thinks that Santiago is just being foolish. On the other hand, Santiagos grandmother and his brother are fully supportive of whatever Santiago decides to do. What will happen? Will Santiago be able to follow his dream? Of course, if you want the answers to those questions, watch this film!
On the whole, I can say that "Goal" is a very well-made film about soccer, family, friendship and above all, the importance of following your dreams. Highly recommended!
Belen Alcat
On: 2006-05-16
I first saw Kuno Becker onscreen in the film "Lucia, Lucia" where he held his own with the incomparable Cecelia Roth.
In "Goal" Becker comes into his own career-wise. He plays an illegal Mexican alien, Santiago Munez living in Los Angeles who gets the rare opportunity to try out for the Newcastle United English Football team by way of a few outlandish and not so outlandish plot machinations though the central theme of following your dreams despite whatever obstacles life or your family present to obstruct you. Weve been here before but weve never been here before with the charismatic Kuno Becker.
Becker is the real reason to see "Goal" and his arrival on the international film scene is on par with that of any important actor in the last few years. What is special about Becker is his seeming lack of attitude and supposed entitlement that so many of todays crop of young actors possess.
Beckers Santiago is committed to his family, intelligent, wise, career-minded and generally a good guy. Of course, all of this can be attributed in part to the script but most of the success of this character and of this film can be placed on Beckers young shoulders. Becker imbues Santiago with a heartfelt sunny-ness and positivity that is infectious as well as emotionally open and available.
"Goal: The Dream Begins" is not an earth shaking film per se but it is a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Lets hope that Becker keeps his head screwed on tight, hires good management and continues to act in only films that he feels are important...i.e...have something to say.
On: 2006-05-13
Great soccer movie for anyone that loves the game.
Very realistic. You get caught up in the passion of the fans.
An emotional story woven in the excitement of English Premier League football. Worth seeing twice, or maybe 3 times.
2 thumbs up
On: 2006-04-19
I was really impressed by this movie. Its extremely well done, acted and shooted and in less than two hours successfully displays the full range of emotions, dreams, aspirations and problems that we can face throughout our whole lives.
The movie tells us the story of Santiago, a young mexican guy living in L.A. who has a wonderful natural talent for playing soccer.
His life seems to be like that of many unlucky immigrants, despite the efforts of his father to provide a better living thanks to hard work.
Nonetheless the chance of pursuing his own football dreams become true when he is spotted by an English gentleman who was a football talent scout years earlier. This leads to a conflict with his father, who is concerned about the risks of "dreaming" and wasting his "real" chances for obtaining a safe and honourable life, but the love for football is too strong and the young guy succeeds to leave for England and have a trial with the Newcastle United team.
Here many things happen, and a broad set of emotions and different situations are portrayed very effectively: the problems of getting used to a different environment, love, lust, illness, frienship, death, etc. but I dont want to spoil your surprise in watching this movie, so Id stop here in describing its actual contents, you should just know that, on the brink of being unsuccesful and going back home as a loser, Santiagos inner strenght is, at end, able to turn things around and win all the adversities, making his dream come true.
A beautiful modern story, which all football/soccer fans will love but which surely deserves to be watched by anyone since its contents go far beyond football itself.
Highly recommended.
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