Slap Shot: The Only Honest Sports Movie [Grierson & Leitch]

From the very first scene of Slap Shot, the classic hockey film makes its stance clear: The way everybody talks about sports is bullshit. Denis Lemieux, the befuddled language-challenged Charlestown Chiefs goalie, is on television talking to broadcaster Jim Carr, who is trying to get fans to bring their kids to come out and see the team by asking Lemieux about basic hockey moves like icing, and slashing, and high-sticking. But Denis just can’t seem to make himself family-friendly. “Against the rules. You know, you’re stupid when you do that. Just some English pig with no brains.” By the end, Denis is oddly existential about the penalty box. “You go to the box. Two minutes by yourself. You feel shame. And then … you get free.” Then he cross-checks the announcer again. More »