A Mexican immigrant living in a poor Los Angeles suburb dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. He gets his chance when a coach from British club Newcastle United offers him a kick at the ball. Goal! is the first entry in this USD 100 million trilogy that boasts more real life soccer stars (Shearer, Zidane, Beckham) than any one team could possibly afford. And why not? Goal! has FIFA’s blessing (the international football governing body) and will be released to coincide with the 2006 IFA World Cup in Germany (which kicks off this June). Naturally, the series takes aim at the young audience. Says David Beckham, “It will provide a positive message to kids around the world.” So what’s the message, Mr. Posh Spice? To make some filthy lucre in a dog-eat-dog world, or the struggle to fulfill one’s dream – and get rich and famous? The former, of course. Viewers see little of the players day-to-day struggles, rather the film focuses on the behind-the-scenes politicking so endemic to this sport. Michael Winterbottom, the flim’s original director was replaced after objecting to interference from the FIFA. In sum, Goal! is a no goal. A worldwide flop with disappointing box-office scores even in the big football nations.
Buena Vista International

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
May 2006 issue



(c) that's Guangzhou
Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
May 2006 issue