Next Goal Wins

 

   Co-written and directed by Taika Waititi, this new sports underdog film is based on a 2014 documentary about the American Samoan football (Soccer) team. Mr. Waititi also has a small part as a priest.

    Previously the team had lost to Australia 31-0 and they are considered the embarrassment of the FIFA league. A Dutch-American coach, Thomas Rongan is given the nearly impossible task of turning the team around. Rongan is played by Michael Fassbender and while a very good actor, seems miscast in this comedy/drama.

   We meet the various members of the team, typical stereotyped losers and one transgender player that has lots of potential, all of them confused by their new coach. It's a fish out of water story for Coach Rongan who has to first learn the culture before he can bond with his new team.

   The film co-stars Oscar Knightly as Tavita, Kaimana as Jaiyah Saelua, David Fane as Ace, Rachel House as Ruth, and in small parts, Elisabeth Moss and Will Arnett. Aside from Coach Rongan, there is little character development which is disappointing as the material could have been mined for much more depth.

   The story comes together pretty much as you would expect with a few twists to keep it interesting. It has a lot of heart and you do get to learn interesting things about American Samoa but it's far from Mr. Waititi's best.