Try to remember the name of Michael Fassbenderβs last film.
Itβs βNext Goal Winsβ but itβs about as memorable as the words combined to form the title.
Thatβs probably because Fassbender is miscast as Thomas Rongen, a soccer coach whose Bobby Knight behavior has forced him to look elsewhere for work. He takes a job in American Samoa and realizes the team has lost its will. He has three weeks to get the players primed for a win.
Naturally, it seems impossible.
Because Taika Waititi is directing (and co-wrote) this, youβd think differently. Instead, itβs unhinged and filled with the kind of lax behavior most canβt embrace.
Before he can even assemble the team, Rongen must find it. Players are all over the place, unsure they want to suffer another defeat. They also have a different mindset regarding play and teach more than they learn.
Michael Fassbender plays a coach in "Next Goal Wins."Β
Because we know where this is headed (name one soccer film that isnβt plotted like this), much of βNext Goal Winsβ is spent exploring the territory, meeting the locals and trying to figure out what caused Rongen to be so angry.
While Fassbender is almost swallowed up by his players (heβs awfully slight to be in this kind of role), he does well one-on-one. As he confronts players about their participation, we get to know them β and thatβs where the real film should have been pitched.
The players are interesting, different and highly watchable. Waititi, however, hits and runs. His best story comes from a transgender athlete who has plenty to say about the game. We get dribs and drabs, but not enough to satisfy a film this needy.
As Jaiyah Saelua, the first trans athlete to play in a World Cup qualifying match, Kaimana is wonderful. You want to hear more β and learn what fueled so much of the characterβs life. She gets moments (at one crucial point in particular) and always grabs focus. Even though Fassbender is barking orders, Kaimana stands out.
When we get to the game, flashbacks to other, better films emerge. An account of the last goal is handled in a great Waititi way β but itβs a little too late to begin flexing those comic muscles. Naturally, there's actual footage of the real coach and a bit of an update.
βNext Goal Wins," however, needed a better set-up. This goes offside a little too often.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "28 Years Ago"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "28 Years Later" is much more than a zombie film; it's the film that launches Alfie William's acting career.
Movies in a Minute: "Materialists"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says "Materialists" had potential with its great cast, but its plot comes up short.
Movies in a Minute: "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina," isn't fancy, but it does get the job done.
Movies in a Minute: "Karate Kid: Legends"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "Karate Kid: Legends" is necessarily bad, just unnecessary.
Movies in a Minute: "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning "
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment editor, says "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" is a decent summer action film showing there's still life in an old franchise.
Movies in a Minute: "Nonnas"
UpdatedWhile the premise may be a little underbaked, Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "Noonas" lets Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire and Susan Sarandon get cooking.
Movies in a Minute: "Fight or Flight"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment, editor says "Fight or Flight" is so full of stunts, it reminds of action films that starred Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt and Sandra Bulllock.
Movies in a Minute: "Thunderbolts*"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment editor, says Florence Pugh's acting in "Thunderbolts*" is forceful and keeps the action moving along.
Movies in a Minute: "The Accountant 2"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that although "The Accountant 2" is a good buddy film, this sequel could use an audit.
Movies in a Minute: "Sinners"
Updated"Sinners" is a wild ride according to Bruce Miller, the Sioux City Journal's entertainment reporter. Filmmakers Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have created an unstoppable movie.
Movies in a Minute: "Warfare"
Updated"Warfare" is gritty and disturbing. It also one of the best films of the year according to Sioux City Journal movie critic Bruce Miller.
Movies in a Minute: "A Minecraft Movie"
UpdatedWill this movie please you? Or, will it annoy you? Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says that could very much depend on what generation you are.
Movies in a Minute: "Death of a Unicorn"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says pitting unicorns against humans is a pretty dicey proposition.
Movies in a Minute: "Snow White"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says the live-action version of Disney's classic "Snow White" echos the original, but doesn't do it justice.
Movies in a Minute: "Novocaine"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says that in "Novocaine," Jack Quade's lack of pain is your gain.
Movies in a Minute: "Mickey 17"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says "Mickey 17" director Bong Joon Ho skates on the edge of Stanley Kubrick's best work.
Movies in a Minute: "Flow"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says "Flow" proves that a film doesn't have to have dialog to tell a brilliant story. The film won the Academy Award for best animated feature.
Movies in a Minute: "Last Breath"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says "Last Breath" is like few rescue films today.
Movies in a Minute: "Captain America Brave New World"
UpdatedIs "Captain America Brave New World" a decent film? Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says that while Anthony Mackie is a fine replacement for Chris Evans, the movie itself is too muddled.
Movies in a Minute: "Heart Eyes"
UpdatedIs "Heart Eyes" a horror movie or is it a romance flick? Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says the film wasn't faithful to either genre.
Movies in a Minute: "Flight Risk"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, wouldn't call "Flight Risk" the worst movie of the year, but......
Movies in a Minute: This Oscar season, musicals are "pop u lar!"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says this year two musicals have been nominated for Best Picture - the first time that has happened in 60 years.
Movies in a Minute: "Wolf Man"
UpdatedIs it possible to fight off a monster with a kitchen knife, in a desolate place with no cell service? And in the DARK???? Well...... maybe, or maybe not. In "Wolf Man," Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter says the folks being stalked do everything wrong.
Movies in a Minute: "Better Man"
UpdatedFor a movie featuring a primate as a rock star, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter says "Better Man" doesn't monkey around.
Movies in a Minute: "Babygirl"
UpdatedWhat happens when the intern hits on the boss? Bruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter, says "Babygirl" may hold the answer.
Movies in a Minute: "The Brutalist"
UpdatedBruce Miller, Sioux City Journal entertainment editor, says "the Brutalist" is a film that will stand the test of time and remind others just how important creativity is to the moviemaking process.
Movies in a Minute: "Nosferatu"
UpdatedYou can't say Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller didn't warn you.... DON'T watch "Nosferatu" after dark.
Movies in a Minute: "A Complete Unknown"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that while "A Complete Unknown" is a respectful screen biography of Bob Dylan, it would be better served with a little less music and a little more grit.
Movies in a Minute: "Nickel Boys"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says βNickel Boysβ may seem jarring at first. But once you understand this is a slice of life, not the product of some writerβs imagination, you can dig in and appreciate this stunning work of of cinematography.
Movies in a Minute: "Moana 2"
UpdatedEven though Auliβl Cravalho, the voice of Moana, sings the heck out of her songs, Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says βMoana 2β has such a similar trajectory to the original that it almost looks like a remake.
Movies in a Minute: "We Live in Time"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Smile 2"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Saturday Night"
UpdatedIs "Saturday Night," a genesis story of NBC's "Saturday Night Live," the best movie of the year? Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says it's a contender.
Movies in a Minute: "Joker: Folie `a Deux"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "Joker: Folie `a Deux," a music-filled movie, was a good idea, but it had nowhere to go.
Movies in a Minute: "Megalopolis"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says "Megalopolis" is "classic, removed and, at times, overdone." (and those are his nice comments)
Movies in a Minute: "Transformers One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Transformers One" is an origins story that details how the whole idea came about. The film looks good, runs less than two hours and doesnβt make you feel like youβve entered some strange new world.
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
Updated"Speak No Evil" is visually messy and disjointed. It becomes one of those horror films that makes you want to scream at the screen.
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that when Beetlejuice, Michael Keatonβs crazy-haired bio-exorcist, appears all is right in the crazy world of this sequel to 1988's "Beetlejuice." But be forewarned - if you're not familiar with the original movie, you may have some catching up to do.
Movies in a Minute: "Reagan"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Reagan" squeezes too much drama into one film. It's a CliffsNotes approach to history just hitting the highlights and quickly moving on.
Movies in a Minute: "Blink Twice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says if you put a bunch of people on an island just about anything can happen..... and, in "Blink Twice," it does.
Movies in a Minute "Alien: Romulus"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Alien: Romulus" isnβt afraid to throw in a good olβ popcorn surprise when you least expect it. You donβt have to know a thing about the earlier βAlienβ films to enjoy this one.
Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
Updated"It Ends with Usβ becomes yet another protracted romance in which no one is honest and open. Itβs an OK relationship drama, it just didnβt need more than two hours to make its point.
Movies in a Minute: "Trap"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Trap" is an interesting concept, particularly since it plays on understandable fears.
Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Deadpool & Wolverine" is the Marvel film for everyone who has grown weary of superheroes and their overly long stories. Teaming with Jackman was a brilliant move. The yin and yang of the new Marvel Universe can take on everyone and still manage a smirk.
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Twisters" whips up plenty of action to be one of the best movies this summer.
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Maxxxine" doesnβt accomplish much or really scare. Itβs a visual treat but a scary movie dud. Itβs merely an attempt for a director to walk in otherβs shoes, not blaze new trails.
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Despicable Me 4" is all over the map, looking for something to stick. Itβs fine for those with short attention spans but for everyone else itβs a mess to sort out.
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the joy of "A Quiet Place: Day One" is how well Lupita Nyongβo conveys every emotion without words. Sheβs a wonderful actress who makes you care about her, her cat and the law student, played by Joseph Quinn. When theyβre in danger, weβre in danger. When theyβre exhaling, weβre exhaling.
Movies in a Minute: "Thelma"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in βThelmaβ may not be all that realistic, itβs highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
UpdatedJournal Entertainment Editor Bruce Miller says:Β Without the learning curve of the first film, "Inside Out 2" is more understandable and ready for Riley, the 13-year-old owner of said emotions, to put them to the test.Β Itβs like playing a familiar game with more players.
Movies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" doesnβt try to deliver big messages, it's just a lot of fun.
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says βSummer Campβ doesnβt have a spark that could start a fire.
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
Updated"The Blue Angels" documentary shows us what itβs like to be the best of the best. For fans of air shows, itβs a great βrest of the storyβ production.
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" includes the best motion capture performance weβve seen and, easily, the reason this film works so well. No matter how many βPlanet of the Apesβ films youβve seen, this is the one to embrace.
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Fall Guy" rolls out every jaw-dropping stunt possible and manages to pull the curtain back on the movie industry.
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says that if you get an invitation to dinner from "Abigail" just say it got lost in the mail. She's a messy eater.
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Civil War" seems like a film designed to scare audiences into attention.
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Monkey Man" never sits still. The film is full of extreme close-up shots which are impossible to ignore and, often, easy to misread.
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" isnβt as good as previous mashups, but this, you might say, is the βOppenheimerβ of the monsterverse.
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Late Night With the Devil" toys with its audience and plays out much like an old-school talk show.
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Snack Shack" is Profane, constantly in motion and very retro. Itβs the vacation you didnβt think you needed but sure were glad you took.
