Entertainment
Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” Fails to Score with Audiences
A Misstep for the Quirky Director
Taika Waititi, known for his unique films like "Jojo Rabbit" and "Thor: Ragnarok," has stumbled with his latest project, "Next Goal Wins." The director's signature twee aesthetic falls flat in this underdog soccer tale, leaving audiences disappointed.
A Can't-Miss Story That Flops
The fact-based story follows Thomas Rongen, played by Michael Fassbender, a hot-headed soccer coach looking for redemption. Tasked with coaching American Samoa's struggling team, Thomas must lead them to victory or at least their first goal. However, nearly every element of the film fails to deliver, from the characters to the stakes.
Missed Opportunities and Poor Character Development
While Jaiyah, played by Kaimana, the team's trans player, stands out as a fully-dimensional character, the rest of the team feels interchangeable. Co-writer Waititi shows little interest in addressing this issue, leaving audiences wanting more. Fassbender's portrayal of Thomas Rongen is inconsistent, and the addition of his separated wife, played by Elisabeth Moss, does little to flesh out his motivations.
A Lack of Respect for the Coach
Unlike most sports movies, "Next Goal Wins" fails to show respect for the inspirational coach. Instead, the screenplay relies on cliched lines from famous sports films, leaving audiences confused about Thomas' contributions to the team. The film's contempt for the coach is evident, leading to a disinterested portrayal of the game itself.
Missed Cultural Opportunities
While Waititi attempts to convey American Samoa's culture, the comedic tone diminishes the impact of these cultural aspects. Even the use of the classic Dolly Parton hit "9 to 5" and a tone-deaf reveal in the third act fail to resonate with audiences.
Overall, "Next Goal Wins" falls short of Waititi's previous successes, leaving audiences disappointed and questioning the director's vision. It seems that even the quirky talent has an expiration date.
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
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