Slap Shot Original: The Man, The Foil and The Legend Review

Slap Shot Original: The Man, The Foil and The Legend is a documentary film that chronicles the making of the iconic hockey movie, Slap Shot. Released in 1977, Slap Shot starred Paul Newman as the coach of a minor league hockey team who resorts to violence and dirty tricks to win games.

The film was not initially well-received by critics or audiences, but it has since become a beloved cult classic. Slap Shot Original explores how the movie was made and its lasting impact on hockey culture.

The documentary focuses on three main figures: the man behind Slap Shot, Johnathan Dowling; the foil to Paul Newman's character, Dave Hanson; and the legend of the movie, the Hanson Brothers.

Johnathan Dowling was a young Hollywood producer who had a love for hockey. He saw an opportunity to make a movie about the sport and went on a quest to find the perfect script. After reading over 200 scripts, he settled on Slap Shot. Dowling knew that he needed a big name to attach to the project, and he was thrilled when Paul Newman agreed to star in the film.

Dave Hanson was a minor league hockey player who was hired as a technical advisor for the movie. He quickly became an inspiration for the character of Jack Hanson, one of the three Hanson Brothers. Dave helped choreograph the film's famous on-ice fights and was even given a small role in the movie as one of the players.

The Hanson Brothers are perhaps the most enduring legacy of Slap Shot. The trio of bespectacled tough guys became instant fan favorites and have since become an iconic part of hockey culture. They have made appearances at games, hosted their own radio show, and even had a beer named after them.

Slap Shot Original includes interviews with Dowling, Hanson, and the actors who played the Hanson Brothers. It also features behind-the-scenes footage and stories from the making of the movie.

The film is a must-see for any hockey fan or lover of classic cinema. It provides a fascinating look at how a movie that was initially dismissed as crude and violent has become a beloved classic.