Next Goal Wins
Directed by Taika WaititiStory of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits a down on his luck, maverick coach (Fassbender) to help turn their fate around.
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Next Goal Wins Ratings & Reviews
- Kevin WardJuly 2, 2025A funny and cute inspirational underdog story. Taika’s typical comical sensibilities along of with several of his regular collaborators are involved so if you like his other films and tv shows, this is very on brand. Favorite character was probably Oscar Kightley’s Tavita, head of American Samoa Football, among several other things. I hadn’t read or heard anything about the film, so I pleasantly surprised to find out it was ver much a trans story as well. Made me want to check out the 2014 documentary. when it comes to the soccer action or any of the sports drama, it seemed kind of lacking. Half of the final match (really the only match) is only recounted to the audience after the fact. The film skips from half time to post game. And we cut to Tavita having passed out from heat stroke. Tavita’s son describes the important parts he missed. So essentially the audience only gets a replay of second half highlights. This really undercut the drama of the underdog sports story and was just a weird choice. It doesn’t detract from the cute story or humor, though.
- MeghannBFebruary 10, 2025If you like stories of perseverance and the human condition that you can also watch with the kiddos (9yo and up, my opinion), this is a good one. Witty dialogue, authentically played characters, and an overall charm that left me feeling really good after. Sometimes "based on a true story" can be a real eye roll, but this one was like eating a warm chocolate chip cookie (maybe sometimes where there were little bits of salt that didn't mix in right with the dough for the tough scenes). An interesting, surprising lead role for Michael Fassbender.
- brian6583April 7, 2025Nice little movie. Fassbender is excellent.
- Chris CurtisFebruary 4, 2025When I saw Taika Waititi attached to direct this story, it seemed a rather strange fit. Somewhat surprisingly, his quirky style works quite well here. Fassbender does fine as coach Thomas Rongen, but it's really the islanders who give the best performances. Oscar Kightley is wonderful as Tavita, in particular. The film itself is generally enjoyable and it delivers its uplifting message, but it also can't help feeling a bit cartoonish. Overall, you'd do better to find the 2014 documentary of the same name for a notably better telling of this incredible story.
