Review of Youngblood

Youngblood manages to give both hockey and 80's movies a bad name. There is a reason this movie has been largely forgotten while Slapshot enjoys cult status among hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Youngblood just doesn't do much of anything well, on or off the ice. The only possible exception to this is the strory line between the two brothers. One's a former prospect who suffered a dream ending injury and has all the reason to be bitter, but isn't. The other, Rob Lowe, has pro-level skill, but lacks the grit to ever make it to the big show. It's not bring you to tears inspirational, but at least this relationship plays out in satisfactory enough way. The romance between Youngblood and the coach's daughter is throw-away filler, and the actual hockey aspects are far from impressive, effectively making a an incredible, beautiful game appear baffoonish and boring. I had hoped that Patrick Swayze as the aging veteran, still dreaming of someday playing the garden would lend this film a bit of grace and respectability, but sadly his is an uninspired, stock character that never makes a large enough impact on the film. And please, please don't even get me started on the hockey stick/light-saber fight near the end. If you want good, cheesy 80's romance/comedy/drama watch something, anything with John Cusack. If you want a great hockey flick that showcases the brilliance of the game watch Miracle. (in fact, everyone should watch Miracle) Really, there just isn't any reason to recommend this film to anyone.