Goal! The Dream Begins (PG, 2006)

A dedicated soccer (or football, as it's called in Europe) player from the time he was a child, Santiago leaves Mexico with his father Hernan (Tony Plana) in search of a new life in Los Angeles. As a young man, Santiago (now played by Kuno Becker) works for his father's gardening company, but hangs onto his dream of being a soccer champion. When he's spotted by a former scout for Newcastle United, Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane), he makes his way to England in order to try out for the team. In England, Santiago faces a number of trials and obstacles in pursuit of his dream.

A generically inspirational sports movie, GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS focuses on the worldwide popularity of soccer. While the movie is full of clichés and runs too long, it does raise some timely issues, almost in spite of itself. For one thing, it reveals the difficulties of Santiago's life in a Los Angeles barrio, with his father, younger brother, and grandmother Rose (Miriam Colon): They have no chance at social mobility, despite years of hard work and following the rules, as they are technically "illegal." By the same token, once Santiago proves himself as a player, his new employers are eager to exploit his potential, as a winner and money-maker. Santiago's dream, in other words, hinges on making someone else wealthy. That said, he looks very happy when he score a big goal on television.

Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Danny Cannon
Cast: Kate Tomlinson, Kuno Becker, Stephen Dillane
Genre: Drama
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: May 12, 2006
DVD release: September 12, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: language, sexual situations, and some thematic material including partying.