Slap Shot (R, 1977)

There's enough good-natured rowdiness and comedy (and exciting rink action) to make some viewers assume that this film glorifies acting like a hockey "goon," and when Will Ferrell takes his clothes off in another slob-sports comedy every year, one might think SLAPSHOT is just one more well-made jock farce. But the film actually has a serious point to make about the crass vulgarization of American sports (and, by extension, American life) as the Chiefs go from losers to superstars by leading the NHL in beat-downs and nasty antics against opponents. There's a price to be paid, in terms of honor and values, even if nobody in the film (and, judging by the fans, hardly anyone in the audience) gets it.

Recently, Universal Pictures has started cranking out belated direct-to-DVD sequels (speaking of dirty plays), to exploit the popularity of Slap Shot. Only the actors playing the notorious "Hanson brothers" returned, and (in a detail that this film practically predicts), the once-groundbreaking curse words, sex flirtations, and disrespect are barely shocking at all anymore.