Parents' Guide to

Goal! The Dream Begins

By Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Soccer + melodrama. Older tweens and up.

Movie PG 2006 118 minutes
Goal! The Dream Begins Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

bjlehman
bjlehman Adult
April 9, 2020
age 14+

A few scenes ruin it for younger kids.

I actually previewed this movie as something to show to my high school Spanish classes. NOPE. I will not show it at school. There are a few scenes that show ladies in bed with just bras on, drinking and eludes to sex that strike it out as school appropriate. I would have to cut out several scenes. The story line was good and I thought the movie minus those few scenes would be have been much better.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Isaac R.
Isaac R. Adult
January 16, 2017
age 13+

Muchas Escenas Inapropiadas para Ninos

En esta película muestra la vida de un futbolista que empieza a ganar atención de fanaticos y equipos profesionales pero se va un poquito muy lejos. Empieza a besarse con una mujer que no es su novia y toma mucho trago. La película es para niños de 13+
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (6):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the conflict between Santiago and his father, as they clash over how best to support the family. How does the film resolve this relationship, even though they don't see one another again after Santiago leaves L.A.? How does the grandmother help to bring them together? Why do so many sports movies tend to focus on the same themes?

Movie Details

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