NEXT GOAL WINS-Mighty Ducks Story Soccer Team Loaded Ted Lasso's Winning Charm

 NEXT GOAL WINS is a comedic, feel good story based on the real American Samoa soccer team with the worst record in the league and league record of a 31-0 loss. The team is a mixed bag of sad sack, lovable losers.  All the team really needs is a coach to make them better cuz they can't get worse. The coach they get is an irascible hot head whose temper tantrums have gotten him tossed from numerous jobs. He's given his last chance to coach for the losing American Samoan team. The board meeting where Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbinder) is being reassigned comes with an overhead projector presentation that is on point in regards to Rongen's emotional responses that is the funniest firing scene ever seen on film. With no other options, Rongen begrudgingly takes the job he's deemed beneath his qualifications. Upon landing on the remote and sparsely populated island, he's hailed as a celebrity. The locals are all welcoming and hard working; everyone tackles multiple jobs. Rongen's lodging is abysmal except for its scenic location on the beach. The flailing team includes an overweight, sluggish goalie, a forward in the process of transitioning to a woman and an entire motley crew looking to Rongen to prepare them to qualify and seek redemption. The dir. and screenwriter is Acad. Award winner, Take Waititi ("Jojo Rabbit") whose quixotic humor is rampant between Rongen and team members and, especially between Rongen and the team's manager, Tavita (Oscar Kightley). "One goal, just one goal," is Tavita's mantra. He tells Rongen, ("It's more important to be happy. Do what makes you happy. I wouldn't wish unhappiness on anyone.")  Far from being sappy or a "Mighty Ducks"/"Bad News Bears" facsimile, there's an overriding elegance in the Samoan culture that exudes grace and empathy. Rongen whips the team in shape and builds kinship despite his frustrations. But, he resorts to his vitriolic outbursts and antics after their disappointing performance. It's Tavita with his compassion who elicits an epiphany from Rongen following Rongen's cruel outburst and quitting during half-time at the big game. The delightful acting by the entire cast solidify this as a winning picture. Waititi and Rhys Darby ("Flight of the Condor") sparkle in their cameos. Elisabeth Moss ("Handmaid's Tale") is terrific as Rongen's estranged wife. Kaimana in her role as the player transitioning is particularly affecting. And, Fassbinder is perfect as the crusty coach.  I had a lot of fun with this comedic romp based on real people and events. NEXT GOAL WINS hits the mark on what's expected in underdog teams and surly coach movies. It scores the winning goal for its heart, humor and humanity. RENT IT on Prime Video.