Is Slap Shot Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Slap Shot is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Slap Shot Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1977, Slap Shot emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of To build up attendance at their games, the management of a struggling minor-league hockey team signs up the Hanson Brothers, three hard-charging players whose job is to demolish the opposition. Unlike standard genre fare, Slap Shot attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Slap Shot features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Newman . Supported by the likes of Strother Martin and Michael Ontkean , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Slap Shot (1977) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Slap Shot Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Slap Shot is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Slap Shot Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Slap Shot concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Slap Shot reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Slap Shot?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Slap Shot Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $28.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Slap Shot Budget
The estimated production budget for Slap Shot is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Slap Shot
- Paul Newman – Reggie 'Reg' Dunlop
- Strother Martin – Joe McGrath
- Michael Ontkean – Ned Braden
- Jennifer Warren – Francine Dunlop
- Lindsay Crouse – Lily Braden
Top Highlights
Paul NewmanReggie 'Reg' Dunlop
Strother MartinJoe McGrath
Michael OntkeanNed Braden
Jennifer WarrenFrancine Dunlop
Lindsay CrouseLily Braden
Jerry HouserDave 'Killer' Carlson
Andrew DuncanJim Carr
Jeff CarlsonJeff Hanson
Steve CarlsonSteve Hanson
David HansonJack Hanson
Where to Watch Slap Shot Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Slap Shot is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Slap Shot stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slap Shot movie hit or flop?
Slap Shot has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Slap Shot worth watching?
Slap Shot is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Slap Shot online?
Slap Shot may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Slap Shot
Funny, cynical and irreverent. Paul Newman is the coach of third rate failing minor league hockey team, The Charlestown Chiefs. The town is hit hard by unemployment and this appears to be the Chiefs' last season, however, if the coach can whip up the team up into a winning frenzy, then the unknown owner might just find a buyer and save all their carers? The management bring in three odd looking brothers who, once unleashed, take the whole team on a blood thirsty winning streak right to the championship final. The crowds flock in thirsting for more blood, but then the problems start to arise. Slap Shot is a tremendously funny film, it's also incredibly violent and often vulgar in dialogue, but be sure to know that both things go hand in hand here (or should it be glove in glove?) to create one of the smartest sports pictures in the modern age. The hockey sequences are excellent (especially to a non fan like me), and the script bristles with course and biting humour. Slap Shot on its initial release was frowned upon by many critics, it was considered too profane and overly harsh with the win at all costs theme driving it forward. However, it's now rightly embraced as the smart and intelligent piece that director George Roy Hill wanted it to be seen as. A new generation of movie fans have started to seek it out and its reputation and fan base grows ever more larger by the year. Newman was a bona fide star, his hair silver grey but his good looks still firmly intact, his performance has a grace about it that oddly sits nicely amongst this cynical stab at professional hockey; even if his characters' clothes are, in truth, icky. It would be a big disservice if I didn't mention the impact of the Hanson Brothers, surely one of the finest combinations to have ever graced a sports movie? They are at once unassumingly likable, the next gleefully violent, they are the glue that binds the whole picture together. Film is filled out with sparkling support work from the likes of Strother Martin, Michael Ontkean, Jennifer Warren, Lindsay Crouse and Jerry Houser. Not long after originally writing this review, the legend that was Paul Newman sadly passed away, he left behind a movie legacy that few can touch, and trust me, this is one of them. A sports movie that never gets old and continues to pay off on repeat viewings. 8.5/10
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