Taika Waititi has become one of the most lauded directors in Hollywood, and through the course of his career, he has created various gems for the silver screen as well as television. Next Goal Wins is one of the New Zealander’s latest works, and the soccer-themed offering features his usual charm.
The 2023 title is Waititi’s eighth movie to date, but the critical consensus hasn’t been as strong as it has been with some of the other offerings from the 48-year-old. Still, it’s worth a watch for people who follow the director closely and enjoy sports movies.
Next Goal Wins Appeals to Growing Soccer Fanbase in USA
Next Goal Wins follows a generic underdog premise that has been seen in countless sports films over the years. However, that didn’t put Searchlight Pictures off picking up the rights to distribute the movie. The company clearly saw it as a chance to capitalize on the growing interest in soccer in the USA ahead of the World Cup.
There are already major signs that the country is preparing for this monumental event, with the legalization of the online betting industry spreading through various states in the lead-up. North Carolina is the latest state to open its doors to internet sportsbooks, and new bettors can take advantage of the Caesars NC promo code when it launches. This involves seven 100 percent profit boosts.
Next Goal Wins centers on the American Samoa national football team, and features Michael Fassbender as a Dutch-American coach tasked with getting them to the World Cup. As the team is considered one of the weakest in the world, this is a true underdog story as it seems like an impossible task to get the players to an elite level.
Could Be Considered One of Waititi’s Weaker Movies
Waititi made a name for himself on television originally on Flight of the Conchords between 2007 and 2009. Over the last decade, the actor and director’s influence has grown dramatically. According to a report in Collider, What We Do in the Shadows in 2014 led to his breakthrough. After that, he earned the opportunity to direct Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder in 2017 and 2022 respectively, putting him up there with the Hollywood elite.
Next Goal Wins takes Waititi back to his pre-blockbuster roots, but it doesn’t have quite the same magical effect as 2019’s Jojo Rabbit or 2016’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople. It only has an average rating of 5.3/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, and failed to gain a great score due to its lack of originality. However, most publications agreed that it was a crowd-pleasing picture with some good moments.
Next Goal Wins won’t go down in history as one of Waititi’s greatest works, but fans of the director should find some enjoyment from it. It may also appeal to the growing soccer fanbase ahead of the World Cup in North America. Waititi has another film lined up for release soon, with Klara and the Sun expected to hit screens in 2024.
