Slap Shot
Performance & Direction: Slap Shot Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Slap Shot (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: Slap Shot
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1977, Slap Shot is a Comedy, Drama film directed by George Roy Hill. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Paul Newman.
Ending Explained: Slap Shot
Ending Breakdown: Directed by George Roy Hill, 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 involving Paul Newman, 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 Paul Newman or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Slap Shot
| 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.
Top Cast: Slap Shot
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Where to Watch Slap Shot Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoSlap Shot Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 AdvisoryWondering about Slap Shot age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Slap Shot is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Slap Shot is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slap Shot worth watching?
Slap Shot is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Slap Shot parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Slap Shot identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Slap Shot?
The total duration of Slap Shot is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.
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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
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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