Shot At Glory, A MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -4

In Kilnockie, a small town in Scotland, soccer (known as football in Europe) is king. But its second division team has never won a national soccer cup, although things are looking up for them. Peter Cameron (Michael Keaton), the American owner of the towns team, has just signed up Jackie McQuillan (Ally McCoist), one of the very best soccer players in Scotlands history. But Kilnockies long standing soccer coach, Gordon McLeod (Robert Duvall), is not at all happy. It seems that McCoist is McLeods son in law and has almost destroyed his marriage to McLeods daughter Katie (Kirsty Mitchell) with womanizing and drinking. Even so, McLeod lets him play regularly and the Kilnockie team starts to win games. Before long, this previously insignificant team finds themselves in Scotlands national championship and now has its shot at glory. All the while, McLeod wont talk to his daughter, who continues to love and defend her philandering husband. But McLeods loving wife (Morag Hood) and stunning events on the soccer field soften McLeods heart. A SHOT AT GLORY is a unique and engrossing film, although the thick Scottish accents make it difficult to understand the dialogue at times.

But the almost incessant obscenities spewed out by the soccer coaches and players can be understood, are atrocious and will virtually destroy any enjoyment of this film for discerning viewers. At least 42 strong obscenities are heard along with some mild and moderate crudities. However, only one regular profanity is used. Further, the coaches of all the Scottish teams routinely admonish their players in extremely harsh and demeaning terms. This rough language may be realistic, but unnecessary to tell this inspiring story. Although no nudity is shown, one fairly explicit sex scene between Jackie and a girlfriend further justifies the films R rating. It was a tragic marketing and moral mistake to fill this enjoyable soccer sports story with material aimed at adults, whereas a huge audience of pre-teens and teens would be available with a lesser rating. On the other hand, the film has its redeeming qualities. McLeod comes to realize the love and concern he has for his daughter and her husband, and seems to learn that there is more to life than soccer. And Jackie turns out to have a sense of decency also. Its unfortunate that this meaningful film is spoiled with so much foul language and an unneeded sex scene.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Revere Pictures/Bumble Ward and Associates, 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 340, Los Angeles, CA 90211