Just got back from a free preview of Miracle, the story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team.
While I didn’t think the movie was too bad, the first 3/4 of it was more of a TV dramatization than anything else. Nothing spectacular, but it did a good job setting up the highlight of the film: the game against the Soviets.
They basically choreographed and filmed the whole thing in concert with Al Michael’s original call of the game. It really should explain the magic of that event to those too young to remember it.
That of course would not include me. I remember that game like it was yesterday. The Russians in their red uniforms, always in control, making incredible passes. The scrappy Americans, grinding out every diving save, every board-pounding hit. And Jim Craig’s amazing goal tending. Shot after shot after shot blocked. I’m going to watch out for a re-play of the game on ESPN Classic when this film is released!
That one and the gold medal game that year are most likely the only two hockey games I’ve ever watched. I don’t care if Al Michaels does MNF for another 25 years, he’s gonna be remembered for that call alone among sportscasters.
The hockey fanatic I am, I was waiting for someone I knew to review it before running out the door myself. Thanks Solonor! And yes, ESPN Classic will repeat it — particularly in light of Herb Ritts’ death and the (months away, dammit) Cup Finals. GO WINGS!!
(A Michigan Gal Who Loves Her Stevie Y and Yet Misses Scotty)
The hockey fanatic I am, I was waiting for someone I knew to review it before running out the door myself. Thanks Solonor! And yes, ESPN Classic will repeat it — particularly in light of Herb Ritts’ death and the (months away, dammit) Cup Finals. GO WINGS!!
(A Michigan Gal Who Loves Her Stevie Y and Yet Misses Scotty)
Sorry about the duplicate posts! 🙁
I get misty watching the damned trailer!
What sucks is that most folks don’t remember that the actual televisation of the US/USSR game was tape-delayed by several hours, and edited for abbreviation.
I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Herb’s dying this past summer was a great loss to hockey, but US hockey in particular.