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Released in 2011, Goon is an American-Canadian sports comedy written by Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg. Directed by Michael Dowse, the movie stars Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, and Liev Schreiber, and has since gained a loyal following from fans of the sports comedy genre. The film revolves around the character of Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott), a kind-hearted but dim-witted bouncer who seems to be going nowhere in life. With no real job prospects and little direction, Doug begins to look for meaning in his life through his love for ice hockey.

Following a chance altercation at a minor league hockey game, Doug is scouted by the Halifax Highlanders, who are in need of a tough enforcer to protect their star player, Xavier LaFlamme (Marc-André Grondin), from opponents looking to take him out on the ice. Despite having little experience, Doug's raw strength and willingness to take a beating earn him a spot on the team, and he quickly becomes a fan favorite for his fearless approach to the game.

Along the way, Doug befriends his idol, the foul-mouthed and aggressive hockey commentator, Marc Savard (Jay Baruchel), who helps him navigate the highs and lows of his unexpected rise to success. As Doug becomes more involved in the world of professional hockey, he must also confront his own limitations and make tough decisions about his future both on and off the ice.

One of the standout features of Goon is its depiction of the often-brutal world of ice hockey, which is presented as a violent and at times absurd sport. The film is not for the faint of heart, with plenty of graphic violence and foul language accompanying the on-ice action. However, the movie's over-the-top style adds to its humor, as well as the sense of camaraderie that develops between the players both on and off the ice.

At the heart of the film is Seann William Scott's performance as Doug. Although known primarily for his comedic roles in films like American Pie and Role Models, Scott delivers a nuanced performance that captures both the character's goofy charm and his hidden depth. He brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the role that make Doug a sympathetic and even likable protagonist, despite his brutish on-ice persona.

The supporting cast is also top-notch, with particular praise going to Jay Baruchel for his scene-stealing turn as Marc Savard. His comedic timing and rapid-fire delivery add a layer of irreverent humor to the film, as well as a sense of authenticity given his real-life background as a hockey enthusiast. Alison Pill brings depth to her role as Doug's love interest, while Liev Schreiber is menacing as the opposing team's enforcer and primary villain.

Aside from its humor, Goon also addresses several themes that make it more than just a simple sports comedy. The film explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and friendship, as Doug struggles to reconcile his violent on-ice persona with his gentle off-ice personality. It's also a film about the power of second chances, as Doug finds meaning and purpose in a sport that he had previously dismissed as mindless violence.

Overall, Goon is a hilarious and heartwarming sports comedy that goes beyond genre conventions and explores deeper themes. With an impressive ensemble cast and a strong emotional core, the movie is a must-see for fans of both comedy and sports films alike.

Goon is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 64.