The Rise and Fall of Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins
A detailed look at Taika Waititi's sports movie and its critical reception.
The Story of Next Goal Wins
Taika Waititi writes, directs, and stars in Next Goal Wins, a feel-good sports flick based on the 2014 documentary of the same name.
Michael Fassbender as Thomas Rongen Grimacing in Next Goal Wins
The movie follows the true story of the down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen who attempts to lead the American Samoa soccer team, one of the worst teams in the world, to qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
The Next Goal Wins cast includes Michael Fassbender as Rongen alongside Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss.
Next Goal Wins Release and Reception
One of Taika Waititi's lowest-rated movies, Next Goal Wins, sets a release date for video on demand. The movie will be available January 16 on VOD and will be available to purchase on Blu-ray and DVD on February 27.
The home release will include bonus features, including a short behind-the-scenes documentary detailing the making of the movie and a deleted scene of Taika Waititi's cameo as an American Samoan priest.
Next Goal Wins is one of Waititi's lowest-rated movies with a 44 percent score. The movie aims to be an inspirational sports movie, but most critics agree it misses the mark.
Viewers, on the other hand, seem to be enjoying its heartwarming message anyway, evidenced by its 84 audience score.
The Decline of Taika Waititi's Critical Reception
Taika Waititi has been acclaimed for his quirky comedies such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows, which have 97 and 96 percent ratings on Rotten Tomatoes respectively, the two highest of his career.
His debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok, was equally acclaimed by critics for its quirky comedy, achieving a 93 percent score.
Waititi's work experienced a critical decline with his MCU sequel Thor: Love and Thunder, which achieved a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 63 percent.
Now, Next Goal Wins is one of Waititi's lowest-rated movies with a 44 percent score. Instead of a quirky comedy, the movie aims to be an inspirational sports movie, and most critics agree it misses the mark.
