SLAP SHOT

For most sports and movie fans, the ne plus ultra of hockey films, featuring the late, great Paul Newman in one of his most memorable roles. Newman stars as player/coach Reggie Dunlap of the Charlestown Chiefs, a near-retirement holdover who clings to a belief in the appeal of old time hockey. Mired in last place in the Federal League, the struggling Chiefs are about to fold, until the arrival of three identical-looking brothers, last name Hanson. Their onslaught of fisticuffs spawns an orgy of violence, sold-out houses, and a cult film that never gets old. Capably directed by George Roy Hill, Slap Shot spawned two very forgettable sequels (so far), an actual hockey team (The Chiefs, also showing in this series), and has influenced countless sports films that followed (see, for example, the recent Semi Pro).