| Odd Man Rush | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Doug Dearth |
| Written by | Bill Keenan |
| Based on | Odd Man Rush by Bill Keenan |
| Produced by | Howard Baldwin Karen E. Baldwin Todd Slater Jonathan M Black Bill Keenan |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Zoran Popovic |
| Edited by | Thomas E. Vogt |
| Music by | Josh Edmondson |
| Distributed by | Hulu Gravitas Ventures Pacific Northwest Pictures Myriad Pictures |
| Release date |
|
| Countries | United States Canada |
| Language | English |
Odd Man Rush is a 2020 film directed by Doug Dearth and produced by Todd Slater, Jonathan M. Black Grant Slater, Karen Baldwin, and Howard Baldwin. The film is based on Bill Keenan's 2016 memoir, Odd Man Rush, about growing up in the 1990s as a New York Rangers fan, playing college hockey for Harvard and ending up in minor pro leagues in Sweden and Germany when injuries disrupted his dreams of an NHL career. It was released on September 1, 2020.
Plot
When Harvard hockey's Bobby Sanders lands in Sweden's minor leagues, his relationship with the girl at the local market forces him to confront the reality of his childhood NHL dreams.
Critical reception
Odd Man Rush received generally favorable reviews. Critics noted the film "is surprisingly sweet and thoughtful for a film that revolves around hockey. It certainly deserves recognition for its nuanced portrait of a side of the hockey world that is rarely shown on screen."
The film was praised for its authenticity with Andrew Parker of TheGATE.ca declaring it "a low-key and charming blend of sports, comedy, drama, and a dash of romance, Odd Man Rush is a pleasant indie movie surprise that feels more like a character driven slice of life story instead of an endless parade of genre cliches...Odd Man Rush is the best in the genre this year." Another critic noted, "The cast provides authenticity that, when combined with the comedic and emotional aspects, creates a film that hits on all the correct notes and successfully translates Keenan’s life story from memoir to on-screen product." Barry Hertz of The Globe and Mail praised the film for "its heart...and engaging sense of irony." Sports Illustrated called it a "comical coming-of-age story."
The film was also lauded for its quirkiness as one critic wrote, "In the end it was a film which surprised me...its heart and humor won me over. That plus the fact that it does not take itself too seriously. I ended up liking the retro feel and looking forward to the times the lead character broke the 4th wall."
See also
References
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (2020-06-17). "Gravitas Ventures boards worldwide rights to 'Odd Man Rush'". Screen.
- McNary, Dave (June 18, 2020). "Film News Roundup: Santa Barbara Film Festival Shifts Back Two Months Following Oscar Delay".
- ^ McCaig, Sam (29 August 2020). "Get the Popcorn Ready for 'Odd Man Rush'". Sports Illustrated. The Hockey News. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- N'Duka, Amanda (June 24, 2020). "Anna Schafer To Star In 'Whose Child'; ABFF Launches Film Life Foundation; Gravitas Acquires 'Odd Man Rush' – Film Briefs".
- "Wylie Writes Reviews 'Odd Man Rush'". 6 September 2020.
- "Review: Odd Man Rush". The GATE. 4 September 2020.
- "Odd Man Rush - an Authentic Look at the Pursuit of Hockey Dreams". September 2020.
- "Review: Hockey comedy Odd Man Rush doesn't come close to dethroning Goon, though Gretzky acolytes may disagree".
- "Get the Popcorn Ready for 'Odd Man Rush'". 29 August 2020.
- "Odd Man Rush". orcasound.com. September 2020.