Yes, it conforms to the underdog sports movie formula, and as such, this multinational sensation's dream can turn out only one way (as if the exclamation point in the movie's title didn't already tell you everything you need to know).

The only things that don't ring true are the soccer scenes. The emotional stuff works just fine. There's the disapproving parent (Tony Plana), complete with Varsity Blues-style "I don't want your life" speech. There's the bad-boy rival (Alessandro Nivola) whose antics almost get Santiago booted from the team. And there's the loyal love interest (Anna Friel) who believes in him when no one else will. It's enough to make you cry (and some of you will).

Goal! is right up there with the terrific Akeelah and the Bee (another underdog now in theaters) in the way it draws you in and keeps you rooting for its lower class but highly talented hero. An unknown commodity to anyone who doesn't follow telenovelas, Becker is sure to be a big star and has already signed on for two sequels. Apart from being scorching hot, he's enormously sympathetic in dramatic scenes.

But the moment Santiago steps on the field, things get sloppy. (Ever notice how sports movies always know precisely when to use slow motion, willfully trading spontaneity for artificial suspense?) The movie's title, of course, refers to the cathartic cry soccer fans shout when their team scores a point.

But when audiences can see the ending coming from so far down field, it's virtually impossible to inspire them to stand up and cheer -- which means Goal! works on every level except the one its title promises.

[as featured in The Miami Herald]