Reviewing The Rocket

So you opened all of your presents and not everything was what you hoped, it happens. That damn aunt of yours has no taste. Once you bring back some of the stuff and have a few extra bucks, why not pick up The Rocket, the Maurice Richard movie?

The nice folks at Palm Pictures sent me a copy of the flick, which was released in Canada last year to amazing reviews. Now its my turn to take a look and spew my opinion, muah hahahaha!!

So, since I already said you should buy it, I obviously liked it ... although it does have its issues. I think the biggest is context; if you aren't Canadian you really don't get that he was a national hero. The special feature documentary included on the dvd, "A Tribute To Maurice Richard, The Rocket", is almost a must-watch first so non-Great White North viewers can truly understand how incredible a player/person/personality Richard was. Unfortunately the documentary is devoid of classic Richard material so you can't actually see his prowess on the rink, but it does help give some context for those not familiar with his impact; people in Montreal rioted when he was suspended at one point and worshipped him as a hero for his entire life.

The movie tries to show how much he meant to Montreal that with a few short moments recreating the sheer adoration Richard drew but I don't really think they work, likely because of a lack of grandeur due to likely budget and time constraints. Macleans Magazine called the movie "The Gladiator of hockey movies" but I would not make that comparison. Gladiator was able to use amazing computer effects to recreate ancient Rome; this movie relies on small sets and a lot of tight shots. Another prime difference stems from the personality of Russell Crowe's character, which allowed you to relate with the brave soldier with a heart of gold, and his fall and rise back to glory as a dynamic hero. Maurice Richard never thought of himself as such and never acted like that.

Judging by all of the accounts that I have read about Richard, Roy Dupuis did an utterly spectacular job filling Richard's all-too-humble skates. Richard was a determined, force of nature and a tortured soul who had the hopes, dreams and problems of French Canada placed upon his shoulders. But he was not one to turn and yell "Are you not entertained?" to a crowd of hundreds of thousands; he silently sulked and then eventually spoke through a newspaper column, as shown in the movie. I think that is something that makes it a bit harder to empathize with Richard, although it is of no fault of Dupuis or the director, Charles Biname.

There are issues with the movie that are Biname's fault. The musical score could have helped convey Richard's emotions and trials but Biname chose too often to go with natural sound or long pauses. He also used random camera angles (including a high, in-the-crowd view) during the hockey scenes that made it a little difficult to follow the action. I have to admit though that Miracle set an exceptionally high bar with me when it comes to that.

But like I said, its a great story that is being told, the original sweaters are gorgeous and the acting is quite good, even if you have to read subtitles to follow the French. The English-only version on the DVD sucks with overdubbed lines making it look like the old Saturday afternoon Fox kung fu movies.

As this is a primarily Rangers blog, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Sean Avery's appearance as one of those aforementioned actors. Sean plays Bob Dill, who is solely out there to take out Richard and gets his ass kicked. Seeing him throw racial slurs at the French Canadian superstar is pretty funny/interesting considering Avery has been accused of doing such several times in his own career. Dill, interestingly enough, put together numbers resembling Avery's own. I thought Sean did well but The Pensblog thought his appearance ruined the movie (read their review; I found it ... odd, to say the least).

Now for more good stuff; if you made it this far, you could have a chance to win a copy of the movie. First off, Palm Pictures has this flash game where high scores could earn dvds or even a Avery jersey. And secondly, I have a copy to give away!

To get your hands on that copy, I have a two-part trivia question. Richard was a humble fellow and believed that another right winger, who played at the same time and also wore #9, was a better player. Who was he, and which NHL team was the first to discover him and invite him to camp? Just post your answer in the comments and the first one to get both right, gets the dvd.

Rereading this, I realize I wrote a review of the movie without telling much of its contents (how I think reviews should be), but if you are one who doesn't like to watch a flick without knowing what is going to happen, here is a well-written piece that gives the details and has an interview with Dupuis. While I don't think you need to read that to enjoy the movie, I do believe that you at least need to understand who Richard was to get the whole picture.

 Reviewing The Rocket: The Legacy and Impact of Maurice "Rocket" Richard

In the annals of ice hockey history, few names shine as brightly as that of Maurice "Rocket" Richard. His impact on the game transcends mere statistics, as he left an indelible mark on the sport and its fans. In this article, we embark on a journey to review the life and career of the legendary Rocket Richard, exploring his remarkable achievements, his influence on the game, and answering frequently asked questions about this iconic figure in hockey history.

The Early Years of Maurice "Rocket" Richard

Maurice Richard was born on August 4, 1921, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From an early age, it was clear that he possessed a rare talent for hockey. He honed his skills on the frozen ponds of Montreal and, at the age of 17, joined the Montreal Canadiens in the 1942-43 season.

The "Rocket" Moniker

Maurice Richard's explosive speed and scoring ability earned him the nickname "Rocket." The moniker was a testament to his incredible skating prowess, which saw him streak down the ice with unmatched velocity. It was a nickname that would become synonymous with excellence in the game.

The Achievements of a Legend

Maurice Richard's career with the Montreal Canadiens spanned from 1942 to 1960, and during that time, he achieved numerous milestones and accolades that solidified his legacy.

1. Scoring Titles

Rocket Richard was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season, achieving this remarkable feat in the 1944-45 season. He repeated this accomplishment four more times, further cementing his reputation as a prolific goal scorer.

2. Stanley Cups

Richard was part of eight Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Canadiens, helping the franchise secure championships in 1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. His leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in the team's success.

3. Trophies and Honors

Throughout his career, Maurice Richard received numerous accolades, including the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player and the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer. He was a 14-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.

4. The "Richard Riot"

One of the most memorable incidents in Maurice Richard's career occurred during the 1954-55 season. After receiving a suspension from NHL President Clarence Campbell, Richard's passionate response led to a fan protest and a night of rioting in Montreal, forever marking him as a symbol of French-Canadian pride and resilience.

The Impact of Maurice "Rocket" Richard

Maurice Richard's impact on the sport of hockey extended far beyond his on-ice achievements. He was not only a player of immense skill but also a cultural and societal icon.

1. Cultural Icon

In Quebec, Rocket Richard became a symbol of French-Canadian identity and pride. His success in a predominantly Anglophone league resonated deeply with the French-speaking population of Montreal and Quebec as a whole.

2. Trailblazer for Future Stars

Richard's success inspired generations of hockey players, including future NHL legends like Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur. His style of play, work ethic, and leadership qualities left a lasting impression on those who followed in his footsteps.

3. The Richard Riot

The Richard Riot of 1955 was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, particularly in Quebec. It highlighted the issues of discrimination and inequality faced by French-Canadians and served as a catalyst for social change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What made Maurice Richard such a prolific goal scorer?

Maurice Richard's scoring prowess can be attributed to his incredible speed, quick release, and innate goal-scoring ability. He had a knack for finding open ice and making goalies look helpless.

2. How did Maurice Richard influence the development of hockey in Quebec?

Richard's success with the Canadiens helped popularize the sport of hockey in Quebec. He inspired generations of young French-Canadian players and played a crucial role in the growth of the sport in the province.

3. What impact did the Richard Riot have on Canadian society?

The Richard Riot drew attention to issues of discrimination and inequality faced by French-Canadians in the 1950s. It contributed to a greater sense of cultural pride and played a role in the broader social changes that took place in Canada.

4. How does Maurice Richard's legacy compare to other hockey legends?

Maurice Richard's legacy is unique in its cultural and societal significance. While his on-ice accomplishments are remarkable, his impact as a cultural icon and symbol of French-Canadian pride sets him apart from other hockey legends.

5. Are there any modern players who have been compared to Maurice Richard?

While it's challenging to directly compare players from different eras, there have been players who have drawn comparisons to Maurice Richard in terms of their goal-scoring ability and speed. Players like Alexander Ovechkin and Patrik Laine have been mentioned in this context.

Maurice "Rocket" Richard's legacy is one that transcends the game of hockey. His remarkable career achievements, his cultural significance in Quebec, and the enduring impact of the Richard Riot have solidified his place in Canadian history. Maurice Richard will forever be remembered as not only one of the greatest hockey players of all time but also as a symbol of resilience, inspiration, and cultural pride for generations of fans and athletes alike. His influence continues to be felt in the world of hockey and beyond.