Goal! The Dream Begins

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Goal! The Dream Begins ★★½ 2006 (PG)

Illegal Mexican immigrant Santiago Munez (Becker) dreams of making it big playing soccer. L.A. talent scout Foy (Dillane), who's got U.K. contacts, offers a tryout with Newcas tle United. First, the poor Santiago has to get across the pond (grandma helps) but his adjustment is difficult until his partying superstar teammate Gavin (Nivola) gives him a boost. Hits all the inspirational sports cliches (it's a Disney release) but it's goodhearted and good-looking (and that's not just the players). First of a planned trilogy. 118m/C DVD . US Kuno Becker, Alessandro Nivola, Marcel Iures, Stephen (Dillon) Dillane, Anna Friel, Kieran O'Brien, Sean Pertwee, Gary Lewis, Cassandra Bell, Tony Plana, Miriam Colon, Jorge Cervera, Lee Ross, Ashley Walters, Frances Barber, Kevin Knapman; Cameos: Kieron Dyer, David Beckham; D: Danny Cannon; W: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Adrian Butchart; C: Michael Barrett; M: Graeme Revell, Graeme Revell.