Odd Man Rush (film)
Odd Man Rush is a 2020 American film directed by Doug Dearth and produced by Howard Baldwin.[1] 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.[2][3] It was released on September 1, 2020.[4][3]
Odd Man Rush | |
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Odd Man Rush theatrical poster | |
Directed by | Doug Dearth |
Produced by | Howard Baldwin Karen E. Baldwin Todd Slater Bill Keenan |
Written by | Bill Keenan |
Based on | Odd Man Rush by Bill Keenan |
Starring | Jack Mulhern Elektra Kilbey Dylan Playfair Trevor Gretzky Caspar Phillipson Sissy Sheridan |
Music by | Josh Edmondson |
Cinematography | Zoran Popovic |
Edited by | Thomas E. Vogt |
Distributed by | Gravitas Ventures Pacific Northwest Pictures Myriad Pictures |
Release date |
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Country | United States Canada |
Language | English |
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."[5]
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."[6] 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." [7] Barry Hertz of The Globe and Mail praised the film for "its heart...and engaging sense of irony." [8] Sports Illustrated called it a "comical coming-of-age story."[9]
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."[10]
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".
- {{Cite web|url=http://wyliewrites.com/odd-man-rush/}
- "Review: Odd Man Rush". The GATE. 4 September 2020.
- {{Cite web|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/odd-man-rush-movie-review/}
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-hockey-comedy-odd-man-rush-doesnt-come-close-to-dethroning-goon/
- https://www.si.com/hockey/news/get-the-popcorn-ready-for-odd-man-rush
- "Odd Man Rush". orcasound.com.