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You know, this was odd in that Don Cherry made himself famous by his outrageous attire and outspoken comments on "Hockey Night In Canada" but 99 percent of this movie doesn't address that - only the last minute. The rest is all about Cherry's hockey and coaching career, none of it approaching the notoriety he has gotten as a broadcaster on "Coach's Corner" every Saturday night. Whatever.... I really enjoyed this because I've always been a big fan of "Grapes." Growing up here right across the border, I have watched Cherry on "Hockey Night In Canada" for so many years I've lost count. In addition, Don used to have a half-hour "Coaches Corner," a separate program in addition to the seven-minute Saturday night gig CTV.Since it's a movie, the actors playing Don and his beloved wife Rose are better-looking than in real life. Jareed Keeso is rugged-looking but handsome guy, someone I'm sure "Grapes" was happy to have play him, and Sarah Manninen was very pretty and extremely likable as Don's faithful wife Rose (not that she wasn't a wonderful woman in real life.) Stephen McHattie is memorable as the nasty Springfield Indians owner and Hall of Fame player Eddie Shore. Those who know their NHL history know this film didn't exaggerate on the brutality of Shore, who today never would never get away with how he treated his players.Speaking of Shore, it seems like there is an emphasis on the negative more than the positive throughout this film, more downs than ups, but it does have some very touching moments, too. Don loved his wife, loved his players (and vice-versa) and loves him family, and that comes through in the movie. Keeso, though, was a little too serious as Cherry has always had a good sense of humor and that's not seen much in this long film.All in all, an entertaining film but as others have said, mainly for bigtime hockey fans or fans of Don Cherry.
... View MoreThis biography of Don Cherry is a labour of love but for Canadians and hockey fans it will be well received. Written by Grapes' son Tim and dedicated to his wife Rose, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP KID is another fine hockey biopic, a worthy companion to NET WORTH. The story is well cast. The familiar faces of the Boston Bruins (Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, etc.) bare striking resemblances to the star players. Notorious miser Harry Sinden is played by Ian Tracey who has appeared as many real life Canadians in past films (David Milgaard, Dwayne Johnston, Tommy Douglas supporter Charlie Lawson). The star, though, is future star Jared Keeso who plays the arrogant coach turned commentator ringing true. The film is at turns touching and humorous. It will have you cheering on Cherry whether you know the outcome or not. The Canadian soundtrack (BTO, Lighthouse) adds to the 1970s feel of the film. Overall, it's a beauty, eh!
... View MoreAll you kids out there - this movie ain't bad! And the kid who played Cherry - pretty good!I suspect that would be Don Cherry's own evaluation of this production. It's certainly an entertaining enough movie - especially for those who enjoy Don Cherry and/or hockey. Cherry's an interesting man - a combination of his brash and sometimes boorish on-air persona, blended with the off-air Cherry who's a devout Christian; a faithful Anglican who rarely misses church. He's a kind of Jekyll/Hyde character in that sense; a somewhat complicated study. He's the sort you tend to either love or hate. Some would call him a Canadian icon. I think that exaggerates things a bit, although in a CBC television show a few years ago called "The Greatest Canadian" viewers voted Cherry one of the top ten Canadians of all time. Personally, I think that exaggerates things a bit.In this movie, Cherry's career is traced from his time as a career minor league hockey player to the point at which he finally makes the NHL as coach of the Boston Bruins, only to be fired after losing in the playoffs three years in a row to the Montreal Canadians and feuding with Bruins management. The production finishes with Cherry becoming a commentator on CBC's "Hockey Night In Canada," and finally host of his own 1st intermission show called "Coach's Corner." All this is pretty well depicted, and holding it all together was the story of Cherry's relationship with his beloved wife Rose, who died of cancer in 1997. Special mention goes to Jared Keeso for a pretty good performance as Cherry. He didn't really look the part, but he certainly captured the distinctive Cherry voice and was believable in the role.If you love Cherry or if you like hockey you'll enjoy this. You get a pretty good feel of what life was like in the minors in the 50's and 60's. Also, if you're not a big hockey fan but you've ever watched the Paul Newman movie "Slap Shot" and you've been curious about who Eddie Shore was (he gets mentioned several times in "Slap Shot") there's a great depiction of him as the owner of one of the minor league teams Cherry played for.So, it's interesting. I did find myself wondering, though - "The Greatest Canadian" aside - if Don Cherry's life really warranted the effort involved in a 4 hour TV production (yes, that included commercials.) But, again, it is interesting enough - just like Don Cherry - whether you love him or hate him - is an interesting man.
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