Youngblood [1986] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Amazon.co.uk Review

Handsome young men whack each other in the face with sticks and learn about life in Youngblood, an enjoyably silly hockey movie. Rob Lowe stars as Dean Youngblood, an American rookie who's been given a shot on a Canadian Junior League hockey team. Sure, he can skate, but can he take a punch? This coming-of-age story is about learning the beauty of vicious hockey fights. No, really. Containing both young-bucks-in-the-locker-room shots and plenty of hockey violence, Youngblood is a surprisingly entertaining cupcake of a movie--there's not much nourishment, but it sure tastes good. Watch for Patrick Swayze as the team's leader and Keanu Reeves in his first film role as the French-Canadian goalie. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

Hey, did you know?.......2007-11-13

That the fight at the end of movie, where it is Youngblood versus Racki was completely legal? Yeah, the sword-fighting with the hockey sticks and everything. I watched this and laughed thinking that you could not do that, but I looked it up and under Rule 6.11, if both players agree or intend to use the sticks as weapons that there is no further penalty other than 5 minutes for fighting. Now I wish I was back in High School playing hockey I would have done that in the final game of the season.

AN AWESOME HOCKEY FILM.......2007-08-26

Youngblood is an awesome Hockey film, that has a great message at the end, even if it is predictable, and I believe this is one of the most underrated sport films out there, plus I thought it was so sad with what happened to Swayze's character!. The Hockey action is exciting, and intense, and George J. Finn is fantastic as dirty goon Racki you will hate him for the stuff he pulls, plus I loved the opening with Youngblood(Lowe), strutting His stuff with Hockey skills and I loved all the neat tricks he did. Sure it may look a little cheap at times, but it didn't bother me a bit, and some people complained the story was dull and boring, but I found it to be very engaging and interesting, plus it has one funny moment where Ed Lauter (Coach Chadwick) catches Lowe with a Nympho Book. You will love the end, cause it's a great underdog story, and The Hockey scenes felt very realistic, plus watch out for Keanu Reeves who plays the Goalie!. Overall This is an awesome Hockey film and I say it's an absolute must see!. **** out of 5

The Acting is great!. Rob Lowe does a terrific job here as Dean Youngblood, he had great Hockey skills, and while he may have looked a little stiff at times he really came through in most of the scenes, and you will especially feel for him near the end with what happened to Swayze's character, I feel this may be his best role!. Patrick Swayze is very good here in his role as Sutton he's cocky but lovable and cracked me up a couple of times I just wished he had more screen time. Cynthia Gibb is not bad as Chadwick's daughter she shared good chemistry with Lowe and was a Cutie to boot!. Ed Lauter is good as the strict yet likable coach he cracked me up as well. Jim Youngs does a good job as Lowe's brother. Eric Nesterenko does alright as the Father considering he was a famous Hockey player!. George J. Finn is fantastic as Racki, you will hate his guts as he actually made me think he was a despicable goon. Keanu Reeves is OK as the the goalie he was a bit goofy for my tastes I dig the guy but it's not one of his better roles loll.

Youngblood.......2006-04-24

I guess the target market for this DVD release would be the now (late)-30 somethings who fondly remember this film from their various misspend youths. Certainly that was how I picked up the film as this formed a vast amount of my video and film watching time back when I was a teenager.
"Youngblood" tells the story of Dean Youngblood, a talented young ice hockey player who is desperate to leave the impoverished farm he works with his father and older brother. Managing to secure a trail with a well respected Canadian youth team, the Hamilton Mustangs, he impresses the coach, Murray Chadwick, with his speed and skill but not so much with his size and strength. When the rough and ready Racki, a formidable rival trialist kicks Dean all over the ice it looks like Dean may not get the call up he so wants.
Still all's well that ends well and Dean makes the team and gets to meet his new teammates, who strip and shave him and also Miss McGill his boarding landlady who provides a lot more than bed and breakfast. He also meets up with Chadwick's young daughter, Jessie, and whilst both realise that any sort of relationship between the two of them is only going to antagonise Chadwick neither of them can deny the attraction they feel for each other.
The pivotal point of the film comes when the Mustang's captain, Derek Sutton someone with whom Dean has built up a firm friendship is critically injured by Racki who by now has been recruited by the Mustang's feared rivals, the Thunder Bay Bombers. Dean must decide where in light of Derek's serious injuries whether he has the heart for the game and whether he too can risk serious injuries or whether he should dish out suitable revenge for his friend's injury.
It's the classic sports film story, Dean is knocked down, built up, knocked down again, takes some advise from a fatherly older figure and then returns to become the last minute hero, but what I like is that the film doesn't try to be anything more than this. There's no subliminal messages to try to interpret and similarly there's no multi-faceted characters to try to understand. That's not to say the film isn't without its subtleties. Ed Lauter is great fun as coach Chadwick and daughter Jessie played by Cynthia Gibb also shows great charm and enthusiasm. Also mention for Jim Youngs & Eric Nesterenko (an ex-pro Hockey player in fact) as Dean's brother and father who show a real humanity and humility in their roles.
The two stars, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze should also be applauded. OK, the parts don't call for the most intricate or demanding interpretation but both deliver great energetic performances and are extremely watchable. Final mention for a very short appearance by Keanu Reeves as the quite bizarre French-Canadian goalkeeper and my personal favourite Duane Hewitt the assistant-captain. "I'm gonna carve you up Racki!" - Great fun!

Youngblood.......2004-07-26

This is a fantastic film. Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe arre brilliant. A classic simple film +++++++++

Youngblood.......2004-02-11

This film can be seen many times and it's just as good as the first time.Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze are great.This sports film about ice hockey is wonderful.Action all the way.

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