|
|
Post by HabSolute on Oct 5, 2006 12:03:29 GMT -5
Anybody has seen the movie "The Rocket" yet?
I rented it last weekend. It's a great movie and a must see for any Habs fan.
I am to young to have seen those days (42 years young) but they seemed to have portraited the man and the 50's very well. It's seems amazing what this man has meant for the French Canadian society.
I met the Rocket many times when I was a kid (he use to hang out at the arena in Ahuntsic to watch the kids play). He seemed like such a nice man.
Anyway, was just wondering how you guys liked the movie and if you haven't seen it, i strongly recommend a trip to Blockbuster. I watched the french version (with subtitles for the english speaking caracters like Dick Irvin, Toe Blake, Cambell and cie....). I assume the english version is subtitled the other way around.
It will give you chills...
|
|
|
|
Post by Polarice on Oct 5, 2006 12:31:47 GMT -5
I watched it last week on the Dish, and was impressed with the job they did making the movie.
I also met the Rocket years ago when he was referring an old timer game in my local community. He was a class act for sure!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 5, 2006 12:50:48 GMT -5
My neices and nephews had a chance to meet the Rocket when he did an autograph signing in Ottawa. They bought an 8"X10" colour photo of Maurice and got him to personalize for me.
My sister said the kids were in awe of him as he spoke, "... you make sure you're uncle Rick gets this ..."
Of course I framed the pnoto and hung on my office wall for years. The signature has faded because I didn't use tinted glass. But, it's still there ... bearly.
I have another story about Ivan Cournoyer and a nice older lady wearing a Habs jersey. Another class act. But, maybe later.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by HabSolute on Oct 5, 2006 13:11:13 GMT -5
My neices and nephews had a chance to meet the Rocket when he did an autograph signing in Ottawa. They bought an 8"X10" colour photo of Maurice and got him to personalize for me. My sister said the kids were in awe of him as he spoke, "... you make sure you're uncle Rick gets this ..." Of course I framed the pnoto and hung on my office wall for years. The signature has faded because I didn't use tinted glass. But, it's still there ... bearly. I have another story about Ivan Cournoyer and a nice older lady wearing a Habs jersey. Another class act. But, maybe later. Cheers. I didn't make much of it then cause I was between 7 and 12 years old and he was at the arena so often. I knew who he was cause my dad had told me, but for a 7 years old kid, I wasn't too impress with an "old" man that use to play for the Habs. Didn't really understand till much later what he meant for French canadians and ALL Habs fans. But I remember he was just like this quiet nice men. We were just used to see him there. I met his brother Henry more often. The pocket was best friend with my uncle so I've seen him a few times at family parties and stuff. Him, I was very excited to meet cause he was playing when I started to watch hockey; "A Montreal Canadiens player, the Pocket nonetheless, was at one of my family party....."... you can just imagine..... Now, he's just a grumpy old man... ;D aahhhh, the memories..... |
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 5, 2006 13:45:59 GMT -5
My neices and nephews had a chance to meet the Rocket when he did an autograph signing in Ottawa. They bought an 8"X10" colour photo of Maurice and got him to personalize for me. My sister said the kids were in awe of him as he spoke, "... you make sure you're uncle Rick gets this ..." Of course I framed the pnoto and hung on my office wall for years. The signature has faded because I didn't use tinted glass. But, it's still there ... bearly. I have another story about Ivan Cournoyer and a nice older lady wearing a Habs jersey. Another class act. But, maybe later. Cheers. I didn't make much of it then cause I was between 7 and 12 years old and he was at the arena so often. I knew who he was cause my dad had told me, but for a 7 years old kid, I wasn't too impress with an "old" man that use to play for the Habs. Didn't really understand till much later what he meant for French canadians and ALL Habs fans. But I remember he was just like this quiet nice men. We were just used to see him there. I met his brother Henry more often. The pocket was best friend with my uncle so I've seen him a few times at family parties and stuff. Him, I was very excited to meet cause he was playing when I started to watch hockey; "A Montreal Canadiens player, the Pocket nonetheless, was at one of my family party....."... you can just imagine..... Now, he's just a grumpy old man... ;D aahhhh, the memories..... That's an awesome story, HS. Imagine the Pocket Rocket in your family's house. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I haven't heard one person say anything really bad with it. I guess I'll pick up the DVD and give it a look. Thanks. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by HabSolute on Oct 5, 2006 14:30:17 GMT -5
That's an awesome story, HS. Imagine the Pocket Rocket in your family's house. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I haven't heard one person say anything really bad with it. I guess I'll pick up the DVD and give it a look. Thanks. Cheers. You'll enjoy it a lot. Like I said, I think this movie is a "must see" for all Habs Fans that care about our glorious history. Very well done not only visually, but the spirit of the 50's is very vibrant, and the passion of the players etc.... If you pay attention, you'll recognize Vincent lecavalier (Beliveau), Dandenault, Sean Avery, Mike Ricci (Lach), Ian Laperriere (Boum Boum), Stephane Quintal Roy Dupuis as "Maurice Richard" is just awesome (in french anyway). We're about the same age (well, you're just a few ahead of me) so I'm sure you'll really appreciate it. Make sure you come back here with your opinion after..... |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Oct 5, 2006 17:07:33 GMT -5
The guitarist in my band (a diehard Leafs fan) watched the movie last week, and he couldn't stop talking about it when we practiced last night.
It's now one of his all-time favourite movies. He said it's a MUST for a. all true hockey fans and b. anyone who loves a great story.
Can't wait to see it.
Interesting to me is that there's a scene in which the Montreal management is trying to trade a young Richard because of his early "brittleness". Thankfully, no one accepted.
A personal story I've told on here before. In 1993, I took my then 10-year-old son to a Rocket Richard autograph signing in Kitchener. We took an old 60's Habs' jersey, the Habs' hat my son got for Christmas, and we bought an 8X10 for him to sign as well...to support the cause.
The lineup was huge.....as I got closer, my heart was really thumping. The man ahead of me in line asked the Rocket what it was like to score those 5 goals in one game on Turk Broda. The Rocket looked up and said, "It wasn't Broda. He was injured then. It was Paul Bibeault."
I was absolutely tongue-tied as he signed the jersey, the hat, and the picture. I could muster only "Merci" and he said, "Bien sur!".
I have all three items in a display case in the basement. Along with a ticket and a #9 flag I received in 1999 when I just happened to be driving past Montreal on Feb. 6, a Saturday. I fugured, what the heck? When am I gonna be this close to Montreal on a Saturday? They had only singles left. The Sabres were in town. Everyone got a #9 flag...I had no idea why. Before the game, I found out. Out came the red carpet. It was the night they honored Rocket with the trophy in his name. Another huge ovation...very close to the one he received at the Forum's final game. What a stroke of luck for me to happen upon that particular night. Habs won 3-2 to cap it off.
|
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Oct 5, 2006 17:21:30 GMT -5
That's an awesome story, HS. Imagine the Pocket Rocket in your family's house. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I haven't heard one person say anything really bad with it. I guess I'll pick up the DVD and give it a look. Thanks. Cheers. You'll enjoy it a lot. Like I said, I think this movie is a "must see" for all Habs Fans that care about our glorious history. Very well done not only visually, but the spirit of the 50's is very vibrant, and the passion of the players etc.... If you pay attention, you'll recognize Vincent lecavalier (Beliveau), Dandenault, Sean Avery, Mike Ricci (Lach), Ian Laperriere (Boum Boum), Stephane Quintal Roy Dupuis as "Maurice Richard" is just awesome (in french anyway). We're about the same age (well, you're just a few ahead of me) so I'm sure you'll really appreciate it. Make sure you come back here with your opinion after..... I saw this in the theatre with my Dad when it came out. I am "just" a little older than you so I don't remember him well. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie although it didn't stick around my area( about an hour north of Toronto) very long. Wasn't it fun do watch Sean Avery get smoked - even if it was in a movie.  |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Oct 5, 2006 17:26:21 GMT -5
Well here in jolly ol Newfoundland they tell me that there is not an "english" version to this movie. I went to Jumbo Video to rent it, all the commercials were in english ("I don't want Maurice tonight, I want the Rocket!!), and then I see the movie with "english subtitles" across the case. (Which does not bother me in the least ... I watched "Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon" - in theatre no less - and I watch most the french nudey stuff late nights !! ;D ).
I asked the guy at the movie store if there was an englidg version and he said "no" ... the play by play is in English, but the life scenes of Richard are subtitled. Just like it would have been back then ... no biggie
But I felt to appreciate it, I wasnt going to be able to do it in two-three hours on a Friday night .... I put it back and decided that I'll have to buy it and take my time watching/reading it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Polarice on Oct 6, 2006 5:24:14 GMT -5
Well here in jolly ol Newfoundland they tell me that there is not an "english" version to this movie. I went to Jumbo Video to rent it, all the commercials were in english ("I don't want Maurice tonight, I want the Rocket!!), and then I see the movie with "english subtitles" across the case. (Which does not bother me in the least ... I watched "Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon" - in theatre no less - and I watch most the french nudey stuff late nights !! ;D ). I asked the guy at the movie store if there was an englidg version and he said "no" ... the play by play is in English, but the life scenes of Richard are subtitled. Just like it would have been back then ... no biggie But I felt to appreciate it, I wasnt going to be able to do it in two-three hours on a Friday night .... I put it back and decided that I'll have to buy it and take my time watching/reading it. Its not a hard watch at all Skilly, after a few minutes I forgot that I wa even reading the subtitles. You get so caught up in the storey that the English speaking characters and the english sub titles seem to merge together, if that makes any sense at all.  Anyway, I really enjoyed the movie. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Oct 7, 2006 11:38:20 GMT -5
I rented and saw the movie last night. It gives me even more appreciation to a man and a team that I never had the opportunity to see live in action. I was amazed at some of the things that went on back then. Richard who put up with a lot of crap and well Irvin being the harsh motivator that pushed Rocket and the team to its glory. I think the only disappointment I had with it is the way it ended. It started/ended with the riot but he won 5 more cups after the incident. Just wished they showed some more of those glory years.
|
|
|
|
Post by Forum Ghost on Oct 7, 2006 12:05:16 GMT -5
I think the only disappointment I had with it is the way it ended. It started/ended with the riot but he won 5 more cups after the incident. Just wished they showed some more of those glory years. Yeah me too. I saw the movie when it came out in the theatres. I really enjoyed the film, but I was disappointed that they didn't show the riot in more detail. That was such a big part of the Rocket's career and they only showed it in the beginning. That and the fact that they didn't show his first Stanley Cup, was a bit upsetting. But other than that I think the movie was very well done. I'm looking forward to buying the DVD soon. |
|
|
|
Post by Tankdriver on Oct 7, 2006 21:55:54 GMT -5
But other than that I think the movie was very well done. I'm looking forward to buying the DVD soon. Rent it and.......*cough* DVD Shrink 3.2 *cough*......and return it  |
|
|
|
Post by clear observer on Oct 9, 2006 13:10:38 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Toronthab on Oct 9, 2006 20:09:19 GMT -5
Thanks for the great stories and good reminders to catch the Rocket. YOu guys have me really looking forward to it.
|
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Oct 13, 2006 22:37:57 GMT -5
Just saw the movie.
Gives me even more understanding for the ovations he got on the Forum's final night and on the night I was at the Bell Centre in Feb. 99 when he was officially honoured with the trophy in his name.
He was/IS the poster man for fighting/overcoming adversity...not only physical injury....but mostly cultural bias. As his wife said in the movie, "They protect their other stars....but not you."
Other teams giving "extra assists" to their players so Richard would never win the scoring title? Unimaginable. The Rangers bringing up a thug just to take him out. Glad to see the Rocket deck him twice. I've never heard either of those stories before.
Unfortunately, at least with the fans, the cultural bias is still out there....many times I've heard/read stories of Montreal fans' experiences in arenas like Boston, Buffalo, etc., where francophones are insulted en masse. We heard it coming out of Buffalo last year, after Kovalev scored in OT.
It's disgusting.
On a lighter note: Not too much of the crustiness of Dick Irvin Sr. rubbed off on his son. Cinematic license, perhaps. I wonder how Dick Jr. feels about the movie.
|
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Oct 14, 2006 16:46:20 GMT -5
Just saw the movie. Gives me even more understanding for the ovations he got on the Forum's final night and on the night I was at the Bell Centre in Feb. 99 when he was officially honoured with the trophy in his name. He was/IS the poster man for fighting/overcoming adversity...not only physical injury....but mostly cultural bias. As his wife said in the movie, "They protect their other stars....but not you." Other teams giving "extra assists" to their players so Richard would never win the scoring title? Unimaginable. The Rangers bringing up a thug just to take him out. Glad to see the Rocket deck him twice. I've never heard either of those stories before. Unfortunately, at least with the fans, the cultural bias is still out there....many times I've heard/read stories of Montreal fans' experiences in arenas like Boston, Buffalo, etc., where francophones are insulted en masse. We heard it coming out of Buffalo last year, after Kovalev scored in OT. It's disgusting. On a lighter note: Not too much of the crustiness of Dick Irvin Sr. rubbed off on his son. Cinematic license, perhaps. I wonder how Dick Jr. feels about the movie. I watched the movie last night too (after the Buffalo-Detroit game). It was a good movie ... but there were parts of the movie that I felt they assumed the audience knew too much. I won't go through each part (and thereby ruin the movie for those who haven't seen it) but one such instance was when his brother-in-law makes a bet in the stands that Maurice will scores "50 goals, one in each game". They never show if Maurice accomplishes it. Now Habs fans know he did, but to someone watching this movie without much hockey knowledge they leave not knowing. All he references is how important 45 goals was, but he went on to get 50 in only his third season. There were maybe 5 or so such instances like this that left me wanting more and wishing they were explained better. Btw. The associate producer was Patrick Roy? Is that the Patrick Roy of the Habs/Avs? I didn't realize how badly treated Maurice was, and the background that precipitated the Montreal riot. For that alone I am glad I saw the movie .... and it gives people a greater insight into Quebec politics in its own little way. I also was taken aback at the reference to giving "assists" to players so Maurice couldn't win the scoring title. If this is true, and the research can back it up then why havent these records been asterisked? (Howe) I grew up watching Gretzky and was always of the mind they did the same thing with him ... he got assists that no one else seemed to get. And I was/am convinced they created the give-and-go assist so he could get more points. But I digress. All in all a good movie ... well worth the watch ... but it could have been much greater! |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Oct 15, 2006 1:10:19 GMT -5
I grew up watching Gretzky and was always of the mind they did the same thing with him ... he got assists that no one else seemed to get. And I was/am convinced they created the give-and-go assist so he could get more points. But I digress. What's the give-and-go assist? Either you score the goal, or you're one of the last two guys to play the puck before the goal scorer puts it in. Another thing I found interesting about the movie. As much as Maurice Richard was fighting for respect for all Quebecois in the NHL, he was shown to be fighting for it on his own team. The Habs, as portrayed in this move, were very anglo in their business culture: Gorman, Selke, Irvin. Again, with cinematic license in mind, was it really a breakthrough to have Dick Irvin Sr. read a congratulatory message in French to his players after a Cup win? Were the cultural walls between ownership/management and players THAT thick? One thing's for sure: back then the owners made ALL the money. The Rocket still worked in a factory well after being a bonafide star. That's inexcusable. But it gives me even more respect for the players of that era who paid more than their dues. |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Oct 15, 2006 9:24:29 GMT -5
I grew up watching Gretzky and was always of the mind they did the same thing with him ... he got assists that no one else seemed to get. And I was/am convinced they created the give-and-go assist so he could get more points. But I digress. What's the give-and-go assist? Either you score the goal, or you're one of the last two guys to play the puck before the goal scorer puts it in. Ahhh the give and go assist. Well before I explain that, I was always in favour of the European mindset. I believe it is more of a Russian mindset where the second assist had to be a direct result of the scoring play. Also I believe some European leagues didn't even give assists on rebounds because the opposition (the goalie) had touched the puck. That is the mindset I am coming from. The "give and go" assist. Well it is a moniker I put on the second assist where a player really had no involvement in the play. As an example. Markov is behind our net. He passes it along the half boards to Higgins and then skates of for a change, Higgins passes it to Koivu going up the middle, Higgins skates up with him and receives the pass at the blueline and beats his man, he passes it to Koivu and Koivu goes in on net loses the puck a bit skates around the net and dishes it in front to Higgins who scores. The scoring play is really Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Markov. Markov had no more to do with that goal thanI did sitting in front of the TV at home. It was all Higgins and Koivu. The second assist, IMO, should not be the "last two players players to touch the puck" it should be the "last two players immediately before the puck went into the net" and as such the their would be no second assist ton the above scoring play since Higgins scored and can not receives 2 points on the same scoring play. Just my opinion. I used to see Gretzky alot pass to Kurri, who would dish it of the Anderson/or whoever and Kurri get the return pass and score ... Gretzky was the fourth last player touching the puck but got a point. |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Oct 15, 2006 21:45:11 GMT -5
What's the give-and-go assist? Either you score the goal, or you're one of the last two guys to play the puck before the goal scorer puts it in. Ahhh the give and go assist. Well before I explain that, I was always in favour of the European mindset. I believe it is more of a Russian mindset where the second assist had to be a direct result of the scoring play. Also I believe some European leagues didn't even give assists on rebounds because the opposition (the goalie) had touched the puck. That is the mindset I am coming from. The "give and go" assist. Well it is a moniker I put on the second assist where a player really had no involvement in the play. As an example. Markov is behind our net. He passes it along the half boards to Higgins and then skates of for a change, Higgins passes it to Koivu going up the middle, Higgins skates up with him and receives the pass at the blueline and beats his man, he passes it to Koivu and Koivu goes in on net loses the puck a bit skates around the net and dishes it in front to Higgins who scores. The scoring play is really Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Koivu-Higgins-Markov. Markov had no more to do with that goal thanI did sitting in front of the TV at home. It was all Higgins and Koivu. The second assist, IMO, should not be the "last two players players to touch the puck" it should be the "last two players immediately before the puck went into the net" and as such the their would be no second assist ton the above scoring play since Higgins scored and can not receives 2 points on the same scoring play. Just my opinion. I used to see Gretzky alot pass to Kurri, who would dish it of the Anderson/or whoever and Kurri get the return pass and score ... Gretzky was the fourth last player touching the puck but got a point. I've never noticed an assist that removed before. I'll have to keep my eye out for that/those. I'm with you. If Higgins passes to Koivu who loses it in the corner, then retrieves it from the opposition and puts it in, that should be an unassisted goal. Your example as well...no way Markov should get an assist on that. Higgins from Koivu...end of story. |
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 27, 2007 16:24:31 GMT -5
Just saw it this afternoon on one of the movie channels. Very emotional movie that explained quite a bit of the time.
Richard was seen as a threat by many in the NHL and he basically had had enough when he decided to go public with his feelings.
He represented an entire generation. I don't know if he really didn't understand just how much he meant to French Canadians.
I remember reading some comments Jean Beliveau had said to the Rocket during the closing of the Forum. Beliveau was trying to tell the Rocket why people were standing for him and Maurice was in disbelief.
He was suspended for the playoffs one year and ended his career with five consecutive Cups.
Chapeau!
|
|
|
|
Post by roke on Jan 27, 2007 16:56:21 GMT -5
I bought the DVD After Christmas in December but I haven't gotten around to watching it. I'm hoping to find a quiet evening where I can sit and watch it uninterrupted.
|
|
|
|
Post by ropoflu on Jan 27, 2007 17:27:20 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Cranky on Jan 27, 2007 18:12:06 GMT -5
As content goes it gets a 1000% thumbs up after all, we are talking about the Rocket. As a movie, it one step above amateur hour.
|
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jan 27, 2007 18:14:01 GMT -5
As content goes it gets a 1000% thumbs up after all, we are talking about the Rocket. As a movie, it one step above amateur hour. Amateurs do it out of love, professionals get paid for it. |
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 29, 2007 11:43:25 GMT -5
As content goes it gets a 1000% thumbs up after all, we are talking about the Rocket. As a movie, it one step above amateur hour. Amateurs do it out of love, professionals get paid for it. Quote from the "Chez Paree." |
|
|
|
Post by HabSolute on Jan 31, 2007 15:40:15 GMT -5
Interesting read... Thanks for the link |
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Feb 1, 2007 7:05:14 GMT -5
Interesting read... Thanks for the link Yes, thanks Ropoflu. I skimmed through it and printed it out. Busy now juggling four projects and letting off steam against Kovalev but will sit down and read it ASAP. |
|
|
|
Post by franko on Feb 1, 2007 10:18:01 GMT -5
Interesting read... Thanks for the link Yes, thanks Ropoflu. I skimmed through it and printed it out. Busy now juggling four projects and letting off steam against Kovalev but will sit down and read it ASAP. Might be time again to rethink, and to get your priorites right. Drop a couple of those projects. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Feb 4, 2007 10:18:37 GMT -5
TSN actually had an interview with Crosby about this movie. Do we really care about what he thinks about films? I know he's a great player but don't want to listen to his movie reviews.
|
|
