4 out of 5 stars

As every athlete knows, there is always a struggle to becoming a successful athlete. For this featured movie corner, Goal! The Dream Begins is the movie that encompasses struggle, courage, perseverance and success. The main character is Santiago Munez, who is a soccer player in a regional club who gets scouted in the beginning of the film by a well-known English soccer scout, Glen Foy, who is a former Newcastle United player. Danny Cannon directs the film and it is the first of three in a trilogy. The great thing about this film and the receptiveness of the film is in part due to the actual team and player use, with full allowance, by FIFA. With familiar faces and interaction throughout the film, famous, well-known players lend to the authentic feel of the film.

This movie is the typical start with nothing and end with everything success story that the film industry wants to exploit for their films, but what you think is the typical storyline of this film is really not where this film will take you. It takes you through a personal struggle with things that are not normally struggles for an emerging athlete in the world of professionals. Not only does this film show the authentic diversity of a young man struggling to make it in a world he does not really understand, but it also showcases the responsibilities that a normal young man should not have to handle at his age while trying to be a superstar.

Through the movie, it will take you through many countries and the trails of Santiago. When watching this film, the innocence of a emerging star is clearly visible throughout the film and you can not help but cheer Santiago on throughout his endeavors. Skills are also a portrayal throughout this movie that will hook you instantly because of the professional touch of actual soccer players. You will also get an insiders look into the workings of FIFA and national clubs that you would not normally see when tuning into a match. Many of the professionals that make a cameo throughout the film are well known, including Chicago Fire native, Brian McBride.

Overall, this film is very enjoyable and takes you through a whirlwind of struggles and triumphs of a determined young man who faces the world with all the intentions of succeeding no matter what. So, if you like soccer and enjoy a great success story, then Goal! The Dream Begins, is the film to add to your list.