Next Goal Wins: New trailer sings the praises of Taika Waititi’s ultimate feel-good underdog movie

Searchlight Pictures has released a new trailer for Next Goal Wins, the upcoming sports comedy directed by Taika Waititi.

Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, Next Goal Wins follows the “infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0. With the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this humorous and heartfelt underdog story.“

Michael Fassbender stars in Next Goal Wins as coach Thomas Rongen, with Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Kaimana, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss rounding out the rest of the cast. In addition to directing, Taika Waititi also co-wrote the script with Ian Morris and made a cameo appearance as a priest.

Next Goal Wins recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival which our own Chris Bumbray attended. “Taika Waititi’s long-delayed film should put a smile on the face of anyone who likes a good underdog story a la Cool Runnings,” Bumbray wrote in his review. “What makes Next Goal Wins so effective is the cast, with Fassbender more likable than usual as the sarcastic Rongen. He plays the movie with a twinkle in his eye, with his sarcasm and cynicism never dialed up to the point that he becomes unpleasant to watch.“

Bumbray contined, “While Next Goal Wins doesn’t do anything fresh with the inspirational sports film genre, it’s still a well-made entry, with gorgeous location shooting and a fun soundtrack of eighties classics… Waititi is clearly playing the hits here, but mid-way through this year’s edition of TIFF, amid heavier fare, it played pretty well and left a smile on my face. It won’t rank as one of his best movies, but it’s a strong, pleasant effort.” You can check out the rest of Bumbray’s review right here.

What did you think of the new trailer for Next Goal Wins? Will you be watching when it hits theaters on November 17th?