It’s rare. Usually, when a cult classic gets a sequel five years late, it’s a disaster. We’ve all seen it happen. The jokes feel forced, the actors look like they’d rather be anywhere else, and the soul of the original is just... gone. But if you sit down to watch Goon Last of the Enforcers, you’ll realize pretty quickly that Jay Baruchel actually cared about this world. He didn't just want a paycheck. He wanted to write a love letter to a dying breed of athlete.
Doug Glatt is back. Seann William Scott plays him with that same lovable, dim-witted sincerity that made the first 2011 film such a sleeper hit. But the stakes have shifted. This isn't just about punching people anymore. It’s about what happens when the one thing you’re good at starts to break your body down. It’s about aging. It’s kinda heartbreaking, honestly, between all the blood and the "your mom" jokes.
The Brutal Reality of the Enforcer’s Exit
The story picks up with Doug as the captain of the Halifax Highlanders. He’s got the girl, he’s got the respect, and he’s still the toughest guy on the ice. Until he isn't. Enter Anders Cain, played by Wyatt Russell. Cain is a different animal. He’s younger, faster, and he’s got a mean streak that makes Doug look like a pacifist. When Cain injures Doug’s right arm—his "money maker"—it forces the veteran into a mid-life crisis at thirty.
You've got to appreciate the realism here. Well, "Goon realism." The movie dives into the psychological toll of being a professional face-puncher. Doug ends up in a soul-crushing basement job selling insurance, or trying to, while his wife Eva (Alison Pill) is pregnant. It’s the classic "athlete out of water" trope, but Scott sells it so well. He looks genuinely lost without a rink to bleed on.
That's the core of why people still watch Goon Last of the Enforcers. It understands the blue-collar identity. When your identity is tied to your physical utility, what are you worth when the machine breaks? It's a heavy question for a movie that also features a scene where a guy pukes inside his own goalie mask.
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Bringing Back the Rivalry
One of the best moves Baruchel made was bringing back Liev Schreiber as Ross "The Boss" Rhea. Honestly, Schreiber is the MVP of this franchise. He plays Rhea with this weary, "seen-it-all" dignity. He’s now skating in a "Legends" league, which is basically a traveling circus of old men beating each other up for beer money.
Doug seeks him out. He needs to learn how to fight southpaw because his right arm is toast. The scenes between them are pure gold. It’s a mentor-mentee relationship built on scar tissue and mutual respect. Rhea tells it like it is: the game is changing. The league doesn't want guys like them anymore. They want speed. They want skill. They don't want the spectacle of two guys holding each other's jerseys and swinging until someone hits the deck.
A Different Kind of Hockey Movie
Most sports sequels try to go "bigger." They want higher stakes, shinier stadiums, more glitz. Watch Goon Last of the Enforcers and you’ll see they went the opposite way. It feels grittier. The Highlanders are struggling. The owner (played by a wonderfully greasy Kim Coates) is losing his mind. The locker room chemistry is as chaotic as ever, with Tanev and the Russians providing the kind of R-rated banter that feels authentically "hockey."
There’s a specific kind of humor here. It’s foul-mouthed and juvenile, sure. But it’s also weirdly sweet. The bond between the teammates isn't just a plot point; it’s the heart of the film. When Doug finally makes his way back to the ice, it’s not for glory. It’s because he can’t stand to let his "boys" down.
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- The fighting choreography is notably more visceral than the first film.
- Wyatt Russell actually played pro hockey in real life, which is why his skating looks so much better than the average actor's.
- The cameos from real NHL personalities like Marc-André Fleury and Tyler Seguin add a layer of legitimacy for the die-hard fans.
- It tackles the CTE and concussion conversation without being a "message movie," showing the physical decay of the players in a way that feels honest rather than preachy.
Is It Better Than the Original?
Probably not. The first Goon had the benefit of surprise. It came out of nowhere and hit like a blindside check. The sequel has to deal with the "more of the same" problem. But "more of the same" isn't necessarily a bad thing when the "same" is this entertaining.
The pacing is a bit frantic. Sometimes it feels like Baruchel (who also directed this one) is trying to cram too many subplots into a 100-minute runtime. You’ve got the pregnancy, the rivalry with Cain, the training with Rhea, and the internal team politics. It’s a lot. But the energy never flags.
The inclusion of T.J. Miller as the foul-mouthed sports anchor is a highlight for some, though his brand of humor is definitely an acquired taste. He adds to the circus atmosphere of the minor leagues. It highlights how the sport is often treated as a sideshow by the media, which only makes Doug’s personal stakes feel more isolated and real.
Why the Ending Hits Different
Without spoiling every beat, the finale of the film doesn't give you the "Disney" ending. It’s messy. It’s bloody. It’s about sacrifice. When you watch Goon Last of the Enforcers, you're seeing the end of an era. The title isn't just a cool-sounding phrase; it’s a literal description of the situation.
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The NHL has effectively phased out the "pure" enforcer. In the modern game, everyone has to be able to play. You can't just take up a roster spot to fight once every three games. By centering the story on a guy who knows he’s a dinosaur, the movie gains a level of poignancy that most comedies lack. It’s about the dignity of the "useful man" and knowing when to finally hang up the skates for the sake of your family.
Final Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to revisit this or watch it for the first time, keep a few things in mind to get the most out of the experience.
- Watch the first one immediately before: The emotional payoff of Doug and Ross Rhea’s relationship depends entirely on knowing their history from the 2011 film.
- Pay attention to Wyatt Russell’s skating: As a former goalie (who played in the ECHL and European leagues), his movement on the ice is legitimate. It makes the "villain" much more intimidating when he's actually a threat on the puck.
- Look for the "Easter eggs": There are tons of nods to minor league hockey culture scattered in the background of the arena scenes.
- Check the credits: There’s some great footage and bloopers that keep the tone light after a fairly heavy ending.
This movie isn't trying to win an Oscar. It’s trying to make you feel like you’re sitting in the cheap seats of a chilly arena in the middle of January, smelling the Zamboni fumes and cheering for a guy who just wants to do his job. It succeeds because it doesn't apologize for what it is. It’s loud, it’s crude, and it’s got a huge heart. Just like Doug Glatt.
To truly appreciate the film, look into the real-life inspirations like Doug Smith, the man the original story was based on. Understanding that these guys actually existed—men who couldn't skate well but could punch like a mule—makes the "last of the enforcers" theme hit much harder. It’s a piece of sports history wrapped in a raunchy comedy.