Next Goal Wins

Right from the kickoff, Next Goal Wins leans into the reputation of the American Samoa national soccer team as lovable losers.

That might be true, but the film about their exaggerated ineptitude isn’t as easy to champion. This formulaic sports underdog saga told from a fresh cultural perspective conveys a self-deprecating appreciation for the small Pacific Island territory and its inhabitants.

However, the abundant quirks in this strained crowd-pleasing comedy from director Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) too often come across as cliched and cartoonish rather than charming.

The reputation as the world’s worst international soccer team stems from an humiliating 31-0 loss to Australia in a World Cup qualifying tournament in 2001, the highlights — or lowlights, if you prefer — of which are illustrated in an opening montage.

The film picks up 10 years later, with the ragtag squad preparing for another international qualifier with similar dire prospects. The head of the local soccer federation (Oscar Kightley) isn’t expecting any wins. He just wants to score a single goal.

He pins those hopes on Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), an experienced but disgraced former coach in Europe and the United States known for his temper tantrums who is essentially exiled to restart his career.

Amid the ensuing culture clash, Thomas struggles to integrate his disciplinary style and find the talent to compete. Of course, there’s a secret weapon in his midst, Jaiyah (non-binary actor Kaimana), a transgender woman who has superior skills but must overcome some hurdles for acceptance.

After the team collectively rejects Thomas’ fiery, no-nonsense methods, he realizes he must embrace their traditions and build camaraderie to find common ground, on and off the field.

This good-natured comedy capitalizes on its exotic visual backdrop, yet the uplifting narrative intentions never quite mesh with the broad comedic approach. The on-field sequences aren’t especially compelling.

The embellished script by Waititi and frequent collaborator Iain Morris offers a generic look at an outsider seeking redemption through a fresh start, providing minimal depth and texture to the periphery characters.

Next Goal Wins resembles watching a game when you already know the outcome. It might build a wider fanbase for the team, even if the film itself falls short of its goals.

Rated PG-13, 103 minutes.