Grant Fuhr documentary a must-see movie
I remember the ’80s as though they were yesterday. Events I fondly remember from this period include (obviously not a complete list): Terry Fox Run, the introduction of the loonie, the Calgary Winter Olympics and the Battle of Alberta. The Battle of Alberta made an indelible impact upon anyone who followed the NHL during the ’80s, and fans of both the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers — arguably the two greatest teams to go head to head regularly during that famed decade.
As this is a movie column, I should make my intentions clear. We are proud to present a firstclass documentary this weekend entitled “Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story.” Our local WHL squad, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, have put their promotional support behind this effort, and the result is a lot of buzz for this exceptional production.
It is rated PG and is approximately 75 minutes in length. It will show on Saturday at 3:30, Sunday at 6:30 and Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Encore showings will be offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. It will show for only one week so don’t you dare miss out!
I had the opportunity to pre-screen this with a season ticket holder to the Flames. Myself, being a lifelong Oiler fan, I was easily impressed.
What surprised me was the reaction of my viewing partner! We both were amazed and impressed with this fascinating story of one of the greatest goalies to ever play the game.
The show does not have a typical documentary feel to it. The producers have done a fine job at presenting an interesting look at an incredible career. Grant Fuhr was an adopted young man, raised in Spruce Grove. Exceptionally athletic, his love, however was to be a goalie and wear a mask. Race (Grant is a man of colour) was not an issue growing up for him, and on the ice, he was always just “one of the guys.” This was somewhat easier under the layers of equipment and behind a mask.
Numerous greats who have played the game have parts throughout this presentation, from his teammates including Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Marty McSorley, Dave Semenko, Craig McTavish and Glenn Anderson to his many opponents, including Theo Fleury, Al MacInnes, Jerome Iginla, Jim Peplinski, Chris Pronger and others. Intertwined with great footage, you feel like you are on the ice re-living the excitement.
The documentary leaves no stone unturned from his start with the Victoria Cougars, to his historic time with the Oilers, to his admission of drug usage, his suspension from the league, and his return to playing out his career with the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and yes, the Calgary Flames!
I literally had goosebumps, and even found myself getting emotional at times, re-living and learning about this amazing athlete and person, who still holds many amazing records to this day. If you have ever been a fan of any sport, in particular hockey, you will do yourself a solid by taking in this fabulous story of an incredible human being! See you at the movie theatre! Please feel free to contact me with your comments or feedback – even an idea for an article