What can possibly go wrong with a film that brings togther Silvester Stallone with Michael Caine and soccer legend Pelé? Particularly when said actors are involved in a Second World War soccer match between an allstar cast of Allied prisoners-of-war and the German national team, this is already on the right track.

Yes folks, this film was in fact produced in 1981 as Victory (or Escape to Victory in some places) and has even been reproduced in DVD. I remember viewing this flick almost twelve years ago and I got a chance to see it again last night. I was not disappointed: it's as campy, contrived, and fantastic as I remembered.

This is one of those films that just couldn't decide whether or not to take itself seriously. It's hilarious at times in its attempts to tackle serious issues of prisoner life, war, morality, and ambition. However, in the end it all comes down to the love of the beautiful game! Indeed, Pelé choreographed the football action scenes personally. Although there could be more of them, these game scenes are fantastic. The movie's one great saving grace is that Stallone's football skills, or lack thereof, are not painted over. Anyway, an Amazon reviewer nailed it with "So - watch it for enjoyment, just not for realism. As unrealistic war movies go, there have been much, much worse." Check out the sweet sweet cover art and then decide for yourself.