MOVIE REVIEW : PREDICTABLE ‘HOTSHOT’ DOESN’T SCORE

If you’ve recently seen “Hoosiers”--that stirring Cinderella story of ‘50s Indiana high school basketball--you may have begun thinking kind thoughts about inspirational sports movies in general. Why carp at all those come-from-behind last-second underdog battles, those freeze-frames of sweat-rivered arms raised in ecstasy, those paterfamilias coaches, those thrills of victory, those agonies of defeat? As “Hoosiers” shows, you can do them all and somehow do them right.

But, as “Hotshot” (citywide) shows, it’s easier to do them all--and do them wrong.

The subject here is not basketball, but soccer. The movie’s major attraction is the greatest of all soccer players, Edson Arantes Do Nascimento--or Pele. His uncanny acrobatics and split-second agility with feet, knees or head made him a sports legend--and, as an actor, he’s an engaging guy with a great athlete’s magical presence. Here, Pele plays himself. More precisely, he plays Santos (the name of Pele’s longtime team), the King of Kicks, now retired.

Santos, who wants to forget soccer, is accosted by brash young Jimmy Kristidis (Jim Youngs), a troubled youth who has become a soccer pro in defiance of his fabulously wealthy parents. Reckless, bragging Jimmy has ruinously bungled his career with the New York Rockets: He’s been suspended for insubordination, his best pal lies paralyzed. Now he seeks to soak up Santos’ soccer lore.

Santos demurs, then relents. Soon the two are frolicking at the beach--heading soccer balls, riding piggyback, somersaulting and cavorting.

But (wouldn’t you know it?) before long, we’re back in the States at the championships, back with Jimmy’s stand-up teammates (including a hip Rastafarian played by Mario Van Peebles) and his scurrilous boss-owner. We’re primed for what promises to be yet another come-from-behind last-minute underdog battle, more freeze-frames of sweat-rivered arms raised in ecstasy, more thrills, more agony, etc., etc.

Director Rick King’s last movie, “Hard Choices,” was a clean, swift thriller with offbeat, realistic characters and tense, surprising situations. “Hotshot” is clean and swift; there the resemblance ends. Here, everything is predictable and nothing makes sense. Sudden two-month suspensions, half-time team revolts against the owner . . . by the end, you’re almost ready for the paralyzed buddy to rise to his feet and scream: “I can walk!”

Pele’s co-star, Jim Youngs, is a skilled actor with a flair for sneers and bravado. But though you’d certainly consider your time well spent in watching Pele play soccer and Jim Youngs act, it’s difficult to justify spending so much of it--as you do here--watching Pele act and Youngs play soccer. “Hoosiers” aside, “Hotshot” (PG) reawakens the inspirational sports Bah! Humbug in your soul.

‘HOTSHOT’

An International Film Marketing release of a Steve Pappas film. Producer Steve Pappas. Director Rick King. Script Joe Sauter, King. Executive producers Herman Meckler, Pappas. Music William Orbit. Camera Greg Andracke, Edgar Moura. Editor Stan Salfas. With Jim Youngs, Pele, David Groh, Gregory Beecroft, Billy Warlock.

Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes.

MPAA rating: PG (parental guidance suggested; some material may not be suitable for children).