Review
Released in conjunction with a book of the same name by Gavin Newsham, Once in a Lifetime is an enjoyable and brisk documentary that charts the rise and fall of the National American Soccer League in the United States through the briefly popular New York Cosmos. Like most success stories, how the team rose to prominence is more interesting than the litany of laurels garnered once they got there. Professional sports are such big business today, it's rare that we ever contemplate how a league gets started, let alone the ridiculously ragtag level on which the Cosmos began, and the organizational history is one its most interesting aspects. With part-time players culled from factory jobs and a Battle of the Network Stars visual style, the first third of the documentary brings to mind The Bad News Bears. (Their low-rent playing field was spray-painted green when Pele arrived.) The team's playing, even when top talent was attracted, was never enormously impressive. The top talent was past its prime and motivated by money. The business negotiations -- how Pele was wooed to New York -- are where the story finds its dramatic legs. The New York Cosmos' success seemingly came from flashy novelty, and it's no surprise that the arrogant high-living Italian transplant Giorgio Chinaglia is the most entertaining interview subject. His self-serving memory is the focal point around much of the latter half, with players and owners disputing his version of events. Eventually the team rose and fell on these idiosyncratic charms, and the league was later replaced by Major League Soccer. With its light touch, Once in a Lifetime seems to acknowledge that the legacy of its achievements are questionable at best. However, the appeal of Pele and media buzz surrounding the Cosmos generated enough interest in the sport with children that the seeds were placed for the vibrant enthusiasm (comparatively) for soccer in the United States today. ~ Michael Buening, All Movie Guide
On the DVD
ccGame highlights: 1980 Soccer Bowl - Cosmos vs. Ft. Lauderdale Strikers; 1981 Soccer Bowl - Cosmos vs. Chicago Sting; Pel's Farewell Game
Deleted scene
"Stories of Pel" - SportsCentury interviews
