CORPORATE LINE: From the studio that brought you “The Rookie” and “Miracle” and director Bill Paxton, comes a story of courage, passion and of the greatest American sports hero you have probably never heard of…
An amateur player from a working class family, Francis Ouimet – played by Shia LeBeouf (“Holes”) – shocked the golf world when at the 1913 U.S. Open, flanked by his 10-year-old caddie, he defeated his idol, the defending British champion Harry Vardon – played by Stephen Dillane. An unlikely match-up – “the ingénue versus the seasoned champ” – theirs was the greatest match the sport had ever known.
Caught between a world of hardship and a beckoning life of privilege, Francis needed to prove his unfailing will and ability to make it to the tournament. Elias Koteas (“Traffic,” “Ararat”) plays Francis’ tough, hardworking father. Newcomer Peyton List is Sarah Wallis, the beautiful young woman who catches Francis’ heart. Josh Flitter is Eddie Lowery, the pint sized caddie who helps Francis find his way through the troublesome fairways to victory.
THE GOOD:
It’s a classic underdog story with inspirational music and characters you can’t help but applaud when they fail – what could be better? I thought that Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) did a nice job playing the star amateur golfer, but Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) made more of an affect on me with his brooding eyes and haunting past. Pint-sized Eddie Lowery (Josh Flitter) was good comic relief, but his sayings, like “Easy weezie lemon squeezie,” were a little over done by the end. I guess you can have too much of a good thing!
THE BAD:
To be honest, I expected more. I expected more of a struggle with Francis getting into the tournament. I know it’s a real story, and perhaps the golfer Hastings (Justin Ashtorth) and pro-shop expert Campbell (Luke Askew) did approach him both times and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime, but come on, put more friction into it for entertainment value! And by the way, I didn’t understand that alliance between Justin and Hastings – were they always friends plotting to get Francis into the tournament since he was a young tyke?
As with Eddie being used too much, the effects during the golfing scenes were thrice too many. How many times do I have to see Harry tune out the crowd and Francis squint his eyes and become the ball?
THE EXTRAS:
Commentary by Director Bill Paxton and writer Mark Frost give a wonderful commentary. It’s interesting because its obvious both men love the material.
“A View From The Gallery: On the set of The Greatest Game Ever Played” is simply a making of featurette.
“Two Legends and the Greatest Game” gives background on Harry Vardon. It’s interesting even if you don’t care for the film.
“From Caddy to Champion: Francis Ouimet” is a documentary from 1963. This is an interesting piece if you like golf. Personally, it was quite boring.
FRANKLY:
The Greatest Game Ever Played didn’t leave me with the chills I got from Seabiscuit, motivation from Miracle, or all out sobbing from “Remember the Titans”, but it’s a cute movie good on a rainy day.
+ Meghan Berger
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