Movie Monday - The Greatest Game Ever Played

It is a true (David vs. Goliath) epic centered around the 1913 U.S. Open (golf) held in Boston, Massachusetts.

Francis Ouimet, played by Shia LeBeouf, (who starred in "Holes") was a young man, born of the working class, who challenged the social norms by pursuing his passion for the game of golf. At that time golf was considered to be a gentleman’s game. The title gentleman, of course, had nothing to do with manners and everything to do with wealth.

Saddled with his social status and a father, who loved him but wanted to spare Francis, the hurt born of disappointment, this young lad, had an uphill battle to pursue his dreams.

As with most “underdog” sport movies, especially those produced by Disney, you know what the outcome will be in this movie. Fortunately, even with that knowledge, you will not feel tempted to head out for that free refill, as the movie nears its climax. In fact, the ending resulted in rousing cheers from the audience, and tears from me.

Technically, the show was interesting with its use of special effects. Some I did not particularly care for, but others I found very interesting. Of particular fascination to me, was the portrayal of the athletes’ ability to focus.

One particular line in the movie plays through your head, over and over. It was something like this, “On the course there are only two types of players, those who will stay calm and win and those who will not.” The importance of this line is evident, when each of the leading players battles his ghosts and demons as the “Greatest Game Ever Played” progresses.

While I would not rate this as a must see film, I think it is fun and uplifting, and would definitely recommend taking the time to see it.

With this said, I am giving it three and one half hourglasses.

By the way, if you are annoyed by little children, try to see this movie late or during the day. There were many, noisy kids at our show. While this movie has a message for everyone, kids under 5 would probably be bored.