The Greatest Game Ever Played

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on April 12, 2006

Final Grade: C+

Disney’s Miracle is one of the benchmark references to an underdog film done right, especially when you already know the outcome. Disney’s newest venture heads into risky territory with unseasoned actor/director Bill Paxton at the helm of a film about one of America’s least popular spectator sports.

At the turn of the 20th century, few Americans knew the game of Golf and even less had played it. Always considered a gentleman’s game, golf’s earliest ambassadors were rich men from across the pond. When young Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) gets a chance to meet his idol Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane) he also meets his destiny. Francis spends the following years as a caddy for the golf course located across the street from his home. Francis hones his skills and wins acclaim as a local high school champion. He is allowed a chance to qualify for the National Amateur Championship, but fails to qualify and obeys his father’s wish to quit golf and find an honest trade.

In 1913 the U.S. Open is set to be played at the very course where Francis abandoned his dreams. The English send their best golfers to Massachusetts to claim the trophy for Britain and secure global dominance in every gentleman’s sport; but when Francis learns that Harry Vardon will be playing in the tournament, he decides to follow his heart and participate in The Greatest Game Ever Played.

Disney has become synonymous with rags to riches, underdog, David and Goliath flicks. In the past, this clich© has found both success and failure. Where some films succeed, it is in the way that the spirit of the event transcends the game itself. Miracle’s success was not hindered by the fact that most Americans neither understand nor play the game of hockey. Golf finds itself as one of the least popular major American spectator sports, right next to hockey. Unfortunately, The Greatest Game Ever Played does not guarantee itself as the greatest story ever told. Despite a grand effort by director Bill Paxton, the film can still be summarized as a golf movie whereas Miracle is a story about accomplishing the impossible.

The DVD boasts some impressive sound effects not normally heard on the links, and the beautiful camera work provides a gorgeous perspective of the game and impressive visuals. The special features of the DVD are below par to most Disney releases but still better than average. One feature is an actual archived news report of the U.S. Open titled “From Caddy to Champion: Francis Ouimet” with an interview of Ouimet before his death.

The Greatest Game Ever Played is entertaining and heartwarming, but as easily forgettable as any other dime-a-dozen based on a true story films. This is definitely a movie worth seeing, but you might find yourself thinking that you have already seen it a dozen times.

The Upside:
Cool cinematography and directing that bring the game of golf to life on the big screen.
The Downside:
Easily dismissed as just another underdog story.
On The Side:
Eddie Lowery, the 10 year old caddy for Francis Ouimet, eventually became a multi-millionaire in the car dealership business and sponsored many amateur golfers.

Breaking Down the DVD:
The Film: C+
The Delivery: B
The Extras: C+

DVD Stats:
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Starring: James Paxton, Shia LaBeouf, Tom Rack
Directed by: Bill Paxton
Writing Credits: Mark Frost (screenplay & book)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Sound Mix: English (Dolby Digital), French (Dolby Digital)
MPAA Rating: PG
Country: USA
Run Time: 121 min.
Studio: Walt Disney Video

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Technorati: Disney, Family, Film, Advice, DVD Review

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