The United States' win against the USSR in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Wisconsin's triumph over Ohio State in 2003. A 2 a.m. come-from-behind victory over Grandma after a six-hour, heart-wrenching game of Monopoly. All of these are likely considered some of the greatest games ever played in the minds of the contestants and spectators alike; however, Disney's latest warm and fuzzy tale, "The Greatest Game Ever Played," seeks to place a round of golf among these rankings.
Based on the actual events of the 1913 U.S. Open golf tournament and the Mark Frost novel of an even longer title, "Greatest Game" tells the tale of Brookline, Mass., amateur Francis Ouimet's underdog victory over British golf champions Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. The film parallels the lives of Vardon and Ouimet. While the former rose from poverty to achieve greatness on the golf lawns of Britain, the latter overcame a similar upbringing in New England.
While it is quite cliché, "The Greatest Game's" message of perseverance and overcoming adversity prevails. Despite it's similarities to other films within the historical sports genre, it stands on its own with impeccable acting and technical elements throughout.
It is fair to say that Disney tends to get wrapped up in clichés in most, if not all, of their pictures, but they have done so successfully. Yes, they were the masterminds behind other 'based on a true story,' heart-warming tales such as "The Rookie" and "Miracle," and kudos to them for putting these 'touching' events to a soundtrack.
However, before attacking Disney outright, it is also important to stop and ask, "What sports movie is not chock full of clichés?" When it comes to evaluating the art that is telling the athletic story, there are three important criteria to consider: 1) Development of the 'underdog' storyline, 2) Use of small children or adults who behave like small children and finally 3) Integration of multiple, gratuitous montages within the plot.
Shia LaBeouf, who some may remember as Louis from the Disney show "Even Stevens," or, more recently, the movie "Holes," plays a convincing Francis Ouimet, the son of immigrants living on the wrong side of the street. During his experiences as a teenage caddy through to his time as a 20-year-old amateur competing in a "game of gentleman," Francis is constantly reminded that he does not belong.
With his baby face, LaBeouf displays an uncanny resemblance to a kicked puppy as he is belittled time after time and the extreme close-ups on his watery brown eyes make his pitiful expressions strangely effective. The audience unknowingly gains a sense of sympathy for his character and when he overcomes his pompous critics with awful mutton chops and/or greasy mustaches, his beaming smile is so much sweeter.
Francis' ability to persevere and keep a steady gaze forward is starkly contrasted by his father, Arthur Ouimet (Elias Koteas), a man suffering from severe five o'clock shadow both on his face and in life. Playing the part of the quintessential intimidating, unsupportive father, the rugged Koteas repeatedly discourages his on-screen son from playing golf, but there is something inconsistent about his words of disapproval — his accent. At first, he seems to be of French origin, as his last name would imply, but later becomes confused and starts speaking in Irish and Upper Michigan tongues.
Contrarily, Josh Flitter delivers a steady comedic performance as Eddie, Francis' portly caddy whose words of wisdom exceed those that you would expect from a fifth grader. Even though his boss' golf bag is nearly as tall as he is and he is thought to be a pigmy by snooty country clubbers, Eddie tees up some delightful Dr. Seuss style one-liners such as "Read it, roll it and hole it," and serves a purpose similar to Sheryl, the hilariously outspoken coach's daughter in "Remember the Titans."
"Greatest Game" makes moderate use of special effects that allow the viewer to flight of the golf ball, however these effects make this flight sound more like a shuttle takeoff at Cape Canaveral than a small plastic ball flying through the air. During the final rounds of the tournament, the film makes clever use of montages — perhaps to compensate for lacking effects, perhaps to shorten the lengthy tournament that accounts for nearly one-third of the film's run-time.
The intense rain montage set to a rousing strings arrangement is sure to give audiences a newfound respect for gents strolling around the putting green in argyle and plaid. Extreme close-ups of prune-like hands, water beading off sweater vests and even one contestant angrily snapping his wooden club in half, helped depict the ferocity of golfers when they don't make par.
In the end, the 1913 U.S. Open is almost believable as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." Almost. Those suckers for an underdog story may even shed a tear or two — hey, no one ever said there was no crying in golf. "Greatest Game" can certainly be ranked among the likes of the football classic, "Rudy" because it just has so much heart.
Grade: B
