The film focuses on a young hot-tempered golfer (Lucas Black) who gets stranded in the small Texas town of Utopia while his car is repaired. While waiting he befriends and old codger (Robert Duvall), who just happens to be a retired professional golfer.
Then, quicker than Aunt Thelma can bake an apple pie, the film begins to spin cracker barrel philosophies and sage-like wisdom designed to get you to thinkin’ ‘bout how blessed your life is.
Sound a bit familiar?
It’s as if the two writers who did “Doc Hollywood” and “Bagger Vance” collided in a hallway somewhere and instead of mixing the peanut butter with the chocolate, mixed these two stories together.
Except the outcome was a predictable and shallow “find yourself” film.
Frankly, I’d rather have the peanut butter cup.
Now I am not saying there isn’t room for “feel good” films. There is. Check out “Follow Me Boys,” “Miracle” or “Pay It Forward.”
But one’s like this, with plot points that are too convenient and so sugary sweet you can get a cavity just watching it, don’t do anybody any good.
Robert Duvall plays the aging golf pro who is never at a loss for just the right thing to say. And he says it with a twinkle in his eye and a wisp of a smile on his face. The beauty of a Duvall performance is you actually do believe he believes what he’s saying.
That’s acting!
Everyone else in the film is barely adequate including Melissa Leo, who has almost no screen time.
Look, I like films that show growth and overcoming adversity and all but they have to meet me half way. This film didn’t try.
It gets a C- and is rated PG.
