The Greatest Game Ever Played

Recently, I watched the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played by Disney Studios. It is typical Disney in that it is good wholesome family film. There isn't any wholesale violence, swearing, or sex in the film which makes it unique sadly among today's standard movie fare. The movie is about a young boy named Frances Ouimet who lives in early 20th century Boston. He lives across from a golf course and dreams of playing golf. His idol is Harry Vardon, the great British golfer. He tries to break into the game but he is met by massive class bias as well as a disapproving father who considers golf a waste of time. Because of a deal made with his father, he gives up his dream of playing golf and pursues a career in business but fate has other things in store for Frances. The U.S. Open comes to the very course that Frances used to play at. Friends at the course offer him a chance to qualify for the Open and he decides to take it. Frances qualifies only to suffer another problem when he loses his caddy who is offered more money by someone else. A spunky 10-year old ends up taking his place. This 10-year old at times nearly steals the movie as he has some hilarious lines. Later, in the tournament, members of the club committee suggest that Frances dump his caddy but he refuses and thereby begins a friendship that will last a lifetime.

As the tournament progresses, Frances slowly crawls to the top of the board and finds himself tied with his idol Harry Vardon and another British golfer. When the fourth round finishes, it is a three way tie and the rules committee decide on an 18-hole tie-breaker. To the astonishment of the crowd, Frances goes head-to-head with Vardon and the other golfer staying tied with them for over 15 holes. Vardon tries a psychological maneuver but thanks to Ouimet's caddy, Frances doesn't fall for it and takes the lead by 1 shot. Vardon however isn't done and the tension continues. The other British golfer falls out of the competition after putting a ball in the trees and it becomes a battle between Ouimet and Vardon. It'll go down to the very last hole and the very last putt.

If you like a suspenseful golf story or of one of the underdog coming from behind, this movie is for you. It is also a movie that sends a beautiful message of persuing one's dreams in the face of great obstacles. It is a really nice film and I enjoyed it. It is definitely an excellent family film. That said, I don't know if it's worth the $18 or $20 some stores are asking for it. I might wait until it comes down in price before I buy it. I do feel it is worth renting and seeing. If you want to see a nice film that'll leave you feeling good at the end, check out The Greatest Game Ever Played.