THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG for brief mild language. Ok for kids 8 and up. 120 min. Directed by Bill Paxton. Walt Disney Pictures. Released in theaters Sept. 30, 2005.

If the game of golf usually puts you to sleep, go see this movie. This isn’t a story about golf; it’s a story about a young man who knows what he wants and goes after it, despite his father’s disfavor and incredible odds. It’s a true story about courage, passion, and the greatest American sports hero you’ve probably never heard of.

The year is 1913, and Francis Ouimet (pronounced “Wee-met” and played by Shia LaBeouf) is an amateur golfer from a working class family. He dreams of playing in the U.S. Open, but encounters obstacles at every turn. But Francis doggedly pursues his dream, with the help of a wise-cracking 10-year-old caddie (scene-stealer Josh Flitter), who has an uncanny knack for knowing just what to say at the right moment. (“Read it. Roll it. Hold it,” he tells Francis while contemplating a shot.) And of course, there’s a romantic interest, Sarah Wallis, played by the beautiful Peyton List in her first feature film.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): While there’s nothing objectionable in this movie to keep pre-schoolers away, it likely won’t hold their attention for long. Instead, pop in one of the many life-lesson videos out there for tots, like “Thomas the Tank Engine,” “Bear in the Big Blue House,” and “The Land Before Time” series.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): If your kids are whiney about their life lately, load ‘em in the car and get thee to a movie theater. Although younger kids might be bored, those 8 and up will have a newfound respect for their place in the world, after seeing the determined Francis go from a poverty-stricken life to earning accolades from the President. The message? Anything is possible if you believe.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): This is a wonderful family movie in the same vein as “Miracle” and “Return of the Titans”. Go see this with your kids and talk about it afterwards. Find our what THEIR dreams are and encourage them to be true to their heart. Heck, you might even find yourself re-thinking your own life goals.

Jane's Reel Rating System:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

E-chat with me at jane@reellifewithjane.com - I LOVE to talk about movies!

Read my other reviews here.