2 of 3

We won't find a villain among Ouimet's primary opponents on the golf course, either. Vardon is the picture of grace, and a kindred spirit to the younger player that admires him. We come to understand that he's more concerned about preserving the honor of the game than scoring a major victory for British pride over the Americans. It's a beautifully understated performance by Tony award winner Dillane—passionate and tender, but also professional and stoic. His friend Ted Ray (Stephen Marcus) is also charming, though more gruff and unrefined as he crushes the ball down the fairway with enough power to tear through a phonebook.

Francis and his father Arthur (Elias Koteas)

If there is a "villain," it might be the upper class, portrayed as reluctant to let these greats play because of their heritage and poverty. This climactic game is historically important because it helped open the sport up to commoners, thus inspiring generations of aspiring golfers who wouldn't have dreamed of playing a sport dominated by the wealthy until one of their own helped open the door.

But as any seasoned golfer knows, it's ultimately a game where the greatest opponent is oneself. Such was certainly true of Ouimet, who had to confront his own doubts and fears to compete with the legends of his day, yet managed to keep his head by remaining a focused player on the course and a humble (but awed) gentleman everywhere else. Rising star LaBeouf gives his most impressive performance since his star-making turn in 2003's Holes, playing Ouimet with a striking level of charisma and believability—from the range of emotions to the refinement of his swing—as a young man who suddenly finds himself among the greatest golfers in the world. And he shares great chemistry with Josh Flitter, who plays Eddie Lowery, Ouimet's spunky ten-year-old caddie. Their scenes together make for another priceless example of the relationship between hero and admirer, each spurring the other on to greatness.

It's director Bill Paxton who deserves the greatest distinction, pulling a complete 180 from Frailty, his impressive-though-disturbing directorial debut in 2001. Paxton—best known for his acting roles in films such as Twister and Apollo 13—clearly has a deep love for the game and the story, keeping it moving at a reasonable pace. The golf is treated with zip and action, at times more similar to showdowns in old Westerns. And he allows the audience to stay on top of the game through kinetic camera shots of the leader board.

Peyton List plays LaBeouf's love interest

Too bad the film's extensive use of visual effects are such a mixed bag. They work extremely well when demonstrating the golfers visualizing the course—Vardon strips away the distractions of his surroundings while Ouimet gauges the path to the hole with a sort of telescopic effect. But there are several point-of-view shots from the ball that, while very slick conceptually, simply look too fake because of low-budget computer animation. Worst is a ridiculous shot of a ladybug gently landing on Ray's golf ball in slow motion during his swing—just because Disney released this film doesn't mean we need A Bug's Life thrown in.

The film's other weakness is a budding, underdeveloped romance with Sarah Wallis (Peyton List), an upper-class teen who expresses support to Ouimet despite the disapproval of her snobby father. It feels tacked on in an effort to bring more heart to a story that really doesn't need any more. These faults are significant but minor for a film that's suitably balanced for the whole family—it doesn't resort to silly gags or overly melodramatic schmaltz or tedious golf trivia. No, The Greatest Game Ever Played succeeds because it has enough history and authenticity to please golf enthusiasts while maintaining enough heart and human drama to appeal to the rest.

next page... |  2 of 3

Related Elsewhere:

Up to Par	Printer view
Shia LaBeouf, who plays golf whiz kid Francis Ouimet in The Greatest Game Ever Played, says he learned that golf is the most "honorable" game in sports.