The Greatest Game Ever Played

Disney sticks by their teen actors, that is until they become more of a liability than an asset. (Hello Lindsay Lohan!) Shia LaBeouf, on the verge of twenty, is still bubble-gummy enough for Disney to cast him in G-rated family films. Only problem is behind that innocent smile you can already tell that he is trouble.

Before he causes a scene that drives parent’s to send in complaint letters, he is starring in Disney’s latest true-life sports film, The Greatest Game Ever Played.
In the same fashion as Remember the Titans and Miracle, The Greatest Game Ever Played is the story of the underdog beating adversity to become a champion. Apparently this happens a lot in history and here it’s happening in golf.

Set at the 1913 U.S. Open a poor young caddy named Francis Quimet’s (LaBeouf) dreams come true when he gets to compete in the Open against the world’s best players, including his idol British golf legend, Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane). Vardon comes from a similar situation as Quimet, he was originally from the wrong side of the tracks and, despite his many victories, he is still seen as lower class by those born with silver spoons. Vardon by 1913 has won six U.S. Opens and is twice, and then some, the age of Quimet. Both are inspired by his advice that champions do not crack under pressure, instead overcome. To get to the three-man tie breaking (Vardon’s partner and friend Ted Ray was also in until the woods got in the way) game each in his own way succumbs to the pressure; Vardon to win again and Quimet to prove he deserves to be there.

Disney has a way of sugar coating their “based on actual events” films so everyone comes out happy. Everything always works out in the end. The disapproving father beams with pride, the loser is gracious, and every character who was remotely mean gets put in their place whether through words or actions. The arrogant never win. The Greatest Game
Ever Played is no exception – if you have a formula that works, why change it?

Other than LaBeouf, who my sister exposed me to, the rest of the cast was pretty much unknown from the spotlight point of view. There were a few familiar faces here and there but no one big enough to take away from LaBeouf’s star. The only other performance worth mentioning is that of Josh Flitter who plays Quimet’s truant caddy Eddie Lowery. In his first big role Flitter has great comedic timing even with cliches and the attitude of adult and child rolled into one. He’s the co-star rather than just another character. His presence ends up becoming just as endearing as LaBeouf’s and the end you’re relieved to know that Quimet and Lowery stayed friends for life.

Time tested Disney’s got

another fun family film in theaters. Not having kids myself I can’t really say that this is the story that family’s are still looking for. Every parent I know is jaded enough to hand the babysitter ten bucks and make her sit through two hours of sap. I loved Remember the Titans, The Greatest Game Ever Played"¦ not so much. But if LaBeouf’s look holds out he could be the next Lindsay Lohan without the fallout.

Movie Grade: C+

Synopsis:

An amateur player from a working class family, Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) shocked the golf world when at the 1913 U.S. Open, flanked by his 10-year-old caddie, he defeated his idol, the defending British champion Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane). An unlikely match-up – the ingénue versus the seasoned champ – theirs was the greatest match the sport had ever known. Caught between a world of hardship and a beckoning life of privilege, Francis needed to prove his unfailing will and ability to make it to the tournament. Elias Koteas plays Francis’ tough, hardworking father. Newcomer Peyton List is Sarah Wallis, the beautiful young woman, who catches Francis’ heart. Joshua Flitter is Eddie Lowery, the pint sized caddie who helps Francis find his way through the troublesome fairways to victory.