Greatest Game Ever Played, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

Based on the book with the same name, this true-to-life drama directed by Bill Paxton is set in the early 1900s and traces the early life of Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf), who was born into a common working man’s family. Living next to a golf course, he works as a caddie and learns the game better than most, but golf was a “gentleman’s game,” and caddies were not allowed to play on the course. When he finally gets an opportunity to play, permission is given by his father (Elias Koteas) to play on the condition that he agree to give up the game if he does not qualify for the tournament. Despite prejudice and his father’s discouragement, he overcomes great odds and continues to pursue the game, with his mother’s (Marnie McPhail) blessing. When Francis shoots one of the lowest scores in the country club’s history, he gets a chance to play in the U.S. Open against the greatest golfers in the world.

You do not need to be a golf fan to enjoy this film, but it will help. A large part of the film is the golf game of Francis. A wide range of creative camera angles and special effects are used to help bring excitement to the game. Francis is the son of two loving parents who have different views of what is best for him. His father is concerned that Francis will be hurt by the elitists. Francis gives up on golf as he promised his father he would, but he later reneges. His mother speaks of his talent as given by God. When a man cheats after his ball lands in a bad place, he hits it again and lands it in the lake. This Disney film moves too slow to be a big hit among young children and is better suited for teens or older. Due to some bad language, including two instances of profanity, Preview cautiously gives it a recommendation.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: Walt Disney