Tin Cup MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

In another sports comedy from director Ron Shelton ("White Men Can't Jump"), Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy (Kevin Costner) is a potentially gifted but self-destructive golfer. He's ended up as a golf instructor with his own driving range in Texas instead of playing on the pro tour. Professional star David Simms (Don Johnson), a longtime rival, asks Roy to help him win a tournament - as his caddie. Roy accepts, but he's fired when he makes a better shot on a bet. Roy perks up when he meets Dr. Molly Griswald (Rene Russo), a psychologist who comes to him for lessons but dates David. To get even with Simms and win Molly's heart, Roy plans to enter the U.S. Open aided by caddie Romeo (Cheech Marin). To earn money, Roy even plays golf with garden tools. His mental game is off because of Molly, until she helps him get his head straight. Roy shares a mobile home with Romeo, who supports his decisions with comic bickering and straight advice. Simms acts smooth for the cameras, but really hates dogs, kids and old people. These characters are fun to watch. But like the game of golf itself, the movie takes a long time to reach the final hole.

Golfers are noted for colorful language when a shot goes bad, and this film has plenty of it - 39 crude terms, 63 obscenities (some bilingual) and 26 regular profanities. Roy's ex-wife owns a strip club, with breast and rear nudity shown as Roy visits her to borrow money. The "good ole boys" caricature is played out with a small group of beer drinking friends that follow Roy. When Romeo says Roy "always played better wasted," they drink heavier alcohol. Sexually suggestive comments between Roy and Molly reflect their attraction, but she tries to maintain a distance because of David. When she finally learns the truth about Simms, she commits to Roy and they have sex in a scene with no nudity. Gambling over golf shots is prevalent. Roy does remain true to himself and proves his ability in the film's climax. But the foul language in particular puts Tin Cup's acceptability below par.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522