The Greatest Game Ever Played
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16

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  1. FraazT.
    Feb 6, 2009
    9
    An inspirational movie. Portrays the true spirit of golf or for that matter any game. It shows the value of perseverance and resilience.
  2. RoyM.
    Oct 16, 2005
    6
    A pleasant Disney movie that is entirely predictable. You've seen most of this movie if you've already seen the trailer. I did enjoy the movie makers not demonizing the caddie's opponents.
  3. Warren
    Oct 24, 2005
    4
    Can you spell sterile and boring? Where's the beef?
  4. CherS.
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    Go! I am not a golfer - nor do I watch it on tv. This movie is about life. You will be cheering, and even find a tear in your eye. Golfers will love it, but - they couldn't love it more than we did! Finally, a movie without helicopters, violence, and sex!!! Wow - it is refreshing, and hopeful, and delightful!
  5. JamesB.
    Apr 16, 2006
    7
    A good film with a story...don't have to be a golf fan. The directing was the weakest aspect of the movie. It's easy to spot an actor trying to be a director.
  6. EvanW.
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    This movie is a great inspirational story about grit, determinination, adn the desire to do what you love to do. The acting is above average, with great performances from the always stellar Shia Lebouf and a very solid performance by Stephen Dillane. To any fans of golf, or any sport this is the movie for you. A heartfelt sports masterpiece.
  7. Lynn
    Nov 7, 2005
    7
    It was beautiful. It was appealing. The caddy was wonderful. The golf looked good, and how many movies do we have about golf? OK, Tin Cup.
  8. gautam_k
    Jul 18, 2011
    7
    With biopics, it is not easy to captivate audiences especially with the predictability factor coming into play. But this movie tackles this problem pretty well and manages to impress albeit a little. This is a feel good movie that initially staggers but manages to stand up on its feet and comes above the average mark. The direction and unexpectedly the visual effects stand out among other aspects. The movie runs about rudderless in the first half due to what i conclude as poor writing. The scenes seem disconnected from each other and the proceedings don't seems to make sense (i mean why would a golf association president bother persuading a store janitor to take up golf, especially after he refuses initially). The movie comes very close to going off the cliff but the the cast and director manage to hold the attention. The movie has a British flavor to it. Midway, the movie sets a background of an ongoing rivalry between the British and the American golfers. Giving the rivalry a friendly tone but not losing the competitiveness is a tough job and the script manages this beautifully. This is the point where i think the script finds its ground and gives the movie a new hope and direction.

    Shia LaBeouf seems a natural and gives a fitting performance for his slightly decentralized role as American peasant class golfer Francis Ouimet. Sharing the spotlight with him is Stephen Dillane who gives the most memorable performance. He plays the role of the legendary British golfer with a poor background Harry Vardon lured into the rat race by the ever elusive social status. He is haunted by 4 men wearing top hats who had put an un-erasable ghostly impression on him in his childhood. It clearly shows that having a strong theatre background certainly helps. It is worth noting that both these characters are from under privileged homes with Vardon already reaching the peak of his career while Ouimet following the footsteps of his rival cum idol. Other supporting actors play out their parts in a commendable manner. I especially liked Eddie, the young "smarter than age" caddie played by Josh Flitter.

    I didn't know squat about golfing but i tried learning about it before watching this one. Fortunately the movie doesn't dwell deep into the technicalities of golfing. Although you wont be at a disadvantage if you don't understand golf but the movie will be more enjoyable if you do know the basics. The special effects deserve well... a 'special' mention. The game has been beautifully showcased with the boredom factor almost eliminated by the inspiring effects. It was what kept me going all the time. Each time the golf ball is driven, we are treated with a different angle or perspective followed by a montage which skip past the length and width of the game. The background score only adds to the thrill.

    The movie, in its entirety, could have been much more than what it is. Anyhow, the movie at its core is about dreaming big and going after the dream irrespective of what others think of you. Both the central characters Apart from the starting hiccups, the movie plays out fine without being over-dramatic. But if you are looking for a movie with some inspiration, this may not be the ideal choice.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Robert K. Elder
    50
    About overcoming adversity and one's innermost fears. On this count, Paxton hits the ball squarely in capturing the psychology of his characters, but hooks it into the sand trap of effects and thematic overselling.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Sheri Linden
    70
    Actor-turned-helmer Bill Paxton has fashioned solid family entertainment in this well-cast feature.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    80
    Offers an inspiring story, lush visuals and accessible characters to give a black-hat-white-hat view of class struggle in America and England.
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