The Legend of Bagger Vance

Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, J. Michael Moncrief, Joel Gretsch, Bruce McGill, Jack Lemmon
Directed by: Robert Redford
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:During the Great Depression, a Savannah socialite (Charlize Theron) has organized a golf tournament to promote her late father's spectacular golf course. The match will pit champion golfer Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) against equally as good Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill). The people of Savannah, however, want one of their own to compete in the tournament as well. They find their man in World War I veteran and former golf champion Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon). However, Junuh no longer plays golf, is disillusioned with life, and has lost his swing. With the help of a young fan (J. Michael Moncrief) and the mysterious Bagger Vance (Will Smith), Junuh enters the tournament. Bagger Vance helps Junuh not only get his golf game back, but get his life back on track as well. The story is told by the present day Moncrief character (Jack Lemmon).

Review:

Tim: The Legend of Bagger Vance is a powerful movie, but doesn't bring anything new to the table. The film does feature fine performances by Will Smith and Matt Damon, and most especially the wonderful J. Michael Moncrief. Robert Redford does a tremendous job behind the camera. This movie is full of tidbits on how to live your life, and beautifully combines the game of golf with the game of life.

All in all, this is less of a golf movie, and more of a look at life as a whole. Bagger Vance is full of insight and guidance which we all can learn something from. The movie does have an occasional slow moment, but the film is very complete and well done.

I do recommend this movie if you are in the mood for a deeper, more thoughtful movie. Don't expect to see anything new in this film, but it does offer an interesting time. This movie is best if you are in the mood to think while you watch it, contemplate on your own life, and hopefully, gain something valuable from it. While I rate it fairly low, you can gain more from this movie from others rated much higher.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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