Movie Review: Phantom of the Open

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A completely delightful British comedy-drama. 

This is a movie that does exactly what it sets out to do. It is a feel-good story and it truly makes you feel good. This film is based off a true-life story and it is easy to see why this story had to made into a movie (okay, it was made into a book first). The basic story is irresistible. A man who has never played golf before, decides he wants to play in the British Open and when he gets the chance to, he plays the worst round in the history of the Open. Yet despite this and being labeled "the world's worst golfer" he does not let this stop him from his dream. Too often we don't do things that we know we would truly love, because we also know that we might fail or that the odds are against us. Yet as this film shows us, sometimes it is enough to simply live our lives to the fullest and still "reach for the stars" when we do fail.  In a world that has become so cynical this is a type of movie that we need right now. Because as much as we may laugh at his failed attempts at golf, deep down we truly admire this man and wish that we could be more like him. With this incredibly effective sweetness and optimism it is no shock that the writer, Simon Farnaby, also co-wrote the wonderful Paddington 2. 

Of course, for a film like this much of it relies on its stars. Luckily this movie has a truly fantastic cast. Mark Rylance is always incredible with any role he is given, and I don't think I have ever seen a movie with him, where he didn't give a great performance. However, he is at the top of his game here. No matter how familiar you may be with this actor, he so becomes the character that you forget you are watching an actor play a role. He brings so much warmth and humanity to the role that only makes this already charming movie, more charming. The always great Sally Hawkins is also incredibly charming as his wife, and she brings a sweet charm to this movie that results in some of its finest moments.

This is also a very funny movie. This is not only a film that will make you smile but one that will make you laugh out loud. While I expected the film might give me a few laughs, I did not except to laugh as much or as hard as I did. Yet all of this comedy is at service to the story and adds to the story the film is telling rather than distracting from it. Plus, any modern movie that has a comedy scene referencing the Keystone Kops has easily won my heart.

If you want to leave a movie simply feeling good, this is a must see.