In the early 20th century, Francis Ouimet almost single-handedly changed America's perception of golf as being strictly a "rich man's" game. The 2005 Walt Disney Pictures production of The Greatest Game Ever Played tells the story of Ouimet, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, and his unlikely ascension from a poor immigrant family to become the first amateur golfer to win the U.S. Open.
The film realistically chronicles young Ouimet as he overcomes the stigma of not only being less-than-privileged, but also struggling against the vehement objections of his hard-working father, who can't understand the idea of playing a "game" to make a living.
LaBeouf is appealing and energetic as Ouimet, while Bill Paxton, more notably known as an actor, did an admirable job directing in just his second feature assignment.
The Greatest Game Ever Played has a rich, colorful look and feel, with the golfing scenes more realistic than most films of the genre. Very inspirational and surprisingly entertaining despite the absence of "fireworks and bells" most modern cinema seems to have as a prerequisite.
