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The southern drawl was perfect and just slow enough, the temperament was flawless you could see yourself in Savannah Georgia. You don't have to like golf or even understand the game to appreciate the Legend of Bagger Vance directed by Robert Redford. The writer could have chosen a better way to bring us back to the 1930's and the actual story. Ala The Green Mile has been done. This is the story of a up and coming golfer Rannulph Junuh who is out of the game and how he gets his swing back, but it is narrated by Hardy Greaves. The narration is Jack Lemmon, but time period was his youth so J.Michal Moncrief is playing the young Greaves. Once upon a time this wonderful Savannah golfer, Junuh played by Matt Damon (The Talented Mr. Ripley), was the toast of the town. Then along come World War I and he is sent to lead some troops. Well, having a great swing and leading troops are very different ways of life. He survives, but his soldiers don't. Not wanting to come back to a hero's welcome, he disappears. This would be fine for young single guys but he had a girl back in Savannah, not just any girl but the daughter of the richest man in Savannah, Adele Invergordon played by Charlize Theron (Men of Honor). Someone needs to tell Charlize that if she does every movie out there the public is going to get sick of seeing her and real soon. You know the old saying how can I miss you if you don't leave. Well Junuh sneaks back to town and holes up at his old run down place and drinks his sorrows away. The depression hits and wealth disappears and the Invergordon's need to bring in some cash, so they hold a huge golf tournament. The southern pride being what is was needed a local hero to play against the best golfers and talk Junuh into returning to the game. One problem he lost his swing. This is where Bagger Vance shows up. Out of no where Bagger played by Will Smith (Enemy of the State) comes walking out of the field and helps Damon go looking for his swing. This film is well done and the storyline flows. It does not just wrap up nice and neatly and move towards the obvious conclusion. The ending is happy but it was a struggle to get to that place. I don't like the game of golf, but this was not about golf it is about life and the choices we make, you know kind of how you choose a club for the shot you are up against. Smith does a fabulous job as Bagger and steals the show. I give The Legend of Bagger Vance a nine out of 10 About-Movies couch rating. I really would have like to seen some booty from Smith or Damon but you don't always get what you want do you? Last updated: Thursday, March 20, 2008 02:49:19 AM |