The Legend of Bagger Vance stars Matt Damon, Will Smith, and Charlize Theron. It is directed by Robert Redford. With all that starpower, you may wonder why this movie only made back half of its $60 million budget in the theatres.

Matt Damon plays a local sports hero who has won pretty much everything you can win in the game of golf. When he goes off to fight in World War I, he comes back a changed man, and no longer wants to play golf, stating that he has 'lost his swing'. The Great Depression is sweeping accross the country and the local golf course decides to hold a contest to try and raise both local spirits and money. Damon is asked to play, and eventually gets talked into it, mostly because when someone who looks like Charlize Theron asks you to do something - you do it.

While practicing his swing one night, a man comes out of the darkness and offers to be his caddy. His name is Bagger Vance and is played very well by Will Smith. Bagger has a sort of strange air about him, and his caddying methods are unconventional. His main purpose is to help Damon's character 'find his swing', which just so happens to be a metaphor for finding one's purpose in life.

This film is set in the late 20's and the period seems well put together. The costumes and antique cars are very nice and the music adds to the nostalgic feel of the film. Some of the early morning and late evening sunrise/sunset shots against the golf greens are really beautiful.

What ultimately suffers in this movie is the script. The story is moving, but kind of vague. Therefore, it makes you think, and this turns off the average dumb movie-goer who wants to see chicks and explosions. Also, there are a few really bad lines at good moments and they kind of spoil the movie. It goes back and forth between being a clever comedy and a compelling drama, and the transitions are sometimes rough.

Overall, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a good story with a really neat ending that leaves things wide open for discussion. It features a great cast and smooth direction from Redford.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older