Post by StevePulaski on Sept 17, 2011 15:53:04 GMT -5
Lucas Black in Seven Days in Utopia.
Rating: ★★
Seven Days in Utopia is the first live-action, G-rated picture in a long time which is perplexing seeing as this will not likely interest anyone between the ages of seven and twelve. Not to mention, the heavy topics of some religious aspects and the father-wants-son-to-be-a-huge-winner will likely not be understood by kids at that point. The top of this film's ocean is semi-clear, but gets darker once one dives in.
The plot: Luke (Black) is a hotheaded golfer who just choked on his last big game. Luke's father expects nothing but the best of his son, and wants him to win, but like some parents, not only wants him to but forces him to win. Luke is fed up and takes an unexpected detour through the not-so-subtly named town of "Utopia" in Texas. After crashing his car, he is stranded in Utopia, and gets help from an old, know-it-all geezer named Johnny Crawford played by Robert Duvall.
This character is not only frustrating, but the most formulaic, self-help guru in recent film history. He is one of those people that belongs on the late night TV ads or the classified section of the newspaper stating he can help you with whatever problem you have for only fifty cents a minute. He makes Luke go fly fishing, paint a green landscape, and rescue his falling aircraft.
During the aircraft scene, neither person is nervous when the plane is plunging to the open wheat field below. Not even Luke who should be the most frightened. Especially after stopping in a town named Utopia with an old man teaching you ridiculous aspects trying to make you a better golfer. I'm surprised he didn't make Luke stare at golf balls for half the film and tell him to see his future.
There is a half constructed love story, but like any bad film, it's contrived and unnecessary. The end outcome leaves nothing to be accomplished and the overall result is exhausted, and makes the whole side-story not even worth telling.
I shouldn't call this a "bad film" because there are redeeming qualities. The music is good, the lead character is convincing and well-played, and the scenery is very light and calming in a way. It's sunny, and keeps its disposition throughout most of the film. I never said these things could sustain a great film on their own, but if you're lost in a dark sea you can't tell me seeing a dolphin makes the sea even worse. It almost puts a light grin on your face.
One thing is for certain is that if they gave out awards for worst endings in film for one designated year, one award would most definitely go to this. Without trying to spoil anything to see the end scene discussed and further elaborated you need to go to a website. I can't say the name because it will spoil what it is, but that is an all out joke to movie-goers and people who went to the film for escapism. Isn't it enough that you just spent money to see the film, now you're responsible for giving the filmmakers hits and help them increase web-traffic on their site? Even the narrator exclaims that "Who cares what happened? Luke is a better person" as if thinks we watched a two-minute clip. Yes, mister narrator, but we just watched Luke spend seven days in a conveniently named town and now to see the end we have to work for it? But who cares right?
All kidding aside and with my tongue out of my cheek, I can say that this film keeps a positive image most of the time. But the darker elements are likely to leave children in the dust for most of the picture. What kid cares to watch a film about golf anyway? When I was a kid, I didn't like sports at all. Even if the film was about football or wrestling I wouldn't care. Can you imagine the boredom of a seven year old while he watches preachy dialog scenes, themes that go way over his head, and then be bribed of an efficient ending? All I can say is I hope no one attended this on their birthday party.
This is standard fare in terms of a sports drama. But it also proves there is a reason why very few golf dramas are made. The last one I can recall was the 2005 film The Greatest Game Ever Played. Maybe if Duvall was replaced with Dangerfield we could get some real on-screen gold.
Starring: Lucas Black, Robert Duvall, and Melissa Leo. Directed by: Matt Russell.