Tin Cup

The game of golf never looked so exciting until Shelton came up with this little gem about a stubborn golfer and his peculiar approach to the game. Costner really works under Shelton's direction and snappy dialogue. The romance with Russo does not ring true but you somehow overlook it because of the convincing performances.

TIN CUP (1996) *** Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Linda Hart, Dennis Burkley. Charming romantic comedy with Costner in top form as down-on-his-luck golf pro/loser Roy McAvoy out to woo brainy psychotherapist Russo (her best role and acting yet) by turning his life around and making an attempt at getting a shot at golf's US Open with only himself and rival Johnson in the way. Funny and surprisingly smart screenplay by writer director Ron Shelton and Marin stealing every scene as Costner's sidekick/mentor. A real winner for anyone whoever considered themselves a loser.

If you're in the mood for a light comedy with romantic overtones with some delightful performances by some very good actors (including the great Cheech Marin - who is absolutely winning here), then don't hesitate to watch this on a rainy night with your lover or spouse.

This is a feel-good movie and has enough of a story line - one that rings true for many PGA golfer wannabes by the way - to provide a joy ride that's fun and worthwhile.

One of the most memorable scenes, in fact, was torn from the pages of the life of former pro golfer Gary McCord (who's now a fine golf tournament announcer - and who makes a cameo in this movie by the way). You'll know it when you get there. It's the scene where you'll say, "I can't believe he's doing that!" But believe it. It actually happened. And Gary did it (look it up)!

Because of the romance, this is almost a chick flick - were it not for the golf underpinnings. So it'll please both sexes (and possibly lead to romance afterward, for putting you in the mood - if that's what you desire, as some do from romantic comedies after all).

Plus, to me, it's Cheech's best and most endearing real-acting movie role after his halcyon days with Tommy Chong. I say "real-acting" movie role because he's not going for the laughs here. He's funny - but he's also a real person (the kind you'd want as your best friend), and he plays it beautifully.

While it may never be as famous as its forerunner Bull Durham (which also starred Costner and was also written and directed by Shelton) Tin Cup has legs of its own to stand on. With a brilliant soundtrack, excellent support from Russo, Johnson, Marin and others (including two Costners) and the writing and direction of Ron Shelton, this is a winner - an incredibly funny and gripping comedy with a smashing bit of irresistible bravado thrown in for good measure. Where Bull Durham didn't have a climax per se, Tin Cup does - and what a climax that is. And although you may in retrospect see the outcome as predictable, odds are you won't guess this by a mile working into it the first time: the suspense really works too.

For what it's worth, the riddle the movie starts on has been traced as far back as The Cosby Show.

A definite keeper.

First of all, this is a golf film. A great golf film. The best golf film. But there is more to it than just being a golf film. It´s the classic tale of a washed-up hero wanting to get the girl. But Kevin Costner gives this role something more. Okay, it´s not an oscar-winning role, but the performance sure as heck should be.

And it´s nice to see a golf film with a screenwriter who actually seems to know what the game really is about. For those who are not into golf, just look at Mr. Costner´s every move and how he delivers his lines as a drunken golf pro. In fact the whole cast is excellent. In comparison to films like Bagger Vance, Happy Gilmore and Caddyshack this film is the only one that explains why we men are so hooked on this game. If you see this movie more than five times, the music might start to get on your nerves. But it´s okay, it´s impossible to add music to a golf film, because the sport itself is so timeless and silent.