The Greatest Game Ever Played Image

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

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  • Starring: ,
  • Summary: From the studio that brought you "The Rookie" and "Miracle" and director Bill Paxton, comes a story of courage, passion and of the greatest American sports hero you have probably never heart of. (Disney)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 28
  2. Negative: 2 out of 28
  2. 75
    I am not a golf fan but found The Greatest Game Ever Played absorbing all the same, partly because of the human element, partly because Paxton and his technicians have used every trick in the book to dramatize the flight and destination of the golf balls.
  3. Actor-turned-helmer Bill Paxton has fashioned solid family entertainment in this well-cast feature.
  4. Reviewed by: Simon Braund
    It can be seen for what it is: a well-crafted entertainment that boasts excellent performances (particularly from Dillane) and fully engages the mythology of sport, reminding us that in its transcendent moments, even a tossy one like golf has the power to capture the collective imagination.
  5. 50
    Considering its superlative title (second only to George Stevens's New Testament epic, "The Greatest Story Ever Told"), I'm sorry to report that The Greatest Game Ever Played ranks somewhere in the murky middleground of sports movies.
  6. Never thrills on an emotional level the way the best of sports films – a "Hoosiers," say – can, but it's a satisfying entertainment nonetheless.
  7. It's such a great story, you have to ask two questions: Why didn't they make this movie before? And why did they make it this way?

See all 28 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. EvanW.
    Apr 30, 2007
    This movie is a great inspirational story about grit, determinination, adn the desire to do what you love to do. The acting is above average, with great performances from the always stellar Shia Lebouf and a very solid performance by Stephen Dillane. To any fans of golf, or any sport this is the movie for you. A heartfelt sports masterpiece. Expand
  2. CherS.
    Nov 4, 2005
    Go! I am not a golfer - nor do I watch it on tv. This movie is about life. You will be cheering, and even find a tear in your eye. Golfers will love it, but - they couldn't love it more than we did! Finally, a movie without helicopters, violence, and sex!!! Wow - it is refreshing, and hopeful, and delightful! Expand
  3. FraazT.
    Feb 6, 2009
    An inspirational movie. Portrays the true spirit of golf or for that matter any game. It shows the value of perseverance and resilience.
  4. Lynn
    Nov 7, 2005
    It was beautiful. It was appealing. The caddy was wonderful. The golf looked good, and how many movies do we have about golf? OK, Tin Cup.
  5. JamesB.
    Apr 16, 2006
    A good film with a story...don't have to be a golf fan. The directing was the weakest aspect of the movie. It's easy to spot an actor trying to be a director. Expand
  6. RoyM.
    Oct 16, 2005
    A pleasant Disney movie that is entirely predictable. You've seen most of this movie if you've already seen the trailer. I did enjoy the movie makers not demonizing the caddie's opponents. Expand
  7. Warren
    Oct 24, 2005
    Can you spell sterile and boring? Where's the beef?

See all 8 User Reviews