...Just Lose Yourself In It

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2009)

For some time now I have come to expect three things from any Robert Redford movie. Great stars, home spun story line, and something immensely beautiful in both cinematography and musical score. Bagger Vance does not disappoint anyone in all three respects. Like his epic "River Runs Through It", the story is narrated by an older man looking back on the story of his life. Or in the case of Bagger Vance, a moment or event that changed his life forever, and never to be forgotten. Bagger Vance is a movie of which you just sit back and enjoy after a long hard day, or late in the evening when all is quiet and you desperately need an escape. It is moving, often funny, exquisitely photographed, and has a soft luxurious musical score similar to "Field of Dreams". It is also the very last appearance of the legendary Jack Lemon in a movie, who is also the narrator the tale. I have read a few other scathing reviews of this beautifully told story by others that do not possess a sentimental bone in their bodies, as well as golfers. Who for some reason see it fit to proclaim that they hated the movie and make sure you understand " by the way, I'm a golfer". Like knowing that is supposed to mean their opinion should carry some sort of premium to it. Personally, I have always felt there is something a little strange about any man that enjoys spending so many weekends shelling out decent bucks in chasing a little ball around a big green field rather than with his family. But,.. that's another matter. Let me confess that I am neither a golfer, a baseball player, basketball star, or football hero. But I happen to love "Field of Dreams", "Hoosiers", and "Rudy". And I loved this movie. I did take one star off on the meter for the story is not quite up to par at times with "River Runs Through It". It can be a little slow at times. But trust me, you will find this movie staying with you long after its final scene. Take a chance. You won't be sorry...