Certificate: 12A
Running time: 106 minutes
Starring: Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Jake Davies, Christian Lees, Jonah Lees, Rhys Ifans
Directed by: Craig Roberts
The story: In 1976, Maurice Flitcroft decides to take part in The British Open Golf Championship despite having never played golf.
The verdict: Sometimes the best films are the ones that simply bring a smile to your face and The Phantom of the Open is without a doubt a film that was watched accompanied by a big cheesy grin.
Based on a true story, these characters are so easy to root for and so easy to like. Maurice’s unrelenting optimism and determination, his wife Jean’s unconditional support and their sons’ ambitions to chase their own dreams all add up to making a family that the audience becomes a part of for the duration of the film. Being so invested in the Flitcrofts meant that the film was highly engaging throughout and the running time flew by.
The Phantom of the Open also strikes a really good balance between being funny and the more emotional moments. There will undoubtedly be some who will say it’s a little too schmaltzy, but there is an inherent sincerity to The Phantom of the Open and it’s too good hearted to find any serious fault with. Certainly the cinema was filled with both laughs and awws, and none of it felt manufactured or coerced.
Set in the seventies and eighties, the film also boasts a great soundtrack and the film looked authentic without looking dated. Craig Roberts has made a film that has wide appeal and in spite of what the title might suggest - absolutely no interest in golf is required!
Inspiring, heartwarming and thoroughly good fun, The Phantom of the Open was a joyous surprise and a film that is one that audiences will no doubt want to return to.
The rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Comments
Post a Comment