Tin Cup (1996) User Reviews (93)

Charming

[ginger_sonny · 7/10 · 3 August 2004]

Talented but unlucky golfer, Roy McAvoy (Kevin Costner) pursues glamorous therapist, Dr Molly Griswold (Rene Russo). Even though it's a Costner movie, it's actually a decent, surprisingly well-observed romantic comedy

The American Dream is brought nicely down to earth in this gentle comedy drama. Costner plays Roy McAvoy, an underachieving golf-whizz living in a small Texan town, who falls for Molly (Russo), the girlfriend of his arch rival David Simms (Don Johnson). Luckily for him, she agrees to sleep with him after he chips a ball from the clubhouse carpet and hits a pelican sitting outside. Molly gives Roy a good soul-searching pep talk and it isn't long before he's back playing professionally - and, before you know it, swinging his sticks in the US Open.

Tin Cup's big surprise is the film's unconventional ending, allowing us to forgive director Ron Shelton's clumsy, problematic dramatic structure and odd fascination with capturing Costner's highlighted mullet.

The dialogue and characters are convincing and intelligently developed. Russo wears vulnerability and neediness like a second skin, while Costner plays the tragic hero with considerable charm.

Sports and romance clichés get smothered by the Costner-Shelton swagger

[Movie_Muse_Reviews · 6/10 · 25 August 2009]

Underdog sports movies walk a fine line with clichés; romantic comedies walk a fine line with clichés. "Tin Cup" is both these things and walks the finest of the fine lines, and though it leans toward the cliché, it never completely loses its balance. Its likable swagger behind star Kevin Costner -- a similar swagger to that of "Bull Durham," also directed by Ron Shelton -- is what makes it one of the more memorable fault-filled sports movies.

Like the previous (and slightly better) Costner-Shelton collaboration of "Durham," this film is a romantic sports comedy about a trashy/washed-up athlete who wastes a lot of talent and somehow manages to attract sexual attention.

Costner stars as West Texan Roy McAvoy, referred to sometimes as 'Tin Cup,' a talented college golfer who somehow ended up a golf pro at a downtrodden driving range with his amigo Romeo (Cheech Marin) while his college teammate David Simms (Don Johnson) went on to be a star. Roy is a betting man who goes with his gut, ignores reason and uses golf metaphors to make sense of life. When an anal retentive psychiatrist named Molly (Rene Russo) shows up at his range for lessons, Roy is smitten, only to find she's with Simms. Of course the only way to win her over is to try and make the U.S. Open, right?

Costner and Russo have forced character chemistry. There's no reason for either of them to be interested in each other, save that Roy wants a challenge compared to the white trash women he's interested in. There's certainly no reason for Molly to leave her tournament- winning boyfriend for a sleazeball. And you know it's true when the dialogue directly addresses why they fell for the other like it's justification or something.

The machismo fueling Roy and his buddies in the movie, constantly betting each other and insulting the other when he lays up and plays it safe is childish, but it brings the film its humor and keeps it from being a straight through underdog movie. Its more interested in its characters than building up plot suspense, which is a good thing, if only the characters behaved in realistic ways.

"Tin Cup" is a giant golf metaphor for life, about how taking risks -- no matter how many times you fail -- is always worth it. Shelton's film is gutsy in the same way, finding different ways of telling a sports story that will make it feel different. It goes about it in an amateur way, but it's the bravado that it will be remembered for. Shelton's films have this miraculous tendency to only let their best parts stick with you. They're the kinds of movies that make for great channel-surfing finds on TV. That's really what "Tin Cup" is.

~Steven C

Visit my site at http://moviemusereviews.blogspot.com

Supporting Cast Makes It Barely Watchable

[grandpagbm · 6/10 · 3 November 2008]

There are three reasons to watch this movie: Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, and Don Johnson. The rest of it is a waste of time. Kevin Costner's character, the protagonist, is a jerk from beginning to end. He never changes, he never learns anything, he is a total loser. I don't know whether to blame the script writer, the director, or Costner, but it doesn't really matter. The main character is entirely unsympathetic. Marin has some great lines, and he delivers them beautifully. Russo is sexy and plays her part perfectly. Johnson's performance is excellent, except for the one scene in which the director or scrip writer or someone decided that he needed to play completely out of character in order to make him the villain. It even appeared that he was embarrassed to have to do that scene, since it was totally inconsistent with the rest of his role. I will watch the film again, but just to enjoy watching Russo, Marin, and Johnson.

I have seen this film 20 times, and it only get´s better...

[max_koljonen · 2 January 2004]

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.

Bad! At times.

[kangarooconnor · 7/10 · 31 March 2020]

This movie is what bull durham should have been. Enjoyable, the sport is portrayed well, comedy is good when enacted and the romance isn't that bad. Their are a few moments when I felt it was teetering to long on something boring or just not written well but overall not bad. The best part is that this was extraordinarily better than Bull Durham. It has love that affects the main character, a wacky sidekick, an enjoyable progression of the sport and semi somber ending. Except, it does all this better than Bull Durham. Portrayed well, slow paced when need be and fast when need be, as well as side characters that aren't annoying idiots adding nothing of value to the story. Overall 7/10 Do watch

A funny, unlikely romance,... and a lot of golf :-)

[Jill-36 · 7/10 · 17 April 1999]

It was a cute, funny, unlikely romance. Mr. Costner does vulnerable well. This was one of Cheech Marin's better performances as well. Golf pros and amateurs alike should like this one.

Nice Romantic Comedy - And Good Golf Movie

[iamyuno2 · 7/10 · 2 January 2014]

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.

A good movie about golf, but not relationships...

[jimmie_griffins · 6/10 · 12 January 2017]

I am fascinated by this film, no doubt about it. It displays a great affection from the title character for the game of golf. However, his character itself makes me want to punch him in the face with a baseball bat. The way the character acts...

SPOILER ALERT!!!

... it just pisses me off beyond repair. He is a self-centered, worthless, girlfriend stealing asshole. With no respect for his friends nor anything for that matter except his blown up ego.

SPOILER ALERT END!!!

This movie however is a great film that is worth the watch, especially if you like golf!

Costner's best movie? Maybe

[reporterman2000 · 8/10 · 24 August 2003]

From an acting standpoint, "Tin Cup" may be Kevin Costner's best movie. Here he plays Roy McAvoy, a burned-out, washed-out, down-n-out golf pro a way out in West Texas. He's broke, drunk most of the time, and convinced of his own worthlessness -- hence his attraction to poetry and a puffed-up opinion of his own heroics on the golf course (he's got to have something hold on to). Roy is just this side of being a complete bum -- this is one of the few movies I've seen on any subject that actually addresses the financial condition of its loose-living hero.

"Tin Cup" is all about the dire straits of this character, and Costner is more than up to the challenge of playing this guy convincingly. Costner for once packs everything into his performance: charm, wit, sarcasm, hopelessness, bitterness, and more than a little arrogance. He is funny, laidback and shows remarkable athletic skill. He tops his career-best work in "Bull Durham" here (not surprising, since this is another Ron Shelton film).

The movie also works great as a classic heroic Quest story. McAvoy is on a mythic quest, not for the perfect 18 holes, certainly not for money, but for love. "Tin Cup" could easily have been titled "Quixote Jousts at Windmills in West Texas." Best of all, McAvoy KNOWS he's on a quest; when he refers to it in his dialogue, it sounds pathtically funny, but when you hold this story up to the ancient pattern of the heroic quest as described by Joseph Campbell, it really rings true.

Probably the most interesting aspect of "Tin Cup" is that it also works as a metaphor for what Costner has done with his career. Here's a guy who could have played it safe and easy after all those Oscars, but took off on crazy flights of fancy like "Waterworld" and lost badly. (He continued to play unsafe shots after 1996, with almost every movie that followed this one.) McAvoy plays the game his way, on a dare, on a bet, with outrageous egotism and a willingness to lose it all -- publicly. That's what Costner has done at his own game. Was "Open Range" the dreaded safe shot that corrected his course?

Basically just another tepid love story

[helpless_dancer · 7/10 · 19 January 2001]

This was a big production with lots of big names and flashy scenes, but it still failed to score with me. No problem with the performances and most of the dialogue was interesting, but I could find no sympathy for the loser golfer with the winning smile and personality who was at heart just another self made casualty of life. He just plain aggravated me with his silly, self flagellating nonsense. What a wormy moron, and he gets the girl[which, considering the standard female attitude toward dips like him, was no surprise either].

Bull Durham was better

[HotToastyRag · 4/10 · 18 June 2017]

Well, if you're a golf fan—and by that, I mean you like watching bad movies that have a golf setting—you'll be able to get through this one without boredom setting in. For the rest of you, skip this one and pick another Kevin Costner sports movie.

Kevin Costner and sports—a combination we've happily watched three times before Tin Cup and three times after. This one, where Costner plays a has-been golfer who gets back in the game to get, uh, love, just doesn't cut the mustard. Who would have thought? The star is a good-looking guy, the love interest is as pretty as Hollywood can make her, and the promotional poster is really cute (and incidentally doesn't even hint at the movie having anything to do with golf). Somewhere along the line, it falls flat. Probably around the time when Costner shows Rene Russo how to golf and does the whole "I'll stand behind you and show you how to hold the stick" routine.

If you like cheesy, kind-of-lousy romantic comedies, go out and rent it. It's not atrocious. You'll live. But if you're in the mood for a better movie (and just as much Kevin Costner yumminess) you're better off watching Bull Durham.

Scores high (or low? this is a golf movie after all)

[philblyghton · 10/10 · 7 January 2005]

Some actors are born to play a certain type of character. A youthful Tom Cruise was the archetypal wise-cracking upstart with aspirations for future greatness; Mark Ruffalo (of Collateral fame) has mastered the 'just got out of bed' role; and any wife played by Joan Allen is both sexually and spiritually unfulfilled. However there is no one who plays the laconic ageing sports pro better than Kevin Costner. Tin Cup sees Costner at his absolute best, embodying the everyman charm that won him so many fans in 'Field of Dreams' and 'Bull Durham', yet exceeding these performances with a depth and sense of impending fallibility that engages the audience to the extent that we hit every long iron and read every putt of Roy McAvoy's long journey into golfing legend.

Costner's McAvoy is introduced as a washed up Texan driving range pro, a once prodigious college golfer whose talent was unquestionable, but who was hamstrung by an explosive temperament. Its not until be begins to teach psychiatrist Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), and has a reunion with college rival David Sims (Don Johnson) that his competitive flame is reignited, and he seeks to qualify for the US Open prove his obvious brilliance to both himself and to the watching world. This wouldn't be Costner if he didn't have half an eye on Russo's character as well, and the two plots are interwoven to excellent effect.

I love the golfing action in the movie. While some of the shot making from McAvoy is simply farcical (if anyone's ever got backspin on a 250 yard 3 wood i'd love to hear from you - I trust my inbox will remain vacant), director Shelton racks up the tension, especially on the back nine stretch of the US Open, which inevitably sees McAvoy paired with Sims in a race for the trophy. Costner actually lowered his handicap to single figures whilst shooting the movie, so the action has an air of authenticity to it, especially considering the cameos of well known US Tour pros such as Phil Mickelson, Corey Pavin and Craig Stadler. The familiar voice of legendary commentator Gary McCord adds to the feeling that the proceedings are not that divorced from reality. Ben Curtis (an unknown) won the Open Championship in 2003 - his first tournament win.

The supporting cast is excellent. This was Johnson's last major film for a long time, yet it is textured valedictory performance, and Russo adds radiance with her subtle beauty. Cheech Marin threatens to steal the show as McAvoy's world-weary caddy, yet Costner is the big star here. I was delighted with the film's conclusion, an overt rebellion against sporting conformity.

As a film in this genre, Tin Cup is a brilliant success. Costner has since gone on to bigger and worser things yet signs of a return to form are promising, his new baseball movie The Upside of Anger (in which, naturally, he plays an ageing pro) is released in March 2005. While not everything about the film is good (a little less mawkishness wouldn't go amiss in the romance scenes, combined with as little of Linda Hart as is humanly possible), Costner is on top form, and even if you don't like golf there is enough here for anyone to enjoy. Highly recommended.

8.5/10

Only for the people who love golf and know something about it

[philip_vanderveken · 6/10 · 6 May 2005]

I know that golf is a pretty popular sport in the USA, but over here it isn't at all. Here most golfers belong to the demographic group of old and fat retired business men and women wearing incredibly ugly pants... Since I'm not one of those people, I'm also not very interested in playing golf or even watching it. So why would I ever want to see a movie about it? Well "Tin Cup" is a comedy, so I hoped for the best and gave it a try...

Kevin Costner plays the role of Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy, a failed pro golfer who lives in a trailer at a crummy driving range which he owns. One day, a beautiful woman called Dr. Molly Griswold, appears at his driving range asking for golf lessons. Of course he's immediately interested in her, but she appears to be the girlfriend of the men he hates the most: PGA superstar David Simms, who he knows for years and who always laughs with McAvoy because he was never able to make something of his life as a pro golfer. But then Dr. Griswold inspires him to start taking himself seriously again and eventually he even decides to try to qualify for the US Open...

Since I'm not a golf fan and don't know much about the game or about the, probably very famous, players that got a little role in this movie, I have to watch for other interesting things. One thing for example I always focus on is the story. A movie always needs a good story, whether it is a thriller, a drama, a comedy. It doesn't matter, but the story needs to be good and if possible also original and that's where the first problems occur. This isn't original at all, but very predictable and to be honest also not very believable (a good player that has wasted his talent but than starts at the US Open golf and does a good job??? I don't think that has happened very often yet).

Another thing that I always pay some attention to is the acting and I have to be honest, that wasn't too bad. Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Linda Hart, Cheech Marin, Kevin Costner... that's not exactly a top cast, but they did pretty well. However, it just isn't enough to save this entire movie, which is really too bad, because it would probably never be a world shocking movie, but it certainly has some potential. Now I give this movie only a 6.5/10.

Practically unwatchable in the modern era

[hagakure-3 · 3/10 · 20 June 2023]

Like a lot of 80s movies this 90s attempt to cash in on Kevin Costner's sports movie appeal did not age well. Costner's character remains pretty unlikable throughout. Renée Russo's reprises her Major League role as a woman pretending to be strong and independent but quickly returns to being arm candy for a cute but toxic athlete. The dialogue is cringeworthy most of the movie, the timing is bad, the comedy isn't funny, and the sports scenes are not actually very good. The only saving grace is the iconic final scene where Costner keeps stubbornly hitting his failed shot again and again, throwing away a U. S. Open victory and proving that his character has not made any kind of arc, but ironically providing one of the most unexpected endings in a sports comedy movie by avoiding the predictable "protagonist underdog wins it all" trope. I hadn't seen it since it first came out, and that ending alone had stuck in my head, fooling me into thinking more highly of the film than it deserved. I rented it tonight and skipped through most of the middle third. Comedies are supposed to be 90 minutes long... this slow moving, babbling mess is appallingly over two hours. Definitely not worth sitting through.

Very Funny, Costner at his best.

[Brad K. · 30 December 1998]

Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves, The Untouchables) is a great actor, in my opinion, but most critics and some people don't like him because he takes too many "hero" roles. For those people, Tin Cup is a movie you will like, for those who like Costner, you will love this film. Cosnter plays a local star golfer in Texas who runs a driving range that isn't doing well. He's a good golfer, but because of some poor decisions never turned professional. He has a lazy life goofing around with his friends and caddy, wonderfully played by Cheech Marin (Paulie, From Dusk Til Dawn). One day when a beautiful psychiatrist, played by Rene Russo (Ransom, Major League), comes in to take lessons from him, he decides to go after her. The problem is that she isn't grungy and lazy like he is and she's dating a professional golfer who went to college with Costner. He is well-played by Don Johnson (Dead Bang, Guilty as Sin). Costner and Johnson hate each other and soon get into competitions to impress Russo. Eventually, Costner decides to impress her he'll try and qualify for the US Open golf tournament. This is a very funny film and was not a "chick-flick" like I was worried it would be. Costner is excellent in the lead playing a completely likable slob. Russo is solid as his love interest. Highly recommended.

Costner doesn't destroy this one

[mm-39 · 6/10 · 3 September 2002]

It is funny when he doesn't direct the film, the film actually turns out pretty good. The beginning and ending was strong, but the middle had too much filler material. Don Johnson plays an excellent role. He looked and had that sarcastic attitude as he did as Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice. I enjoyed this part. This movie was worth renting, but nothing to scream about. 6/10

a grown-up's version of Happy Gilmore.

[matthewssilverhammer · 7/10 · 15 March 2018]

I was more than a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed this light and fun sports-rom-com. I wish the actual sports dramatics were better, which just inexplicable following the whims of the screenwriter instead of the characters reality, but there's still much to like. The dialogue is great, even with the constant golf puns and metaphors, which are delivered with such intention and self-awareness. Costner is in top form; cocky, likable, and disruptive.

Entertaining Film

[DKosty123 · 6/10 · 2 September 2018]

Kevin Costner and Rene Russo are the love story luckless golfer and Psycho Shrink who together produce a lot of laughs. When a movie opens in Texas with an armadiller, then you know something is up. Great supporting role here by Cheech Marin as the unappreciated caddy. and Don Johnson as David Simms, the rival for Russo. There's lots of cameos by PGA golfers and NBC announcers and all are worked into the film very well.

There's plenty to appreciate in this film, but I would rewrite the ending. Instead of having Roy McAvoy(Costner) falling short on in the water his first shot on 18, I would have had the first shot make the green and roll back into the water. The drama would have been better that way and the first shot in the water was not necessary.(It had already been done three times).

Taking that into account, the main reason I do not rate this movie a little better is that the ending is too long. It is not good to the last ball. Other than the ending, the film does move along at a good pace and the laughs and love are seemingly real. The cast has a good chemistry and Ron Shelton who also directed Bull Durham is right at home here in this sports comedy genre. This comes close to taking the Bull out of golf. Then again, it really could have used just a little more humor. Still, the movie does have some heart, and Texas animal red neck humor. No Bull here, except for the ending.

A Golfer's Movie

[nmathieson · 7/10 · 20 May 2006]

Tin cup is the story of a has been college golf star Roy (Kevin Costner). Ever since failing to qualify for the PGA tour he has resorted to running an unsuccessful driving range. He had given up any aspirations of playing pro golf until he meets an old friend's girlfriend and decides to impress her by entering the U.S. Open.

Tin Cup is unlike any other sports film I've seen. The protagonist is not a hero or great person, but a drunk and unintelligent slob. The only reason that this character is acceptable for the audience to cheer for is the charming and hilarious personality of Kevin Costner. In no way is this a great movie as the writing is sub par and the acting of anyone other than Costner is pathetic. Even Russo is annoying as the overly pompous head doctor.

If it wasn't for the smart story and the acting talent of Costner this movie would not have been even heard of five years after it was released. Yet even today in the year 2006 people on the golf course still turn to me and say, "I'm pulling a Tin Cup" as they strive to make that impossible shot.

Shelton plays golf.

[DukeEman · 8/10 · 21 January 2002]

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.

I didn't like "Tin Cup" so much but I liked the performances

[butchfilms · 6/10 · 29 October 2008]

I think "Tin Cup" had the potential to be a much better movie. If this movie would have lasted 100 minutes instead of its 135 "Tin Cup" would have more that 6 stars.

I liked the performances of Kevin Costner as Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy, Rene Russo as Dr. Molly Griswold, Don Johnson as David Simms and Cheech Marin as Romeo Posar.

The plot of the movie is about Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy, a golf teacher in a very poor golf field, who once was a great college golf player. One day Roy will see again to his old enemy David Simms, and because of David and David's girlfriend, Dr. Molly Griswold, Roy will train with his caddy Romeo Posar to get in the US OPEN and win the tournament.

I Was Bored Because...

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 2 August 2004]

... There`s two things ( Amongst others ) I find boring . One is the sport of golf where boring ( OMG are golfers boring ) men with absolutely no dress sense strut around whacking a ball into a hole a few hundred yards away . The second is a Kevin Costner performance . Can there be a less charismatic leading man from the last 20 years ? A commie outlaw in merry olde England , a man living amongst red indians , a man investigating the murder of a president , a man sailing the oceans in search of land - No matter what role he plays I have to struggle to stay awake when he`s on screen . I yawned all the way through this due to the plot and the leading man , and I`ve had to take two long naps while writing this review , that`s the effect TIN CUP had on me

The movie isn`t helped by the screenplay that revolves around Costner ( I can`t remember his character`s name because I didn`t think I was watching a character be played out on screen - I was watching Kevin Costner playing himself yet again ) getting ready for a golf tournament while trying to juggle a relationship . So right away you know that the climax takes place at a make or break tournament where he either wins or loses the tournament and he wins or loses the gal , that`s if anyone cares in the first place and I know I didn`t . In the meantime we have to suffer Kev wearing sun shades , smiling , having a beer and hear him utter a rude word or two . I think he might have tried to sing but I was struggling to stay awake at this point

If you`re an addict of either golf or Kevin Costner you`ll enjoy this movie. If you`re a fan of both then you must be the saddest person on Earth , and if you`re a fan of neither then only watch this if you can`t sleep

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Perhaps one of the best golf films of all time.

[kpulis · 10/10 · 14 July 2010]

The film is every amateur golfer dream.The best serious golf movie in my mind. As far as comedy golf films, Happy Gilmore and Caddyshack were fun, but Tin Cup played out the dream of contending at the US Open and letting it all hang out! I personally am not a huge Kevin Costner fan, however having said that a number of his films seem to be on my top ten list of favourite films. Untouchables, Tip Cup, Field of Dreams are all awesome films. I gotta say I do respect him. He chooses his films well.

Personally I like the ending of the film. A man facing his demons and confronting them head on, even with all odds being against him. I loved this film.

Some decent golfing in a lightweight comedy

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 14 February 2019]

"Tin Cup" is a good golfing movie. As for a comedy romance, it's so-so. There's not much by way of clever or witty writing. The comedy is mostly in situations. And, most of that doesn't come from the movie's lead actor, Kevin Costner. Rene Russo is good as Dr. Molly Griswold, and she provides some of comedy. The rest is provided by the various sidekicks of Roy McAvoy, whom Costner plays.

Cheech Marin is good, and funny, as Romeo Posar. Dennis Burkley is funny as Earl. And Linda Hart is good, and funny, as Doreen. Don Johnson, is okay as the straight guy antagonist of Roy. Again, this is a movie where Costner says his lines, goes through the motions but seems to have no life or energy. Actually, the role fits that lack of an aura about him - he's tired and lazy.

The best that all of the above would earn this film - if it had a good screenplay, would be five stars in my book. The screenplay itself is just fair, but the golfing and golf segments lift this film two to three stars. First, there's the interplay and scenes with the announcers and golfers on the course. It gives it a feel of real pro-golf. And it's entertaining. Then the courses, scenic holes and scenery in general brighten it up. Finally, the golfing action and filming is very good. One has a good idea how Roy's golfing will go, but it's fun to see the shots.

The language at times is crass and crude. Otherwise, this rates as a fair golfing movie for all that it shows. Costner gets some credit for that because he has good golfing form. But none of the acting is above par. It's lightweight as a comedy, and so-so as a romance.

Here's the best dialog from the film. Dr. Molly Griswold, "Is this normal behavior for him?" Earl, "Well, the word 'normal' and him don't often collide in the same sentence."

One for the golfers

[agmoldham · 5/10 · 25 April 2004]

This is the lowest scoring movie on the imdb that I own on dvd. In my defence I do play golf and it is a film that will appeal more to golfers.

Roy McAvoy (Costner) is nicknamed tin cup and is a very good golfer who never quite embraced course management. He's ended up as a Driving Range pro and is lucky enough to meet Molly (Russo) at the range. Molly of course is dating is old adversary Simms (Johnson) who is now one of the leading players on the tour. I think given that outline most people would be able to fill in the missing bits and pretty much predict what was going to happen in the film. Having said that it's very easy on the eye and Russo looks particularly attractive in the golf gear. 8/10 - but only for golfers.