"The Greatest Game Ever Played" isn't the greatest film ever made, but it's nice. It's absolutely a formula feel good sport's film. It's a natural to succeed at its goal (much like its main character), as long as it doesn't make any dire mistakes or choke on a stroke.

The acting by all involved is top notch. The directing as well is pretty solid, though not very daring or extraordinary. It's really the casting that stands out in this film. Shia LaBeouf, who was remarkable in Holes, is also strong here. The sports legend Harry Vardon is written to be quiet, confident, a man of action, not words, but when he has words, they're carefully chosen. He's a fun character balance to have around and S. Dillane plays the fictional recreation to a Tee. Then there's the classic overbearing father played by a guy with a dark 5 o'clock shadow and big black mustache. He comes home for dinner silhouetted in shade, yes, all of that is just a little too perfect, but that's what you're going to get with this film -- syrupy cinema a la Cinderellaman.

Lastly, Josh Flitter as little caddy Lowery nearly steals the show with a Spanky from "The Little Rascals" sensibility.

Oh, come to think of it, there was a problem in direction. The Harry Vardon back story gets confused with that of the leading young man. From time to time, I was confused who the younger person was, or where they were geographically. But this could be my fault. Anyway, with or without this confusion I'd give the film a B+. It's a feel good film and I felt good.