Seven Days in Utopia

"How can a game have such an affect on a man's soul? The way I see it, how can it not?" When Luke Chisolm's (Black) big chance at a golf tournament ends in a disaster he drives away wanting to give up golf. When an accident lands him in the town of Utopia he meets a rancher named Johnny Crawford (Duvall) who can teach him about golf, and much more. I have to admit that many of the "faith-based" movies that I have seen start off good then end up being very cheesy where everything works out perfect without any consequences or obstacles to avoid. This one was heading down that path but veered of sharply and ended up having one of the best endings I have seen in a movie. All that aside, this is a fantastic family movie that everyone will love and is a rare G rated movie that is good. While this is a golf movie, this is also so much more and Duvall plays a type of Mr. Myagi character in the way that only he can. I can go on and on about this movie but I will simply say...this is a must watch. Overall, one of the best sports movies to come out lately as well as one of the top ten of the year so far. I highly recommend. I give it an A.

*Also try - Greatest Game Ever Played & The Perfect Game

I really enjoyed this movie. Nice faith message without being preachy. Really good characters & Robert Duvall is a treasure. Great part by Lucas Black.

My 12 year old pointed out that the story lines and characters are eerily similar to Disney's Cars movie. Instead of racing, it's golf. It's fun to watch just for that angle. Most of the poor reviews stem from "Christophobics" who are scared to see someone of faith displayed in a favorable light. The faith element is only a small part of the movie and incidental to the story. This isn't a Christian movie but does portray characters who have a faith. Good show.

A perfect case of a message adding up to more than presentation in film terms. The story itself sags often, is corny and there is actually limited emotional connection despite the attempt at playing heavily in to character development. Three things elevate this movie to above average for me. One, Robert Duvall... that guy is a treat to watch in just about any performance. Two, I love the game of golf. Finally, the message of altering and living life on your own terms with faith and conviction resonates in a big way. I really loved this line from Duvall's grace before his meal... "Thank You for faith in a world filled with fear."

When reading certain reviews and seeing how many hate filled people attack any film with any type of religious message it helps to remember just how much they are lashing out in fear. Lack of true faith makes all people truly miserable eventually (and afraid) because they have nothing to truly strive for and will always be haunted by their own mortality. We all know misery loves company. They want to drag down and insult those who have a chance at peace. That in and of itself is quite sad.

Regardless, this movie is NOT a pure religious film at all. It's a story about golf and struggling to better oneself by prioritizing what is really important in life.

Some people, and some places change you. Seven days in Utopia is full of charm, specifically, small town southern charm. Utopia is a pretty good description of the depicted town. It's the kind of place that seems too good to be true. It gives off Heart of Dixie/Sweet Magnolia vibes. The cast is full of familiar faces. Actors with impressive credentials. They keep this movie from feeling too much like a Hallmark movie. While not widely considered the most exciting sport, this movie shows that golf can indeed be suspenseful and interesting. The storyline has similarities with The Karate Kid. A knowledgeable veteran in the sport trains a young man with potential by having him participate in ordinary activities that seem unrelated. It's a lighthearted, feel-good comeback story, but just beneath the surface is a much deeper message. It's a message about remembering what's most important in life. The conclusion of this movie was a pleasant surprise that cleverly drives this message home. I wanted to applaud because I found it refreshing, especially when compared to most faith-based sports movies. Because it's based on a book that has a sequel, the movie leaves some side storylines with plenty of more story to be told. But it concludes well enough to work as an enjoyable standalone movie. If I had to sum up this film with one word, it would be "likable." Likable characters, location, and story.