Borg vs McEnroe

I felt a bit robbed after watching the recent lacklustre Australian Open final. My summer tennis fix craved something a bit more satisfactory. Coming across Borg vs McEnroe was good timing.

If possible, I think it's best going into this movie somewhat blind. I didn't know the outcome of the 1980 Wimbledon final depicted here. I had little knowledge about Bjorn Borg, and what I knew about McEnroe just consisted of temper tantrums. My lack of knowledge really helped make this film quite gripping.

Shia Lebeouf delivers perhaps his career best performance as McEnroe. He perfectly captured the attitude and personality of the man. The film has more of an emphasis on Borg's journey which is completely fine though, given he's portrayed by a captivating Sverrir Gudnason. Stellan Skarsgard rounded out what was an exceptional cast. The film really settles into a nice rhythm once coach Skarasgard teams up with the young Borg.

The rock n' roll McEnroe scenes provided a welcome contrast to the often serious, brooding scenes of Borg. I also had no idea McEnroe was so intelligent! This film is really an in depth character study that does more than just skim the surface of who each man was. The ending was fantastic and the friendship which developed between the two was surprisingly heartwarming.

Borg vs McEnroe has a very similar feel to that of Ron Howard's Rush - so if you're a fan of that, you will probably like this. Tennis fans should love this too! A very serviceable sports film.

Sports dramas seem to be on the rise and there have been quite a few prime examples in real life that serve in the story department. This is one of them. And Borg McEnroe is really something to enjoy, with some powerful performances. I myself had not the results in the back of my head while I watched it. So I was kind of unprepared and could enjoy what was going on in the movie at all times, without being spoiled.

Having said all that, the movie concentrates more on the off court drama, rather than the game itself. But you will get iconic moments from the game(s), don't worry about that. It may not have gotten any recognition from the Academy Awards, but that spot was already taken by I, Tonya. Also a good movie and probably a good double bill with this one ...

It's without question that sports dramas that are based on true stories usually have a nice emotional core or intensity to them, otherwise what would be the point of making them in the first place. Borg/McEnroe is one of the latest true stories centered around a sport to receive the big screen treatment. Also seeing the return of Shia LaBeouf in a committed role, this movie has a lot going for it that had me excited. Happily, I can say that this is a movie made with care and the overall impact of the film is felt by the time the credits roll. I truly believe that a little bit of everyone out in the world can compare themselves to certain aspects of the two title characters. Although this movie is very small in terms of its theatre count, here's why I believe it deserves your time.

As the film leads up to the inevitable Wimbledon finals in the year 1980, Borg/McEnroe follows Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as it dives into their past and how they may or may not be able to cope with losing the title match in the coming days. This is a very simplistic film that follows these two competitors as they await the match, and then the movie goes out with a bang in keeping you on the edge of your seat as you await the victor. This is also where I found my biggest complaint with the film, seeing as its runtime was a little long for its type of storytelling.

Even at a mere 107 minutes, this movie felt a little long, due to the fact that you're really just waiting for the day to come where these two competitors will be going head to head. It felt as though the flashbacks were there to give this film a real feature length feel, but in reality, it ended up feeling like filler. That being said, Borg/McEnroe manages to hold your interest, because each and every one of the flashbacks are interesting (even if it's slightly boring at times). I truly believe that this movie is able to hold everyone's attention because Sverrir Gudnason and Shia LaBeouf give terrific performances here.

Being the first time I've seen Sverrir Gudnason on-screen, I can't wait to see more of him, because not only did he look just like Bjorn Borg, but his committed performance really took his character over the edge in my opinion. LaBeouf definitely holds his own as well. Being absent from cinema for the past few years, it was uncertain when his return would be, but I think he will have a perfect fit in independent films such as Borg/McEnroe. His eccentric character got a few laughs and a few tears from the audience and when an actor can accomplish both, he, along with the filmmakers, have done something right.

Although not really known for anything mainstream yet, writer Ronnie Sandahl and director Janus Metz definitely have bright futures if they choose to break out even further. The screenplay was very well-written in my opinion, giving just the right amount of levity before getting too serious, and then letting loose throughout the tense tennis sequences as well. I would love to see these two team up again.

In the end, Borg/McEnroe is a very, very good film from start to finish. Although simplistic, emotion and tension run rampant throughout. Written and directed with care, acted spectacularly, and delivering a satisfying conclusion even for those who knew the outcome, I really don't have anything negative to say, aside from the fact that it can feel boring at times and a little dragged out to fit a feature film runtime. I recommend checking out Borg/McEnroe when you get the chance. It's a very solid story about two rivals that live very different lives, so to speak.

I remember this Winbledon finals like it was last month, what a great mach it was between two iconic tennis players, maybe two of the most unforgettable sportsmen ever. Two men, two opposite personalities, one great match, one thrilling drama well directed by Janus Metz and masterfully played by Sverrir Gudnason and Shia LaBeouf as the opponents, still I have to mention Stellan Skarsgård, the man simply doen't know how to act bad in a movie. After you watch this one you'll go and search for the real game on Youtube, you wont regret it for sure. 8 out of 10

After I, Tonya this is the second sports related movie I watch this month and twice I didn't have huge expectations about it and twice I was pleasantly surprised. The difference this time is that I would never watch figure skating in real while tennis is an appealing sport to me. I remember watching the rivalry on the tennis courts between John McEnroe and Björn Borg. Those were great games of tennis. Everybody knows McEnroe for his temperament and of course his great tennis skills but what was interesting to me is to see how Borg used to be while he was little. He was exactly the same as McEnroe and so it doesn't surprise me at all that they became friends in the end. The movie is very well made, with a lot of back story, and so not only tennis shots. Shia Leboeuf did a good job portraying John McEnroe, but the amazing thing in this movie must be the stunning resemblance from Sverrir Gudnason with Björn Borg. It's like they could have been brothers. Even if you're not into sports, or tennis in this case, this movie is certainly worth a watch. A movie full of emotions.