Golfer finds religion on the back nine in sleepy ‘Seven Days in Utopia’

  • By Rick Bentley McClatchy Newspapers
  • Friday, September 2, 2011 12:01am
  • Life

Many golfers who spend their weekends chasing tiny white balls across long ranges of green grass consider the sport an almost religious experience. “Seven Days in Utopia” takes that spiritual approach one step further to show how one man finds true religion through golf.

Based on David L. Cook’s novel, “Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia,” the movie follows Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black) as he finally reaches the goal his father has pushed him to obtain: a chance to play professional golf. His debut is a disaster, so he escapes from the spotlight in the sleepy little Texas town of Utopia. It’s a place where Sunday socials, neighborly ways and catching lightning bugs still exist.

It’s also where Chisholm meets Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall), a former pro golfer with the wisdom of Yoda. His mentoring of Chisholm in the ways of golf and life turn the film into a putting-green version of “The Karate Kid.” Crawford teaches golf through fly fishing, painting and airplane rides.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

All of this golf talk is just a smoke screen for the film’s true message: The biggest thing Chisholm needs is faith and until he finds a higher power than golf, he’s always going to be chipping out of the sand traps of life.

Novice director Matt Russell slows down and turns back the clock to give the movie a peaceful feeling. There’s plenty of time for reflection, self-evaluation and discovery between rodeos, horseback rides and church services. Just like golf, Russell very meticulously lines up his shots to create the most direct approach.

Duvall makes the film work. The actor could read a telephone book and it would sound like the words of a wise man. Although the religious message is quite clear, Duvall has a way of presenting the film’s sermon without making it sound preachy.

Black, on the other hand, just doesn’t have the acting power to make heavy emotional scenes work. When he finally has his epiphany, it doesn’t resonate with the power such an emotional moment should have.

It’s hard to decide what’s worse: that the film counts so heavily on Black’s thin acting skills or that it completely wastes the performances of two of the strongest actors working today, Melissa Leo and Kathy Baker. The final golf tournament should have been cut dramatically to give more time to Leo and Baker.

Despite its flaws, “Seven Days in Utopia,” has a good heart and delivers its message with an even hand. It’s not a hole-in-one, but it certainly plays up to par with similar movies such as “Facing the Giants.”

“Seven Days in Utopia” (2 1/2 stars)

A slow-paced tale uses chasing a dream, in this case, a golf championship as the vehicle for finding meaning in life. Lucas Black is not convicing as the young golfer, but Robert Duvall as his mentor, carries the film.

Rated: G.

Showing: Alderwood, Everett Stadium

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Swedish-made XC90 Designed For All Seasons
2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra – The Best Gets Better

Swedish Luxury Hybrid SUV Includes All-Electric Miles

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.