Seven Days in Utopia (11/29/2011)

Rated G.

Directed by Matthew Dean Russell

Starring Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Deborah Ann Woll…

This isn’t the typical movie you see coming out of Hollywood. First, it’s rated G. (I didn’t think they made those anymore.) Second, it contains a fairly strong Christian message within the story. Finally, it’s absolutely loaded with tons of healthy themes like “having conviction,” “restoring relationships,” “overcoming addictions” and “pursuing a godly romance.”

The plot revolves around a golfer named Luke Chisolm (Lucas Black) who suffers through a horrendous meltdown during his professional debut on the pro circuit. He hastily exits the scene and drives through Texas until he accidentally crashes his car in a little town called Utopia, TX, population 375. There he meets golfer-turned-rancher, Johnny (Robert Duvall) who teaches him that life is far more than a golf score. Through Texas’ version of “wax on, wax off” style instruction, Johnny helps Luke regain his game…and much, much more.

In this movie, Matthew Dean Russell, the renowned visual effects guru behind such films as Live Free or Die Hard, Night at the Museum, and Blade: Trinity, makes his directorial debut. For the most part, he provides great coaching for the relatively unknown actors/actresses as they navigate several compelling scenes; only once or twice do simple lines get delivered in a slightly unconvincing manner.

One really cool feature the film employed was its use of actual golf icons (who aren’t actors). From the PGA Tour, we see appearances by some really big names like Ricky Fowler, Stewart Cink, K. J. Choi, and others; outside the ropes we see and hear from actual analysts on the Golf Channel like Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee, and Frank Nobilo. These features help add realistic elements to the movie.

Of course, the biggest name on this movie is Robert Duvall, who needed no leading by Russell. He plays the perfectly eccentric rancher, who was formerly a professional golfer, himself, who helps Chisolm regain his confidence and find faith.

There was a lot to love about this film. As a golf fanatic myself, this movie was right up my alley (which is why Jonathan and Todd snagged me for this review). But as a Christian pastor, this film spoke volumes to me, as well.

First, it opens with a quote of Isaiah 30:21 which reads, “Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” It then accentuates this truth from beginning to end as Luke learns to “S.F.T.” or see, feel, trust.

Beyond that, viewers get a window to true restoration between family members (Luke and his father). We also hear Johnny teach Luke about having conviction in why we do the things we do. He says unless we know why it is we do what we do, we’ll listen to others and be robbed of our actions. Johnny’s other big lessons revolve around overcoming an addiction to alcohol; the greatest “trophy” in the old golfer’s collection is an empty liquor bottle. I’ll just say…look for a super cool line here.

But it doesn’t end there. Viewers also see what a romantic relationship looks like when it’s built on friendship instead of sex. Refreshing to say the least.

I’d give this movie a solid “Theater Worthy” vote. No swearing, no sex or innuendo, and a pretty darn cool story line based on actual events. But one of the coolest features about the movie entails its ending; you actually have to visit a website to see how the movie ends! That gives the movie big points for creativity and originality of thought.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Definitely! Although this movie would be fine for kids of any age, those I think would gain the most from it are teenagers…especially teenagers who play sports. It’s got tons of themes you’ll be happy to see reinforced in its plot. I cannot think of a single questionable element found in the script/story. Personally, I’d love for this movie to have a great showing in theaters because of the potential message it would send Hollywood: clean movies (that are really, really good and entertaining) can sell, also.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: In life, all of us get knocked down from time to time. But, through God’s grace, we are able to get back on our feet. But when God picks us up, we have to live life His way going forward.

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: This movie literally fleshes out Isaiah 30:21 mentioned above. God wants to be the center of our lives…to the point that when He says, “Go this way,” we go that way. If we make anything or anyone the focus of our life – like posting a great golf score, winning lots of money, gaining fame, or being the best in the world – we’ve missed the true purpose of life. The movie says the true focus of life should be to “see, feel, and trust God.”

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: Just do everything the movie says! The film gives us many wonderful examples to follow. We’re encouraged to be people of faith who live lives filled with God-given purpose. We’re taught about having and displaying integrity in tough times. Young viewers will certainly be challenged by the standards Sarah displays when a romance begins to bud between she and Luke. Finally, we see the practical reality of having faith in everyday life.