Seven Days in Utopia

As I finished watching yet another ambiguous, artistic, morally grey, dramatic, and emotionally draining show, I saw this and figured why not. Yes, the script is VERY simple, the dialogue is sometimes dumb but overall, this movie was just a nice, easy to watch, feel good movie. It gave me a nice break from all the really dark and real content that is popular (not that either of those are bad). If you're looking for a basic movie that will simply entertain you, I'd say give this a shot. As I said, it's a feel good redemptive story with a great cast.

Inspiring story of a golf player and part of his life's journey. Robert Duvall and Lucas Black play well.

Seven Days in Utopia tells the story of a man's failure and then his struggle, and it's a familiar storyline, as old as the heroes of Greek mythology.

I watched the movie with my wife, who knows nothing about golf, and my two children, ten and seven. My wife enjoyed it most of all because it was clean, meaning it had no profanity, and the romantic leads were not rolling in bed ten minutes into the movie. The kids liked it too – it was easy to follow, easy to understand, and had plenty of fun parts.

I recommend the movie because it is a pleasurable way to spend a little time. It is not heavy handed in what little preaching it does, which I know puts some people off. Even for those who are put off by Christian movies, I can recommend that they see it and try to think about the values espoused without dwelling on the source of those values.

I am always hesitant to reveal too much plot, but suffice to say the movie touches on many subjects, one of which is small town life. I took away the idea that our frenzied lives are not always good for us, and especially if they deprive us of the time or the mood to reflect on and renew our purpose and our convictions.

It is about golf, and the idea that the game is an individual game, one player vs. the other, as much mental as physical. In the movie, the main character needed to renew his convictions in order to fulfill his purpose, which in his case was excellence at golf.

It is also about the struggle toward redemption, and the path shown in the film is a surrender to God, letting Him take charge and letting go all of the angst that burdens our failures, whether it's a missed golf shoot or even alcoholism.

Recommended as a good solid family movie.

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.

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.