Swing Away

I liked this movie very much! Shannon Elizabeth did a very good job, her acting was natural, not overplayed and her greek was amazing! She obviously worked a lot. Bravo! Manos Gavras charming as always and his acting very good! Their romance evolved naturally and their kiss near the end.... Oh!!! intense kiss! All the cast was good in their parts (especially Renos Charalambidis, John O'Hurley and Alexandros Mylonas). The only thing that should be different is the little girl (Stella) should speak some greek.... The scenery, the fotography and the music all very beautiful!!! A movie depicting the modern Greece (beautiful island of Rhodes) but with the love we still have for our land, our faith and traditions! Worth seeing.... Give it a chance. "I hope nothing, i fear nothing, i am free!" A proud Greek lady! S.Simeonidou- Athens Greece

I saw this movie last night an thoroughly enjoyed it. If you liked "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" you will like this movie even more. The acting was better and more authentic, the scenery was spectacular and there was many more laughs. John O'Hurley or J. Peterman, Elaine's boss on the Seinfeld show played the bad American perfectly. He was hilarious. Take your kids to watch this great family film.

I went to see a screening of this great film a few months ago. Without giving anything away, I think it's fine to mention that it really captures different aspects of the Greek condition, measures for success, and a few other things. What I loved about the movie is that behind all the humor, picaresque scenes, and romantic touches is a basic morality tale that really hits home. There are unexpected heroic elements in many of the characters, regardless of their social class, training, etc.

(I can't say much more than this or I'll set off a spoiler alert. If you haven't seen it yet, please plan to!)

Swing Away is a movie that has no intention of reinventing cinema or storytelling, sure, but what it does it does beautifully. I mean you had me at Shannon Elizabeth on a Greek island, but I love so many things about this movie. A fantastic cast, and cast of characters, a well told tale, enough quirkiness without losing essential humanity or making a parody of the "simple" Greek villagers...

But perhaps most of all I love that the hero's journey is shared quite equally between multiple characters. Perhaps the real hero in the end is Renos Haralambidis' Panayiotis, the lawyer reduced to managing a failed golf course, unloved by the town he lives in and almost entirely alone at the beginning of the film. Haralambidis gives his character such weary pathos and lost hope that I find it impossible not to cheer him on as he regains his sense of dignity.

And then of course there is the rare chance to see Shannon Elizabeth shine for a full hour and a half. She's in most every scene here. Hollywood so often lets her talent go to waste and this is a great reminder of what we all miss out on. She has the potential to be such a classic movie star, if only producers would let her get past being 'That Hot Chick from American Pie'.

Swing Away is a movie I will keep coming back to when I need a shot of hope. And if you're looking for romance, you'll have to wait patiently but it will be worth it. How many films can make that claim?

I've seen this movie twice now and loved it both times! I had a smile on my face from start to finish. It's a charming film that you can bring the entire family to and you don't need to be Greek, or a golfer, to enjoy it. However, if you are Greek or a philhellene, you'll particularly enjoy the gorgeous Greek scenery and the authentic representation of Greek people. And, this is the first time I've seen a fusion of the Greek Orthodox Church and Nikos Kazantzakis philosophy working together in harmony to support the themes of the movie. Well done!!!!!!