"The Squeeze" is plain and simple a fun golf movie. From one of the first scenes where "Augie" played by Jeremy Sumpter and his girlfriend, Natalie and best friend John Tom set out on a morning of cross country golf where some young poolside spectators beckon, "I love golf". The movie has you hooked from there. Most golfers and non-golfers are going to love this film.
Jeremy Sumpter is great as the likable "Augie" with "jaw dropping talent" out on the links. Augie is an easy target for Riverboat and the lure of money it's easy for Augie to say yes to "just playing golf". Why he's doing it, well for his Mom and sister of course and a better life(won't mention the spoiler about the sister, better to see the movie).
At times the movie is predictable but that's okay the director knows how to film a golf movie with great shots of some of the best courses in and nearby the Wilmington, North Carolina area including Beau Rivage Golf Club & Resort, Wilmington Municipal G.C. and Eagle Point Golf Club. I know I want to go back to this area again and golf after seeing the movie.
The movie did a great job at casting the lead role "Augie" with Jeremy Sumpter. When Augie makes a side bet that he can put the ball on the green with "this here putter". You just know he's going to make that shot with his ever trusty Scotty Cameron putter.
The villains, Riverboat played by Christopher McDonald and Jimmy Diamonds played by Michael Nouri are perfect to lure Augie to the dark side. You're cheering for Augie to come out on top because the good guy wins all the time, right? You're going to have to watch the movie to find out.
Available in Theaters, VOD and iTunes: April 17, 2015
Cast: Jeremy Sumpter, Christopher McDonald, Jillian Murray, Michael Nouri, Jason Dohring, Katherine LaNasa
Directed by: Terry Jastrow
Written by: Terry Jastrow
Synopsis:THE SQUEEZE is a caper about a notorious gambler who discovers a modest young man in a small rural town with uncommon golf skills. Seeing his potential, the gambler convinces him to abandon his dreams of winning the US Open and start playing in high-stakes matches. They don’t lose. The stakes grow higher and higher until the game becomes “life or death.”
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 95 Minutes
Rating: PG-13
Distributor: ARC Entertainment
Quotes about THE SQUEEZE from notable figures:
Jack Nicklaus, Greatest Golfer of All Time: “I watched THE SQUEEZE with Barbara and really enjoyed it. It’s a fun movie that tells an interesting story, and the golf elements are so real you actually believe it could happen.”
Tom Watson, 8 Major Championship Wins: THE SQUEEZE depicts actors who are truly believable as pro quality golfers. Director Jastrow’s true understanding of the game (with 22 years directing sports) injects reality into the scenes with a stream of golf humor that golfers will find both familiar and believable, which are sadly lacking in all previous golf movies. The catalyst for the film is the character “Riverboat”, whose role is wonderfully played by Christopher McDonald. His guile and salesmanship together make for an intriguing surprise ending. THE SQUEEZE is indeed an enjoyable adventure into golf and big time gambling.”
Phil Mickelson, 5 Major Championship Wins: “THE SQUEEZE is a wonderful golf movie because it’s so authentic. It hooks you in the beginning and stays interesting and entertaining right to the end. I’m looking forward to seeing it again.”
Steve Wynn, Chairman, Wynn Resorts: “THE SQUEEZE is a rare movie in that I couldn’t figure out what was going to happen next, and I was sad when it ended. The dialogue is snappy, the cast and performances are wonderful, and it has the best poker scene I’ve ever seen in a movie. If you like gambling, golf, and Las Vegas, you’ll love this movie.”
Judy Rankin, Top Female Golf Commentator: “I was fascinated by the story from the first time I heard it! You keep saying to yourself "and this is based on a true story!" Incredible. A must see movie.”
Tom Roy, Senior Producer Golf, NBC Sports: "THE SQUEEZE is fabulously shot and edited. It's the first golf movie ever that depicts the game authentically. The actors have tour-quality games which make us believe the narrative, which by the way has lots of twists and turns. Finally, a thoroughly enjoyable golf-themed drama!"
Greg Maddux, Hall of Fame Baseball Player: "I had almost as much fun watching THE SQUEEZE as I did winning the World Series! The movie is based on the true story of a buddy I've played golf with for decades. So great to see his incredible story turned into a movie. See it, you'll like it!"
Chris McDonald, ‘Riverboat’: “Terry Jastrow is an actor’s director. He knows just what to say and just when to say it.”
Michael Nouri, ‘Jimmy Diamonds’: “I’ve been acting for 45 years and I’ve never had such a nice and polite director as Terry. He creates an environment for actors, indeed all artists, to be as great as they can be.”
Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Top Announcer: “We had the chance to have a wonderful sneak preview of this movie that will be coming out April 17th called THE SQUEEZE. It’s written and directed by the legendary golf producer Terry Jastrow, and produced by his wife Anne Archer. It’s a good one too. Very impressive.”
Al Michaels, NBC Sports Top Announcer: “THE SQUEEZE and it was very entertaining! The script is wonderful, especially the end which came as a surprise! The setting and shots, just beautiful. Christopher McDonald and Michael Nouri turn in boffo performances. Sign them up for the sequel - now.”
Bob Costas, NBC Sports Host Announcer: “Perfect cast, cleverly written, beautifully shot… I loved it from the first tee to the 18 th green.”
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