JEANNE’S REVIEW

Truly a family film, THE SHORT GAME reminds us what is really important in life. From first-time director Frank Sanza, who also penned the screenplay, this story centers not only on the popular game of golf, but the strong relationships any sport can foster.

It’s one thing to shoulder the weight of your high school golf team trying to make it to the state finals, plus the necessity of securing a golf scholarship --- then add the burden of being responsible for your autistic little brother. All of this falls to Jeremy Avery (Ben Krieger), a high school senior, who is cracking under this enormous pressure.

Golf used to be fun for Jeremy, who won first place at State his freshman year. The next two years his game --- and his grades --- suffered because his mother had cancer and he was tasked with caring for Ethan (Owen Himfar), his autistic brother. With his family facing unpaid medical bills, it is imperative that Jeremy win the Texas State High School Golf Championship that comes with a full scholarship.

Jeremy’s two best friends, Tommy Winslow (Tyler Lofton) and Carly Stewart (Emma Parks), who is documenting this journey as a future filmmaker, understand his plight and are always there for support. It is Tommy who recognizes Ethan’s “gift” of reading the elements on the golf course.

Tommy encourages Jeremy to embrace Ethan’s help, especially because his nemesis, Bruce Bennett (Adyn Alexander) will stop at nothing to win. When a shocking tragedy further upends his life, Jeremy is forced to reconsider his relationship with Ethan --- and what really matters in life.

THE SHORT GAME is really a beautiful independent film. Though it is not based on a true story, Sanza was a high school golfer and he has an autistic son. He believes that “golf was the perfect vehicle” for getting his points across about “the importance of family, friendship and faith”. And not only is the short game crucial in golf, it also refers to the brevity of life.

The young actors are all amazing, especially Himfar, who is autistic. Sanza and his crew felt it was paramount to cast an autistic child to play Ethan and they were completely blown away by his performance --- and his occasional ad-libs. He was absolutely perfect and THE SHORT GAME would not be nearly as entertaining without him.

Krieger, Lofton and Parks all do a commendable job, especially Parks, who is consistently positive, at times annoying to Jeremy --- and adorable. But it is Alexander who almost steals the movie as the preening rich boy with an overbearing father. He’s so obnoxious you want to slap him --- which is exactly the job of his character.

Sanza has given his audience a great deal to think about. Sometimes life isn’t fair, but with perseverance, and a loving family and friends, almost anything is possible.

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

The title of this indie film obviously applies to golf, but it also has a second inference, namely for how short life can be. THE SHORT GAME is inspirational and a moving testament to the importance of family and friends.

Jeremy Avery (Ben Krieger) is desperate to obtain a golf scholarship to a major university, but has only experienced rejection letters. In addition, family issues tend to get in the way of his golf game, which after an impressive freshman year, has suffered for two years. His senior season is critical, but further life events present even more challenges.

Much of the story, written and directed by Frank Sanza, who is joined by a quartet of other writers --- Larry Boatright, E. Joren Christensen, Florrie Laurence and David Parks, who also produces --- takes place on a golf course to determine Texas’ high school champion. Jeremy faces off against an obnoxious competitor named Bruce Bennett (Adyn Alexander, doing a splendid job of being someone you love to hate). Of course, the championship comes down to the last hole, and the movie’s ending couldn’t be more perfect.

Golf talent is certainly at the forefront here, but clearly character counts much more than talent. Jeremy has a younger brother, Ethan, who is autistic, but has a knack for giving Jeremy advice on which club to use, how and where to hit the ball, and an innate sense for reading a golf green. So Jeremy decides to make Ethan, who is only about 11 years old, his caddy. Ethan is portrayed by Owen Himfar who is autistic in real life. The young actor is terrific in THE SHORT GAME.

Jeremy is also fighting his own selfishness in that he had to take care of Ethan while their mother (Katherine Cunningham) was battling cancer for two years. Both Cunningham and Mackenzie Astin as their father, John, do a splendid job of interacting with their sons. Of interest here is that Astin is the son of actress Patty Duke  and John Astin, and the younger brother of actor Sean Astin.

THE SHORT GAME offers enough humor to offset the serious issues --- including the death of a close friend. Krieger’s golfing ability is sufficient to make us believe he could attain that scholarship he so badly wants. And the 20-year-old displays good acting chops, as well.

Other notable cast members include Tylor Lofton as Jeremy’s super supportive friend Tommy, and Emma Parks is a likeable presence as a documentarian filming Jeremy’s every move. Of special note is that director Sanza has an autistic son himself, and has also been coping with Parkinson’s Disease.

THE SHORT GAME has played in 18 film festivals, winning Best Picture six times. It really is an uplifting and diverting story that is especially welcome now.

Opinion: See It Now!