Swing Away

Swing Away is a 2016 sports comedy-drama film directed by Michael A. Nickles, starring Shannon Elizabeth, John O'Hurley, and Karl Theobald. The film is a heartwarming story about overcoming obstacles, redemption, and second chances.

The film follows Pro Golfer, Zoe Papadopoulos (Shannon Elizabeth), who loses her swing after a meltdown at a championship. She retires from the game and seeks refuge in her Greek-American roots in her family's village on the idyllic island of Kos.

As Zoe tries to find solace and healing in her father's home, she is quickly swept up in the village's chaos, where the locals seek her help to rescue the town's struggling course. Zoe reluctantly agrees to help and soon finds herself coaching a ragtag group of amateurs, including a priest, a waiter, and a shepherd.

Throughout the film, Zoe faces challenges, including a brawl during a match and an unsuccessful attempt at fixing the greens. Despite the challenges, Zoe finds her swing and starts to rediscover her love for the game.

Swing Away is not just about golf; it's also about the life lessons that golf teaches. Through her experiences, Zoe learns the importance of determination, perseverance, and positive thinking in achieving success. She also learns the value of community, compassion, and family ties.

The film also explores some of the cultural differences and similarities between Greece and the USA. For example, we see how religion plays a big role in the Greek community, with a local priest playing a pivotal role in the golf team. We also see how different and at times contradictory cultural expectations and beliefs can be.

The acting in Swing Away is impressive, with Shannon Elizabeth giving a strong, believable performance as Zoe. John O'Hurley brings his usual comedic charm to his role as the golf commentator, and Karl Theobald plays a memorable character as the bubbly and clumsy British golf writer, who finds his golfing redemption in Greece.

The cinematography is also excellent, with beautiful shots of the Greek countryside, the azure-blue Aegean sea, and the picturesque village. The film's soundtrack is also enjoyable, with a mix of Greek and American music that complements the story's tone and mood.

Overall, Swing Away is a feel-good movie that celebrates the joy of golf, the power of family, and the beauty of Greece. The film's humor, romance, and drama make it an enjoyable watch for anyone who loves a great sports movie.