Cast
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Kevin Costner
as Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy
Rene Russo
as Dr. Molly Griswold
Don Johnson
as David Simms
Cheech Marin
as Romeo Posar
Linda Hart
as Doreen
Dennis Burkley
as Earl
Rex Linn
as Dewey
Lou Myers
as Clint
Richard Lineback
as Curt
George Perez
as Jose
Mickey Jones
as Turk
Michael Milhoan
as Boone
Gary McCord
as Self
Craig Stadler
as Self
Peter Jacobsen
as Self
Crew
Director
- Ron Shelton
Producer
- Gary Foster
- David V. Lester
Reviews
JPV852
Nice sports-rom-com that works thanks to the chemistry between Costner and Russo (and generally she's great against any male lead) and there are some good sports moments, even if it is golf. A bit on the lengthy side at over two hours but still an entertaining enough flick. **3.5/5**
Apr 26, 2020
John Chard
Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them.
Directed by Ron Shelton and starring Kevin Costner, Rene Russo and Don Johnson, Tin Cup is the golf rom-com sports movie that even none golf fans (me) can enjoy. Costner is a washed up ex pro golfer who upon happening upon Russo's - eager to please her golfer boyfriend (Johnson) - psychiatrist, finds a new lease of life for the sport and for potential romance. But first he has to deal with the cocky nemesis that is Johnson's star laden showy golfer.
The sports based movie is a tough nut to crack, the margins for narrative worth are thin, there's only so much one can take such a genre to. Here we have one of the staples of said genre, that of a washed up sportsman getting a second shot at glory. It really should have been a bore to rival that of the sport in reality (sorry golfers, I just don't get it), yet Shelton, backed by superb lead actors, creates a thoroughly charming, exciting and thoughtful sports rom-com.
The characterisations are white hot, people you can easily root for, or in the case of Johnson's David Simms, boo and hiss at. It is testament to the director and writers (Shelton and John Norville) that these characters manage to rise above stereotype status, and crucially they are given sharp dialogue to spout. The sport of golf isn't the crux of the matter here, it really is the characters and how they adapt to the changing of basic human emotions that drives this pic forward.
Some famous golfers of the time make appearances, rewardingly so, while the always ace Cheech Marin gets a part he can nail with aplomb. You haven't got to love golf or sports movies in general for this one, it really is just a crowd pleasing delight. 8/10
Jun 20, 2020
GenerationofSwine
How do you make a movie about golf fun? You write it like a movie about baseball.
Costner is like the ultimate sports movie star isn't he? Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, For the Love of the Game, that football one I didn't see... and this.
It's hysterical, it's written almost as if the people involved wanted to do a story about a batter with the yips, and instead decided to make just a little more original and do the story about golf instead.
Either way it's watchable with a lead cast and a supporting cast that pull off dead pan hysterical very well.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Tin Cup examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ron Shelton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Tin Cup took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $45.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2170 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tin Cup shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rodney Dangerfield's Guide to Golf Style and Etiquette, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Tin Cup subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Band of Outsiders and My Name Is Joe explore similar territory, Tin Cup stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 16, 1996
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Revenue: $53,854,588
