Some people, and some places change you. Seven days in Utopia is full of charm, specifically, small town southern charm. Utopia is a pretty good description of the depicted town. It's the kind of place that seems too good to be true. It gives off Heart of Dixie/Sweet Magnolia vibes. The cast is full of familiar faces. Actors with impressive credentials. They keep this movie from feeling too much like a Hallmark movie. While not widely considered the most exciting sport, this movie shows that golf can indeed be suspenseful and interesting. The storyline has similarities with The Karate Kid. A knowledgeable veteran in the sport trains a young man with potential by having him participate in ordinary activities that seem unrelated. It's a lighthearted, feel-good comeback story, but just beneath the surface is a much deeper message. It's a message about remembering what's most important in life. The conclusion of this movie was a pleasant surprise that cleverly drives this message home. I wanted to applaud because I found it refreshing, especially when compared to most faith-based sports movies. Because it's based on a book that has a sequel, the movie leaves some side storylines with plenty of more story to be told. But it concludes well enough to work as an enjoyable standalone movie. If I had to sum up this film with one word, it would be "likable." Likable characters, location, and story.
