Caddyshack (1980)

Golf is a hard game to master, but easy to follow. However, Hollywood hasn't really given audiences a good movie about the sport In fact, most of the time, the films that are produced are not that very well-received. Enter “Caddyshack”, a 1980 film that takes a humorous look at the spot and makes it very enjoyable to watch. With its memorable cast and wonderful nostalgic value, the movie both parodies and pokes fun at what happens on and off the golf course. Though there are some minor issues with the film, it is still incredibly fun to watch. “Caddyshack” will appeal to professional golfers as well as people wanting a good laugh by having a good time and feeling all right.

The story has a young man named Danny (Michael O'Keefe), who wants nothing more than to go to college and get an education. Yet, he's undecided. Danny is working at a private club to get his tuition fee under way. At this particular club, there are certain members who have a distinct personality of their own. We have Judge Smails (Ted Knight), an older gentleman with a strict authority; Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), a free-spirited individual and somewhat narcissistic; and Carl (Bill Murray), who is the groundskeeper. Everything changes when two certain individuals come into the club. Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield), a big shot who becomes the ultimate nuisance at the club, and Mr. Gopher who turns Carl's life into a living hell. What follows is a romp at the club with a lot of shenanigans.

“Caddyshack” is a really funny movie that excels in its comedy. What this means is that the story sets itself nicely, and the jokes offer a lot of opportunities for improvisation. In fact, most of the movie was improvised, which works out better. Rodney Dangerfield steals the show and his humor is dead-on; the rest of the cast does a great job as well, and all the characters in the movie are memorable.

The direction is a nice first attempt from Harold Ramis, who went on to do more ambitious projects later on.

The editing moves at a nice pace as something always catches your eye. More specifically, the swimming pool scene where the biggest laugh is had. Running at a little over an hour and a half, the movie is a memorable piece of comedic gold.

The music by Johnny Mandel offers up a nice selection of orchestrated tunes against a selection of songs by Kenny Loggins, which have become iconic. Especially at the end, where we have a pretty cool rendition of the War of 1812 Overture being played.

If there are any complaints about the movie, it would have to be the third act moves a little slow, and could have gotten a speed boost. Plus, the film definitely has that sort of late 70s feel to it. This is noticeable in the costumes; the way the characters look and act feel like something out of the 70s. Which is ironic since this film came out in 1980.

Also, Mr. Gopher sounds like a porpoise. Just putting it out there.

In conclusion, “Caddyshack” is a really great comedy about golf even if you don't understand it. And it will definitely give you a laugh no matter what mood you're in.