The definite golf comedy was released a long time ago. This does not mean there should never be another one ever made again, it just means they will have to deal with being compared to Caddyshack. But even without the comparison, The Country Club is not a very good movie.
Though there is a very straightforward story – two sisters become part of a prestigious golf tournament after their father is laid off – the film is very hard to follow. Plot lines are introduced, dropped, and brought back up with more consistency than anything else The Country Club has to offer. This includes the main story about the financial status of the siblings given lip service in only the opening and closing moments and ultimately being left unresolved.
The biggest culprit are everyone’s motivations, however. Aside from the sisters apparently needing money, nothing makes sense. Major decisions are made on a whim, love interests differ from scene to scene, and even sexuality can change in seconds. It is impossible to care for anyone or anything that happens.
Even getting past the erratic writing does not solve the problem of the characters. With the possible exception of Roger Kowalski (John Higgins, Saturday Night Live) everyone in the film is at best, a caricature. And Roger does not so much have depth as he does bowel problems and more screen time than anyone else.
All of this could be helped if The Country Club was even mildly amusing. The jokes often flat, with many of them in a strange gray area that will leave audiences wondering if they actually are meant to be funny or just a result of poor writing. There is a reliance on random humor, but it often amounts to nonsensical stuff just happening. But for those who like bright shots inspired by Wes Anderson broken by the occasional shit streaked pants, this is a gem.
The Country Club is On Demand June 23
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