Most sports documentaries follow on person or a team, but with Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk it’s all about the unsung hero. Stated in the film: “It is probable that no sport exists in the world today, or ever did, in which the services of a paid assistant are so essential as in the national game of Scotland” Horace Hutchinson (1899). He was referring to the game of golf and the caddie that carries the pro golfer’s bag, giving insight, offering assistance when asked and keeping them on point.
As a homage to the men and women that tirelessly work the links at major golf courses around the world, comedian and former caddie Bill Murray lays out the carpet with the greatest names in the field. Comments including those of golfers Ben Crenshaw, Nick Faldo, Curtis Strange, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Jordan Spieth, to name a few, chime in with lofty comments about the caddies and the importance of them.
But, the most heartfelt words come from the former caddies of these greats who helped them to become the best in the world. Men like Pro Caddie Carl Jackson who caddied for Ben Crenshaw, Pro Caddie Pete Bender worked for Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd and Lanny Wadkins, Pro Caddie Joe LaCava currently works for Tiger Woods while Pro Caddie Steve Williams worked for Woods from 1999 to 2011 during which in 2000 he won 9 tournaments in one year and the Masters in 2001, 2002, and 2005, Pro Caddie Michael Greller handles the clubs and bag for Jordan Spieth, Pro Caddie Jerry Beard worked for Fuzzy Zoeller from 1979 until 1983, and Fanny Sunesson, the first female pro caddie worked for Nick Faldo from 1990 until 1999.
Directed by Jason Baffa the film moves along at a fast pace showing how the caddies are picked, the three rules of being a caddie, and how they developed into a major factor on the links. The film shows the bond between the golfer and his caddie as the only way to play the game. This coupling becomes another set of eyes, ears, brain and voice as the two walk the course looking for victory.
The film has not been rated by the MPAA, but I found no offensive material except a few swear words.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Perfect film for golfers and other sports enthusiasts. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Bill Murray (Narrator)
Directed by: Jason Baffa
Genre: Documentary, Sports
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 21 min.
Opening Date: June 7, 2019
Distributed by: Gravitas Ventures
Released on: VOD and Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
