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Parents' Guide to

Swing Away

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Predictable but sweet family-friendly golf comedy.

Movie PG 2017 98 minutes
Swing Away Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

KarenBaron4LIVELIFELOVE
KarenBaron4LIVELIFELOVE Adult
November 29, 2019
age 6+

Staring at a blank wall would be far more entertaining

Completely, utterly predictable. Quite literally the most stale conglomeration of sports-movie cliches tossed together haphazardly. I could smell the plot a minute into the movie. Even crucial details (the main character's anger issues, which were probably supposed to be a central part of the plot), were completely disregarded after making a brief appearance for no reason. Good time-consumer for a drowsy six year old, though or a really really dilapidated dog.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SWING AWAY opens at a professional golf tournament, where Greek-American golfer Zoe Papadopoulos (Shannon Elizabeth) misses a putt and throws a tantrum so big that she does the "unforgivable" -- burying her putter in the green. Earning herself an indefinite suspension from the LPGA, Zoe (whose parents are deceased) escapes to her grandparents' village in Greece for a much-needed time out. Soon after arriving at her Ya Ya and Papou's home, Zoe bumps into Stella (Viktoria Miller), a pre-teen girl who yearns to learn golf. Zoe wants to mentor and coach Stella, so she agrees to become the golf pro at a local private club, which is owned from afar by a greedy American businessman named Glenn (John O'Hurley). In exchange for Zoe's star power, the manager, a local, agrees to open the club to the regular folks in town. When Glenn returns with plans to sell the course, Zoe, Stella, and the entire community must band together to defeat him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Predictable but still sweet, this movie is equal parts family-friendly golf comedy, David vs. Goliath drama, and Greece travel ad. Star Elizabeth is believable as a Greek-American golf pro who returns to the comfort of her grandparents' home after the career low -- and ego blow -- of being suspended. The best parts of Swing Away, which feels as familiar as a Hallmark or Lifetime special, are when Zoe is either with her grandparents or with little Stella, who's all wide-eyed potential. Stella cleverly exchanges Greek-language skills (Zoe is rusty) for coaching, and she and Zoe have an easy rapport.

O'Hurley's Glenn is a pretty stereotypical one-dimensional rich villain (all that's missing is a twirlable mustache or a Mr. Burns-like cackle). It's hard to believe that a businessman would enter a deal in Greece and then call the Greek language "gibberish"; he's just that irredeemable. And although a romance is implied between Zoe and Stella's father, Marcos (Manos Gavras), her friendship with Stella is far more compelling. The third act shifts to a community-wide scale as the entire village starts to show an interest in golf -- and supporting Zoe. When it comes down to the village versus Glenn, even the Greek Orthodox priest is out on the greens. With God on their side, how can the village lose?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of golf movies. Why do you think the sport lends itself to underdog movies?

  • Who's a role model in Swing Away? How does Zoe exhibit humility and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?

  • How is Swing Away an example of a David vs. Goliath story? What did you think of the ending?

  • What did you learn about Greece -- both the country and the culture?

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