Kevin Costner's Most Overlooked Sports Movie Reveals a New Side of Rene Russo
For sports movie fans, this Kevin Costner's classic might just be a hidden treasure you've been sleeping on. This charming 1996 drama perfectly captures what happens when raw talent meets pure stubbornness.
Kevin Costner and sports movies go together perfectly. He's given us some of the most memorable sports moments on the big screen, but we still can’t get enough. And there's one gem in his collection that often flies under the radar, despite being praised by both critics and audiences.
If you're looking for a film that combines the precision of sport with the messiness of real life, you're in for a treat. This golf movie has been sitting in plain sight since 1996 and it's about time we show it some love.
Tin Cup Is Not Your Typical Sport Movie
Tin Cup introduces us to Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy (Costner), a golf pro who's seen better days.
He's talented but also very stubborn, to say the least. When he sets his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Open we get to see one of the most engaging sports stories ever told. His goal is partly to prove himself and partly to catch the eye of his rival's girlfriend (Rene Russo).
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You cannot call Roy this picture-perfect sports hero that a lot of movies rely on. He's messy, he makes mistakes, and his biggest enemy is his own pride. But that's what makes him real. And that's what makes the movie believable.
The chemistry between Costner and Russo is electric. Their back-and-forth banter is charming and makes for a great romcom.
The real magic happens on the golf course. The film builds up to one of the most memorable finales in sports movie history. Without spoiling too much, let's just say Roy's last round at the U.S. Open will have you on the edge of your seat, whether you're a golf fan or not.
Why Tin Cup Movie Deserves Your Time
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The movie strikes the perfect balance between never taking itself too seriously and still delivering genuine emotional stakes.
Golf fans regularly praise the movie, too.
“It’s the best “serious” golf movie ever! I love the mix of the entire cast in this movie, it’s so good,” Redditor Grantus83 wrote.
Costner is so chill, as opposed to all the serious Oscar roles he was taking on in the 90s. Rene Russo is so stunning and such a great actress, this was the movie that switched me on to her!
So if you're ready to experience this perfect blend of sport, romance, and character-driven storytelling, Tin Cup is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.