Stick Review: Owen Wilson Stars in Apple TV+’s Latest Feelgood Sports Comedy
Apple TV+ is hoping to replicate the success of its hit show Ted Lasso with its latest offering, Stick, a feelgood sports comedy starring Owen Wilson. According to a review by The Times, the show has "a lot to like" despite not being everyone’s cup of tea.
The show centres around Pryce Cahill, an ageing former golf pro played by Wilson, who was once on top of his game but has since struggled with failure. As reported by The Times, "Pryce just can’t catch a break — that is, until he spots the troubled teenager Santi Wheeler hitting colossal drives after sneaking on to the local range and sees the potential to make him a star." The show follows Pryce and Santi as they embark on a journey to make the young golfer a star, with Pryce’s old caddy, Mitts, and Santi’s mother, Elena, joining them on the tour.
The review by The Times praises the show’s heart, stating that it is "a story that is unafraid to take its flawed characters on an emotionally charged comedic flight over fairway and rough, through the woods and into bunkers, before leaving them all a putt at happiness." The show’s focus on its characters’ feelings and relationships is a welcome change from the typical "cooler" comedy, which often prioritises edginess and anxiety-provoking storylines.
Owen Wilson’s performance is also highlighted in the review, with The Times noting that his "mild Texas drawl, loveable loser, laid-back demeanour and anything-goes easy charm" will likely appeal to fans of his previous work. However, the review also acknowledges that Wilson’s shtick may not be to everyone’s taste, particularly those who have never enjoyed his previous films, such as You, Me and Dupree or Wedding Crashers.
The show’s use of golf as a backdrop is also discussed in the review, with The Times noting that "you don’t need to like or understand the sport to enjoy the show." The review praises the show’s ability to balance golfing terminology and concepts with a compelling narrative that explores the characters’ relationships and emotions.
In conclusion, The Times gives Stick a rating of four out of five stars, recommending it to fans of feelgood sports comedies. As the review states, "If you’re looking for a new comedy, it’s worth a shot." With its focus on heart, relationships, and character development, Stick is shaping up to be a hit with audiences looking for a light-hearted and entertaining show.
The show’s comparison to Ted Lasso is also noteworthy, with The Times suggesting that Stick has a similar tone and approach to storytelling. Fans of Ted Lasso may find themselves enjoying Stick for similar reasons, including its uplifting narrative and well-developed characters.
As The Times notes, "there’s a lot going on" in Stick, with a range of characters and storylines that add depth and complexity to the show. From the "rage against the machine" relationship between Santi and Zero to the quirky dynamic between Elena and Mitts, the show has a lot to offer viewers.
Overall, Stick is a feelgood sports comedy that is well worth watching, particularly for fans of Owen Wilson and Ted Lasso. With its focus on heart, relationships, and character development, it is shaping up to be a hit with audiences looking for a light-hearted and entertaining show.
Source: The Times
