The Phantom Of The Open
Cert 12A, 106 minutes, in cinemas 18 March
Starring: Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans, Jake Davies Director: Craig Roberts
THE PLOT Barrow-in-furness shipyard worker Maurice Flitcroft (Rylance) takes up golf late in life, scamming his way into the qualifying round of the British Open Championship – where he shoots the worst score in history. He’s banned from entering again, but the plucky player has a few ideas up his sleeve… WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? A witty script from Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) and Craig Roberts’ zesty direction are big pluses, while Rylance and Sally Hawkins (as Maurice’s wife Jean) charm with endless amiability. WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Rhys Ifans’ villainous role – as a snooty member of the golf establishment – is a tad generic. VERDICT This charming 1970s-set comedy about a real-life maverick and defiant optimist is a sheer delight. ★★★★★