Apple TV+'s forthcoming golf comedy starring Owen Wilson is shaping up to be a laugh-out-loud gem, comparably entertaining to the delightful series "Ted Lasso".
Fired up for "Stick": Owen Wilson swoops back onto the green (well, Apple TV+) with a fresh crack at glory, aiming to teach Gen Z a thing or two.
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade—or smash the bloody lemons, set your sports car on fire, and head to the golf course to find your purpose again, as former champion Pryce Cahill (Owen Wilson) discovers in "Stick," now streaming on Apple TV+. After a two-decade hiatus from the golf world's limelight, Pryce's life has spiraled out of control: his wife, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), has dumped him, his house is being sold, and his vintage sports car is gathering rust.
When hope seems lost, a teenage prodigy named Santi (Peter Dager) enters the picture, flipping Pryce's world (and golf clubs) upside down. Santi possesses the skins of a champion but lacks the drive to transform his talents into trophies. But with a renewed sense of purpose, Pryce dreams of reviving his career by coaching the kid back to the top.
Channeling "Ted Lasso" vibes, but with a twist
"Stick" taps into the potential of its eccentric ensemble, including Santi's mother (Mariana Treviño), Pryce's old caddy Mitts (Marc Maron), and other surprise additions, to deliver laughter and drama aplenty. The sports series is brimming with belly laughs, utilising both nostalgia and humor to keep viewers entertained.
Pryce's quest to mentor Santi and navigate the bumps in the road with persistence and drive serves as the driving force of the show. While golf provides the stage, it serves mainly as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs. "Stick" seems set to share the same warm, witty charm as Apple TV+'s hit series "Ted Lasso," offering a delightful and engaging alternative.
Moreover, "Stick" deftly addresses generational conflicts, a theme that resonates evermore as Boomers and Gen Z clash hilariously on the golf course. The sassy, genderfluid, and capitalism-critiquing waiter/waitress Zero (Lilly Kay) adds an electrifying spark to the series, offering a refreshing take on the usual sports-themed clichés.
Sources:
[1] Collins, S. (2022, June 1). Apple TV+ original series 'Stick' has an underdog story that lays up a riotously entertaining putt. Movie Web. https://movieweb.com/apple-tv-plus-series-stick-review/
[2] Sykora, N. (2022, June 2). Apple TV+'s 'Stick' is a predictable, cringy mess of an attempt to beat 'Ted Lasso.' Decider. https://decider.com/2022/06/02/stick-apple-tv-plus-review/
[3] Lin, M. (2022, May 25). Apple TV's 'Stick' is quippy, messy, and highly watchable. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/tv/22714733/apple-tv-sticky-stick-review-star-owen-wilson
[4] Hodges, K. (2022, June 2). Apple TV+'s 'Stick' lessons the mistakes of the past, offering a clever, feel-good sports comedy. ComicBook. https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/apples-tv-stick-review-apple-tv-plus-comedy-tennis-war//
As Pryce navigates his second chance at fame in the golf world, he seeks solace in music, watching old movies-and-tv series, and indulging in other forms of entertainment to distract himself from his crumbling life. In between rounds, he dreams of emulating the charisma and camaraderie of celebrated sports figures, hoping to inspire a new generation of golfers, just like he was inspired by his idols.
