Owen Wilson portrays character in film "Stick"
Nestled amidst a clutter of trophies and golf clubs in Pryce Cahill's (Owen Wilson) garage, memories of his golfing glory days linger. Once a celebrated golf star, Pryce - famously known as "Stick" - experienced a meltdown during a tournament, an incident immortalized on YouTube. Fast forward, the down-on-his-luck athlete now peddles overpriced golf gear to clueless males and golf lessons to deaf seniors. But all that changes when he encounters the prodigious Santi (Peter Dager) on the green.
In the AppleTV+ dramedy series "Stick", Pryce seeks an escape from his mundane existence. His house, teeming with unwashed dishes, damp shoes, and unpaid bills, shares space with his ex-wife Amber-Linn (Judy Greer). Haunted by his past, reluctant to let go, and uninterested in embracing the new, Pryce remains stagnant. Yet, everything shifts when he discovers Santi at the golf course. If his career is beyond redemption, perhaps he can help this prodigy reach triumph and reap some rewards in the process.
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"Stick" serves up heartwarming comfort TV, akin to the adrenaline-free sport version of Apple's "Ted Lasso". To enjoy the show, ironically, one doesn't need to be a golf enthusiast. It's primarily about life, its setbacks, and learning to stand tall when life knocks you down.
Guided metaphors steer Pryce and Santi's road trip, transforming Santi into "the next Tiger Woods". For instance, neither the last missed shot nor the next one can be dwelled upon; one can only control what's happening in the present moment.
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Owen Wilson delivers another endearing man-child role through Pryce, masking depth behind his carefree demeanor. Peter Dager brings forth the hot-headed youth, struggling with his relationship with his father. The crew, including Mitts (Marc Maron), who finds himself trapped in his own fold-out bed, and Santi's aggressive mother Elena (Mariana Treviño), who verbally squashes anyone disrespectful: "I don't have a penis.", she tells her banker. "So, you wouldn't talk to me like this."
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The eclectic cast provides a goldmine of entertaining friction. If only the plot was less predictable and the challenges for our protagonists more creative - you might even develop an interest in the sport of golf.
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Dive into the mixed reviews for "Stick" - while some applaud the humor and Wilson's performance, others find it lackluster compared to series like "Ted Lasso". Compare both series based on their tone, depth, realism, casting, and emotional impact:
- Humor and Tone: "Stick" embraces sports comedy and heartwarming drama, characterized by a mostly light and optimistic tone. It's perceived as funny, charming, and quirky, which fits Wilson's style. On the other hand, "Ted Lasso" is loved for its depth of writing and emotional intelligence.
- Depth and Emotional Resonance: "Ted Lasso" is widely lauded for its depth of writing and emotional intelligence, making it a richer viewing experience for many viewers. In contrast, "Stick" is seen as more superficial and underdeveloped compared to "Ted Lasso".
- Realism and Sentimentality: Some viewers might find "Stick" overly sentimental, similar to the sentimental criticism directed towards "Ted Lasso". However, "Stick" offers a more light-hearted and uplifting experience for those seeking a feel-good show.
- Casting and Performance: Both series boast talented casts, with Owen Wilson making a significant impact in "Stick". Jason Sudeikis's performance in "Ted Lasso" is equally appreciated for its nuance and warmth.
The movies-and-tv entertainment landscape on AppleTV+ expands with the introduction of the dramedy series "Stick," featuring Owen Wilson as Pryce Cahill, a golf enthusiast seeking a new lease on life. Despite his struggles in his mundane existence, Pryce discovers golf prodigy Santi (Peter Dager) and helps guide him through the ups and downs of the sport, akin to the metaphors in a round of golf itself.
