Directed by and starring Mike Norris (son of famous action star and karate champion Chuck Norris), Birdie and Bogey tells the story of a frustrated and disenchanted golf pro whose daughter has aspirations and dreams big enough for the both of them.
Danny “Bogey” O’Connor is a former golf champion working as a golf pro (golf instructor) for a country club. His daughter Birdie (played by Amanda Alch) is making a name for herself on the junior golf circuit, but wants her father to start playing competitively again. Danny is reluctant and seems to lack confidence in his ability to compete again. It is revealed that he was given the nickname “Bogey” for choking up and losing games with stupid mistakes (“bogey” is a golf term meaning “one stroke above par—the max number of strokes necessary per hole”). His wife has left, making him disillusioned and cynical. He is uninterested in love, faith, or risk, and has made providing for his daughter his only priority. Birdie, however, has other plans, and it is her faith that saves them all.
This movie is hardly blockbuster caliber, but is heartwarming, charming, and uplifting. Mike Norris portrays a man that is not really angry, but has a calm, defeated bitterness about him, and does a great job. Amanda Alch plays an upbeat, optimistic little girl with big dreams and true childlike faith, in God and in her father’s ability. Janine Turner plays a convincing and sweet love interest for Danny O’Connor, and Carey Scott turns in a fun performance as Birdie’s comedic but loving Uncle Lester, a pastor.
There is little in the way of special effects, and the story is somewhat predictable, with an unassuming soundtrack. The movie is definitely not “big budget,” but still rather enjoyable, especially for families with children. The characters are believable, though sometimes incomplete (such as Danny’s ex-wife Sheila, who shows up in one scene with little back story and no follow-up), and very likeable.
The movie unrolls Danny’s return to competitive golf, a family tragedy, and Danny’s path to faith in God. It’s simple, straightforward cinematics, inspiring story, and enjoyable performances by the cast make it a great family movie and, though overlooked in a world of Hollywood blockbusters, Sundance independent projects, and film noir, worth watching. And who are we to argue with Chuck Norris’s kid?
Find Birdie & Bogey on: IMDB Facebook Amazon
Mike Norris' I Am Gabriel on Facebook
Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. She was not compensated in any way for the review of this film, though she does enjoy watching it with her daughter who loves it which is reward enough. her opinions are her own.
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