Can someone explain why this movie didn't do very well?

Awesome, Cheers everyone!

No explosions.

Well, its a movie that deals with themes that most people dont even know exists, like a life´s vocation and something you get born with that really sets you apart from everyone else.

Here are a few reasons why it might not have done so well:

1) It's a period piece that uses golf as a storyline!
2) It isn't a comedy or action movie.
3) The actors are acting, instead of 'reacting' (as they do in action or horror movies).

"What time is Recess?"

Wanka4,

I played college golf and if it was not for the fact that I got burned out playing the game from about age 3 - 21 and a car accident I might have pursued it even further. I am a perfectionist and probably would also be considered OCD when I was growing up. I am a big fan of action and comedies but also enjoy a movie that makes you think a little deeper. All of this is just a little background for what I am about to say. This is EASILY in my top three favorite movies ever in this genre.

The meaning behind this movie just seemed to click for my life. As a golfer it has a wonderful story and all of the hard work I have put in trying to perfect my swing, it made me realize at times you just have to let "your swing" come through at times. It also allowed me to appreciate everything about golf that does not involve hitting a little white ball into a hole that you take for granted; a sense of nature and earth, integrity, and usually in the company of good friends or family. Outside of the golf, I thought the actors performed excellent (especially the overlooked Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen.) The script was very well written and the effects where Bagger's voice starts blending together with the scenes of a course are being displayed (talking to Hardy about your true swing and then again when he is talking to Junuh about the field) was simply amazing.

I also think this is one of the best movies that set up character development by the actions they take during the movie. The part where Junuh calls the stroke on himself is truly a great moment and is one of the reasons why I think golf is such an amazing sport. Just last week in the Masters an amateur golfer called a stroke on himself when he was close to the cut line because after he had addressed his ball on the green it moved about an 1/8th of an inch.

Anyways, the reason why I do not think this movie did very well is because of the marketing and also it is hard to get a wide appreciation when golf is the driving storyline. I think that those who do not like golf and take time to think about the movie a little deeper will very much enjoy it though. I know everyone I have talked to have.

It was a flop because Will Smith's black fans were not at all interested in seeing him play a yassuh boss servant the way black actors had to in the 30's and 40's.

Unfortunately there is a way with people today that certain themes just do not take off as well as others. I didn't even end up watching it until it came out on DVD. Back when it was in theaters, I wasn't interested. Will Smith, Matt Damon, and especially Charlize Theron just so happen to be some of my most favorite Actors these days, and due to this movie - I've taken more interest in them ever since.

I watch this movie occasionally when it's on. I've probably seen it 5 times. I'll tell you why this movie flopped: It's a bad movie. That doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable (when it's free and there is nothing else going on), but it's honestly a bad movie. It's either sugary to the point of embarrassment or extremely over dramatic hoping to come off as meaningful. It's like a group of old bastards sitting out on a porch somewhere getting unhealthily nostalgic about their past. On top of that you have Will Smith being just about as unbelievable as you can be while playing a Mary Sue character. This is awful to watch. If someone is going to be infallible at least get someone who can play the character at a believable level. Maybe an older gentleman would have been more ideal.

just finished seeing this film as of now.
and damn its good. simply loved it.

i don't understand why it didn't do very well.
but think most ppl just want an action film or scifi.

but this film is about the heart in us all. about being and be here this very second.

so for me its an straight 10 of 10.

hope more ppl will see it for the super great film it is.

and will smith is performing superb.