Film Review: Spend Some Breezy Time on the Links with Edward Burns in the Family Dramedy ‘Finnegan’s Foursome’

Golf may be one of the more unique past times or sports out there. For those who play it, there’s nothing like it, especially considering how it’s the only sport that you can play at a high level as a senior citizen. For those who don’t, it’s among the most boring things out there. I think it’s fair to say that actor/filmmaker Edward Burns is a golfer, given just how much the game is depicted in Finnegan’s Foursome, a light dramedy about a golf loving family. Burns making a film about a family working through their issues? Knock me over with a feather (I’m kidding, as I love most of what Burns has done behind the camera). This is a nice little movie with modest ambitions, so as long as you keep your expectations in check, there’s a bit of fun to be had.

Finnegan’s Foursome is a Burns film, through and through, and despite its flaws, that makes me happy. Burns consistently crafts a similar movie, to the point where you often know what you’re going to get with one of his works, especially when they’re trafficking in comedy. Here, he makes this flick a light dramedy, with a big time hangout vibe, and even if not much ultimately happens, the vibes do shine through.

The Finnegan family, with legendary golf pro Jack Finnegan (Ian McElhinney) as the patriarch, has the game in their blood. His adult sons, Freddy (Burns) and older sibling Teddy (Brian d’Arcy James) share his passion, even if Freddy always thought he was the least favored of Jack’s family/interests. When Jack unexpectedly passes away, he has one final wish for his boys. He wishes to have his ashes spread across four of his favorite spots in Ireland, as well as for them to carry on the Finnegan’s Cup tournament in his name.

So, off to Ireland go the brothers, alongside Jack’s adult son Frankie (Brian Muller) and Teddy’s adult daughter Marie (Erica Hernandez). As the quartet travel throughout Ireland, they play the family tournament, making jokes, bickering, and trying to honor their lost patriarch. Through it all, Freddy consistently insists that Jack was an absentee father, while Teddy defends the man. The truth? Perhaps somewhere in between, as all will learn.

Both Edward Burns and Brian D’Arcy James are really enjoying themselves here. They have a good sibling rivalry going, which is the result of some nice chemistry. Unfortunately, there’s almost no backstory or character development, so you need to enjoy their enjoyment, as there’s little else there. Erica Hernandez and Brian Muller are solid as well, though there’s even less dimension given to them, sadly. Still, when the four are going at it, there’s fun to be had. In addition to Ian McElhinney, the small supporting cast also includes Tricia Alexandro, Stuart Graham, John Hewson, Monica McCarthy, Owen Roe, Naoimh Whelton, and more.

Writer/director Edward Burns is luxuriating in the mellow vibe and golf links that he clearly loves. Now, that leads to a breeziness and playfulness that helps the film feel quite charming. On the other hand, the unhurried pace, which certainly is fitting for the sport, leads to a rather bloated running time. For so little character development and even plot, the movie inexplicably is slightly over two hours long. If you’re enjoying Finnegan’s Foursome, the pacing will just knock it down a peg to you. However, if you’re not vibing with it, this flick could be a tough sit.

Finnegan’s Foursome is far too long and lacking in character development, but even so, it’s hard not to have an overall enjoyable time with this one. If you like a Burns picture, this is probably going to be a mildly charming endeavor. It’s far from his best work, but it’s very much on par with his solid efforts. He knows how to do bickering families, that’s for sure.

SCORE: ★★★