THE MULLIGAN

THE MULLIGAN is a special two-day Fathom release abut a big-shot businessman estranged from his family who must learn to trust God. THE MULLIGAN tells an entertaining, inspiring story with a very strong Christian, moral, pro-family worldview and pro-capitalist elements, but there is some light violence, one obscenity and implied drunkenness in one scene.

Paul McCallister is a big-shot businessman who’s estranged from his wife and son so he can pursue business opportunities and golf. At his company, McCallister International, e-commerce is the name of the game, and they look to expand their efforts to Asia. Meanwhile, Paul’s young adult son, Jake, thrives in the motocross racing world. Paul’s wife, Rebecca, continues to host a women’s Bible study at their home while Paul lives alone in a studio apartment. However, all three of the McCallisters feel a void when it comes to their family. Meanwhile, the mother holds out for some Christian forgiveness and reconciliation.

At a charity golf tournament for work, Paul loses his temper on the course. An organizer of the tournament introduces him to Will Dun, nicknamed the “Old Pro.” Will takes Paul under his wing and mentors him on golf but more importantly on life. Will explains what a Mulligan is to Paul. It’s a do-over, and the term was first coined in the 1930s and applied to golf. Will gives Paul a notebook to journal about his mulligans, not only in golf but also in life.

Surprisingly, Paul journals that his wife, Rebecca, and his son, Jake, need a do-over. During their time on the course, Will and Paul open up to one another as friends. Even now, Paul’s heart begins to change, but will the change be a lasting one?

Meanwhile, Paul’s business partner plans to pull a major fast-one on him in business, without Paul’s knowledge. Soon after, Paul’s son Jake gets into a major accident during a motocross event that lands him in surgery. Paul meets Rebecca at the hospital in response to the news. To recover, however, Jake bunks with Paul at Paul’s studio-apartment, which is an adjustment for their estranged relationship.

Back on the golf course, Will continues to pour his wisdom into Paul and tells him about forgiveness and grace from God. Paul thinks it’s ludicrous, but Will stresses that a relationship with God is possible because no one is perfect unless one believes in Jesus. Paul says he isn’t ready yet, but no one is a lost cause for God.

THE MULLIGAN functions like a typical television movie. The action points happen at well-paced intervals. The actors do a fine job. The movie also contains some light background music and comical moments. The casting is well done, with Pat Boone playing a terrific Christian wise man. THE MULLIGAN has fine production values with good montage sequences for an independent movie, but the sound is slightly fractured in a car scene, and sometimes the acting is a little melodramatic. For viewers who want an uplifting entertaining story, however, none of the movie’s low budget aspects will deter them from being inspired by the movie’s spiritually uplifting, emotional messages.

THE MULLIGAN has a very strong Christian, moral, pro-life worldview. Mentorship is stressed, and the mentor declares “God is good” and shares the Gospel. One character prays to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and then says he feels peace. Another character hosts a Bible study. Also, a man takes his concerns to God and learns to have saving faith, and other people stress the value of family. In addition, the movie stresses Christian faith, forgiveness and family. Also, a pastor recognizes the Christian witness of a believer at a service and stresses the promise of Heaven and eternal life. THE MULLIGAN also has some overt pro-capitalist elements about the importance of expanding business ventures with integrity. However, there is some light violence, one obscenity and implied drunkenness in one scene. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.