Jason Keller’s new Apple TV+ series, Stick, continues the tradition of feel-good sports movies while stretching familiar tropes over an exhausting five-and-a-half hours. Set to premiere on June 6, the series revolves around former PGA Tour star Pryce Cahill, played by Owen Wilson, who struggles with personal demons, including a tarnished career and past trauma.
The series opens with Pryce, nicknamed “Stick,” navigating his fallen status as he hustles bar patrons with his best friend Mitts, portrayed by Marc Maron. His life takes a turn when he discovers Santi, a talented teenager with exceptional golfing skills, and resolves to mentor him and get him into the U.S. Amateur Championships, offering a glimmer of hope for redemption.
Throughout their journey, Pryce and Santi, along with a quirky cast of characters like Zero, a bartender who injects modern cultural commentary, face numerous challenges that touch upon themes of fatherhood, grief, and the quest for glory. However, critics point out that the execution often falls short, leading to predictable plots and a lack of comedic sharpness.
Parallel elements from other films in the genre, such as the road trip format and mentor-student dynamic, are present but lack the dynamism needed to engage viewers deeply. Positive aspects include strong performances from Wilson and Maron, though the script’s over-reliance on sentimentality diminishes their potential.
Despite its pitfalls, Stick embodies the spirit of a classic underdog story, underscoring the idea that everyone, no matter how down on their luck, can find a path to redemption and connection through passion and mentorship. The series invites audiences to reflect on the power of second chances and the relationships we form along the way, suggesting that hope and resilience are always within reach.