Edward Burns is a filmmaker with a sharp wit and the ability to understand the mechanics and mindsets of Generation X. His works are consistently involving and well-written; steering clear of zippy one-liners and far-fetched situations. Burns’ examinations of modern relationships (both familial and romantic) combined with his undeniable Irish pride, are unique gems of Independent Cinema. Each work is uniquely his own and the director has maintained his uniquely recognizable style since his award-winning delight of a debut, 1995’s The Brothers McMullen. A film of family love and squabble set on the golf courses of Ireland, Finnegan’s Foursome is the director’s latest intoxicating offering.
Now an avid golfer, it has been less than a decade since Burns became interested in the game. In interviews, the filmmaker stated how he only started playing to bond with his golf-obsessed father after the death of his mother; whose ashes he and his brother spread over her favorite places in New York City.
A longtime student of human behavior, Burns collected stories and recollections from the many people he encountered on the green. Always passionate about his filmmaking and growing to love the game of golf more and more, Finnegan’s Foursome was born. With the exception of two (the somber street-revenge tale Ash Wednesday and the undervalued No Looking Back), an Edward Burns picture is infused with a fine balance of humor and seriousness. His latest (while taking on a deeper through-line) is certainly the lightest among his filmography.
The Finnegan clan has a long-standing tradition of a family-only golf tournament dubbed, The Finnegan Cup. Jack “The Professor” Finnegan (Ian McElhinney) is the blustery patriarch and the cup’s decades-long champion. Now a widower, Jack’s two sons are nowhere near the type of boisterous golf fanatic their father has always been. They love the game, but family drama has sullied their excitement.
The more even-tempered Teddy (Brian d’Arcy James) is the oldest. Freddy (Burns) is the cynical wisecracker who still bears emotional scars from a father who was on the golf course more than home.
The dynamics of fractured family units continue to be a source of cinematic riches for Edward Burns. A great deal of his work deserves mention next to the best from filmmakers such as Paul Mazursky and Woody Allen. Burns taps into the intricacies and fallacies of the human condition with unfiltered honesty, natural humor, and insight into the blue collar way of life. Finnegan’s Foursome is certainly lighter on the surface and may seem to breeze by, but this is one of its biggest strengths. There is much going on in the heads and hearts of the film’s characters, but Burn’s unobtrusive and easy-going directing style carries the audience along without a need for symbolic flourishes.
The two brothers have adult children. Teddy’s daughter Marie (Erica Hernandez) carries her own resentment. The Finnegan Cup has yet to allow women to play. Marie is a good golfer and wants to prove her worth by playing for the cup. Freddy’s son Frankie (Brian Muller) is at an emotional and life crossroads, as his band and his relationship with his girlfriend have crumbled.
Teddy, a celebrated writer, is struggling with writer’s block while Freddy wears his resentfulness and sarcasm (leaning toward abrasiveness) almost proudly. Brian d’Arcy James has become an intricate part of Burn’s stock company, excelling in the director’s last few films through standout supporting roles. As Teddy, he gives a warm and organic performance that becomes one of grace and kindness.
Freddy runs a successful clothing company and is doing very well, but just can’t shake the memories of a father who was more of a rival. Burns is perfect as the wisecracking and judgemental son. The filmmaker excels at this type of character, but never plays the same type. The personality traits may be the same, but the men he chooses to write for himself have interesting and relatable layers, as do all of the characters who populate his works.
When Jack dies of an unexpected heart attack, his final wish is for his family to scatter his ashes in the four important locations in Ireland. Of course, two of them are golf courses. Teddy, Freddy, Frankie, and Marie (finally a member of the familial tournament), set out to Ireland, to play the Finnegan traditional game and grant their father/grandfather’s final wishes.
There is weight to Finnegan’s Foursome, but there is fun as well. As Freddy constantly (mostly out of love) gives his big brother a hard time, the film finds a humorous edge, but one with a tension-based core. Burns’ screenplay doesn’t feel the need to hammer home the underlying discord that runs within the Finnegan bunch. The dramatic beats are there, but this one isn’t meant to be his Interiors. As the foursome traverse the most beautiful golf courses in Ireland (Jeff Muhlstock’s cinematography is breathtaking), they are navigating the rocky terrain of their own family. This film isn’t for deep dramatic dialogues full of pain and regrets. Burns designed this film around an area of the world where he loves to play golf. Inspired by his own relationships, the filmmaker isn’t looking for a deep psychological exploration.
Under the beautiful Irish countryside, the Finnegan clan laughs, bickers, and works through their issues, one hole at a time. Edward Burns wants his audience to spend a couple hours with this family as they play golf and try to figure it all out.
A sweet and personal film, Finnegan’s Foursome is a good picture.
Finnegan’s Foursome
Written & Directed by Edward Burns
Starring Edward Burns, Brian d’Arcy James, Erica Hernandez, Brian Muller
R, 122 Minutes, Marlboro Road Gang Productions, Republic Pictures
