Tiger Theater

Casting is finalized for a new film about the life and career of Tiger Woods. The flick, appropriately titled, “Out of the Woods” is being directed by Billy Crystal. Crystal is a well-known sports fan and was the master behind the baseball-based production,“61”. The Woods documentary takes viewers from the child prodigy’s ascension to golfing fame to his picking up the pieces of extra-marital affairs. Sean Patrick Thomas will portray Woods. His co-star, Charlize Theron, was casted for the part of Woods’ wife, Elin Nordegren. Thomas and Theron are credible young actors Crystal hand-picked for their star power. Will Smith’s 11 year old son, Jaden, plays a young Tiger. Other notable characters include Earl and Kutida Woods, played by James Earl Jones, Jr. and Diana Sands, respectively. Sands, known for her role as Beneatha Younger in “Raisin in the Sun” has ironically already been in two films with “Tiger” in the title. Jones is no stranger to the big screen. It is not known who will play Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie, in the future release.
The story of “Out of the Woods”, co-written by Crystal and former Golf Writers Association President, Percy Huggins, is set in Orange County, California. Earl Woods coaches his talented three year old son, Tiger, through tournaments and competitions. The film showcases the youngster’s ability to rank among the best junior golfer’s in the world and focuses on his relationship with peers at Western High School. The plot features Woods at Stanford University, where he signed an endorsement deal with Nike before going on the PGA Tour. Crystal wanted to highlight the evolving lifestyle of the professional golf world in the film. The flick touches on Tiger’s swing, accusations of steroid use and the golfer’s charity projects. Guest appearances by Gatorade executives appear in a scene where Tiger is chosen to select different flavors of the popular sports beverage.
Critics argue the timing of Crystal’s latest work. The film’s release date is tentatively set for April 2011. Some critics believe it’s too soon to feature Woods’ life in theaters. The marriage scandals and tumultuous decline of Woods’ legacy are still very fresh wounds. Crystal counters the critics, citing movie-goers will flock to a film involving the world’s most famous and gifted athlete. “Tarnished or not, Tiger’s legacy will remain long after he leaves the game,” says Crystal. Asked about his opinion on the documentary about his life, Woods declined to comment.

Parting Points: In more serious news, the Phillies dubbed 47 year old Jamie Moyer their fifth starter.

Minnesota’s Denard Span hits his mother with a foul ball.