Walking With Herb

Walking with Herb is a heartwarming and inspirational 2021 film that intertwines the game of golf with a faith-filled journey of self-discovery and personal redemption. Directed by Ross Kagan Marks and adapted from Joe S. Bullock's novel of the same name, this captivating drama stars Edward James Olmos, George Lopez and Kathleen Quinlan in principal roles.

Edward James Olmos plays the part of Joe Amable-Amo, a bank executive and former amateur golfer struggling with his faith after a series of personal tragedies. Just when he is about to give up on life, an unexpected journey filled with humor, love, and transformation begins. This occurs through a mysterious series of letters sent by someone claiming to be an 'unseen intelligent force' who goes by the name of 'Herb' (played by George Lopez). Herb has a mission for Joe – one that promises to lift his spirits and compel him to reevaluate his perspectives in life.

The film adeptly captures the swinging emotions of Joe, as he battles his inner demons and grapples with the harsh realities of life. Thanks to Olmos's powerful performance, viewers will get a front-row seat into a character's soul, who evolves from being a skeptic caught in the throes of existential despair to ultimately rediscovering the essence and joy of life.

In this uplifting tale, George Lopez plays Herb, an angelic figure who moonlights as Joe’s caddie, providing much-needed comic relief. Herb's rugged, motor-biking guardian angel persona represents an unconventional portrayal of divine intervention, mixing his divine duties with a touch of relatable humanity and wit. As the story unfolds, Joe and Herb embark on a golfing journey that takes them from the municipal golf course in Las Cruces, New Mexico, all the way to the World Golf Championship, pitching against the best golfers in the game.

Kathleen Quinlan plays the role of Sheila Amable, Joe's wife, who is seen as a pillar of strength and unwavering support throughout Joe's journey. Her sub-plot adds layers of depth to the narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into her faith amid adversity.

One of the underlying themes of Walking with Herb is faith, specifically faith lost and gradually rebuilt across unexpected encounters and life-changing experiences. The movie tackles the age-old question of how someone regains faith and hope in life after tragic losses, without shying away from conversations about faith, God, and miracles.

Moreover, the film showcases golf as a metaphor for the unpredictable game of life, each stroke representing a decision, a step forward, sometimes a failure, reflecting the eternal conflict between faith and doubt that humans commonly face in their existential journey of life.

The director, Ross Kagan Marks, beautifully exploits the cinematography to accentuate the emotional journey of its characters. New Mexico's spectacular landscapes become a contrasting backdrop to the internal struggle of the main character, adding to the visual appeal of the movie.

Walking with Herb emphasizes the unpredictability of life by masterfully weaving together elements of doubt, despair, humor, and hope. While the plot explores some heavy existential questions about faith and purpose, the movie retains its light-hearted appeal through moments of profound humor and simple human interactions. The film celebrates the essence of human resilience and the transformative power of faith, while gracefully descending into the heart of human struggle and subsequent catharsis.

Whether you are a golf enthusiast or not, Walking with Herb transcends the boundaries of the sport and delves into the game of life, where every step carries the potential for victory or defeat. This moving and deeply emotional film conveys that it is never too late to rediscover faith and that miracles are possible if one chooses to believe. It serves as a touching reminder that sometimes an open heart and a little divine intervention can steer us back onto the path of hope, even in the most challenging times.

In conclusion, Walking with Herb is a compelling exploration of the human condition, grandly amplified by stellar performances by its leading stars. It's a deeply moving testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith in the face of adversity.