So I'm working on a new project, one that is actually supposed to generate a reliable income, and Julie is bugging me to stop working and watch Tin Cup.

I say no.

"But this guy is you," she said.

"But he's a loser."

"Well, yeah, but he goes for it — and he gets the girl in the end."

Great. So I watch the tail end of the movie. Where Kevin Costner rebounds from an 83 in the first round of the US Open, to shoot a record breaker the next day, and winds up in contention for the win in the third round.

He's doing okay until the last hole. Instead of taking the safe shot that will land him a tie, he tries to hit the ball over the water. It lands on the green, but rolls into the drink.

Instead of learning fom his mistake, he does it again. And again. And again.

He literally flames out within 150 yards of achieving his lifelong dream.

Finally, though, he hits a shot that goes in the cup. Too bad it cost him a septuple bogey to prove he could do it.

But. He didn't compromise his principles of going for the win when it counted most. And he does get the girl in the end. And he does qualify for the following year's Open.

The scene on 18 is painful, but weirdly redeeming and very un-Hollywood in a way, even though they manage to wangle a bittersweet ending out of it. I remember seeing the movie when it first came out and thinking it wasn't that good. Still not great, but better the second time around.

And Cheech Marin is hilarious as Costner's friend Romeo.

As for me, I'm in one of those tight spots again. But I'm dropping eleven and shooting twelve!