I suspect that if you didn't like Bobby Kennedy, or indeed the rest of the Kennedy clan, then you probably won't like this movie. The assassination of both Kennedy brothers has always been an emotive subject, and I'm deeply suspicious of some of the negative comments posted on this website: Alright, this wasn't the greatest film ever committed to celluloid, but I can't see how a normal, rational film enthusiast could describe it as "vaccous and maddening" or a "third rate soap opera". By the same token, I'm sure some of those ten star reviews came from dyed in the wool democrats. A movie about a politician (particularly the most iconic "also ran" of our day) was always going to stir political passions.
Looking at this with a little more objectivity (I'm British) I have to say that I found "Bobby" to be an intelligent, entertaining, thought-provoking and polished film. Some reviews have rabidly ranted that the back stories of all parties were embellished or in the case of Elijah Wood and Lindsay Lohan's characters - totally made up, and I must say that that revelation didn't annoy me in the slightest. Half of Braveheart was totally cooked up, and that was a belter. Same goes for The Great Escape. I'd be surprised if every line of dialogue in Schindler's List was spoken in exactly the same way as it happened in real life, but does that take away anything from that particular film's power as a testament to truth? Of course it doesn't.
Now let's not get ahead of ourselves here, "Bobby" is no Schindler's List (what is?) but despite certain artistic liberties it stands as a good film. Yes it's crammed to the lid with Hollywood A-listers (I was half expecting an earthquake, tidal wave or volcano in the first twenty minutes), but this was a good move. In a story where there are so many sub-stories, recognisable faces are an advantage. Estevez establishes his characters quickly and economically, then once the pieces on the chess board have been set up, he moves them, one at a time, methodically and patiently. This film is not a white knuckler. It is not "action packed". You need a good attention span to get the best out of this film.
Honorable mention amongst the cast goes to Christian Slater, who sneers and snarls his way brilliantly through the piece as one of the main protagonists, the ever reliable William H Macy (A one trick pony for sure, but what a trick!) and Shia La Boeuff (sure I've mis-spelled that) who I'm sure is going to be one of the greatest actors of our generation, and puts in a hilarious, touching and honest performance that really made me smile. Anthony Hopkins puts in a good shift too with usual deft understatement, the conclusion to his little story is perfect. This is not to say that the rest of the cast are bad or indifferent. I get the feeling that everyone who was in this film really wanted to be in this film. No one seems to be trying to hog their screen time. It's as if everyone came along, did their job, then went home.
Credit to Emilio Estevez for getting this made. It's not a world changing film, but nor is it a bad film. It's just a good, solidly made film executed with obvious affection, and two hours of your time well spent.
Looking at this with a little more objectivity (I'm British) I have to say that I found "Bobby" to be an intelligent, entertaining, thought-provoking and polished film. Some reviews have rabidly ranted that the back stories of all parties were embellished or in the case of Elijah Wood and Lindsay Lohan's characters - totally made up, and I must say that that revelation didn't annoy me in the slightest. Half of Braveheart was totally cooked up, and that was a belter. Same goes for The Great Escape. I'd be surprised if every line of dialogue in Schindler's List was spoken in exactly the same way as it happened in real life, but does that take away anything from that particular film's power as a testament to truth? Of course it doesn't.
Now let's not get ahead of ourselves here, "Bobby" is no Schindler's List (what is?) but despite certain artistic liberties it stands as a good film. Yes it's crammed to the lid with Hollywood A-listers (I was half expecting an earthquake, tidal wave or volcano in the first twenty minutes), but this was a good move. In a story where there are so many sub-stories, recognisable faces are an advantage. Estevez establishes his characters quickly and economically, then once the pieces on the chess board have been set up, he moves them, one at a time, methodically and patiently. This film is not a white knuckler. It is not "action packed". You need a good attention span to get the best out of this film.
Honorable mention amongst the cast goes to Christian Slater, who sneers and snarls his way brilliantly through the piece as one of the main protagonists, the ever reliable William H Macy (A one trick pony for sure, but what a trick!) and Shia La Boeuff (sure I've mis-spelled that) who I'm sure is going to be one of the greatest actors of our generation, and puts in a hilarious, touching and honest performance that really made me smile. Anthony Hopkins puts in a good shift too with usual deft understatement, the conclusion to his little story is perfect. This is not to say that the rest of the cast are bad or indifferent. I get the feeling that everyone who was in this film really wanted to be in this film. No one seems to be trying to hog their screen time. It's as if everyone came along, did their job, then went home.
Credit to Emilio Estevez for getting this made. It's not a world changing film, but nor is it a bad film. It's just a good, solidly made film executed with obvious affection, and two hours of your time well spent.