Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

source: Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

Not being a golfer or a fan of biographies of sportsmen, this viewer found a surprising amount of satisfaction in this recreation of the life of Bobby Jones, whose fame in the game of golf is legendary. So the question arises: "How can a film about golf maintain such a viewer's attention and appreciation?" The answer lies in the physical production of this beautiful little film. Capturing the essence of the world in the 1920s and 1930s not only in costuming and manners and atmosphere but in sociologic and philosophic vantages, Director Rowdy Herrington has ably explored the life and times of the reluctant hero in a way that exhumes a period in history when everyone needed something to believe in. Actors Jim Caviezel, Malcolm McDowell, Jeremy Northam, and Claire Forlani not only look their parts: their demeanor before the camera absorbs the state of mind of America lapsing from the riotous 20s to the massive depression of the 30s. Bobby Jones physical problems, both self induced and genetic, are explored with just enough veracity to make him more of a well-rounded character than a cardboard saint (we don't learn the name of his neurological disorder - syringomyelia - until the final credits). His struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds to move through every golfing challenge of his day and succeed beyond the realm of possibility is well captured in Caviezel's delicately nuanced performance. Not a great movie, but certainly worth more attention than it received in the theaters. You don't need to be a golfer to appreciate the beauty of this little moment of nostalgia. Grady Harp

This film which carries no studio name could almost have been made by Fox or Warner in the golden age because of craftsmanship;but it tells the truth as they almost never did. It is a shame the people who promoted this so much seem to have missed an opportunity (hopefully the DVD is more successful).Of course release dates and all come into play ;and Caviezel's current fame cuts both ways . But it seems even golfers have ignored this film judging by the poor Box Office.Definitely in the same league as Seabiscuit ; with outstanding performances by all three playing Bobby Jones as well as a wonderful supporting cast . It is a very moving story when told with all the warts and problems to see.

I have seen this "movie" and it makes paint drying look like it is in "Fast Forward." Good looking movie...but really, really bad script... and gut wrenchingly laughable direction. This cost $20 million? More Important: Does anybody know why Bobby Jones Movie producers Dawson and Eldridge "borrowed" the title of the earlier Titanic Thompson book, TITANIC THOMPSON: STROKE OF GENIUS for their Bobby Jones movie? I mean, why would they want to do that when Titanic Thompson was a noted golfer/gambler/hustler who only played golf on occasion, and Bobby Jones was...well, he was the great Bobby Jones. What came over them? And who is this HOOTIE guy? Were Kim Dawson, Rick Eldridge and HOOTIE in cahoots? (No pun intended.) I have heard this HOOTIE guy is either the guy fired from AUGUSTA golf course management team, or, he was a cohort of "ALFALFA" in the OUR GANG comedies. Anybody know which one he is? And, did THE GOLF CHANNEL ever collect their money for running their ads for the movie? The ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL (http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2005/04/04/story4.html) ran a story saying THE GOLF CHANNEL had to sue the producers for about $300,000. Wow! I guess this was an embarrassment to past MASTERS winner, Arnold Palmer, who I hear owns part of that TV channel. And finally, does anybody know for sure how much money the Bobby Jones movie lost? Now, from reviews and box office performance, this is a BAD movie... but mercifully...viewing it gave me some much needed sleep. To sum up: BAD movie...made by talentless people!

I can't believe the reviews above: Bobby Jones, neither the movie or the man, was inspiring or uplifting. The story is about a rich kid who becomes a great golfer. The the attempts to create dramatic tension, overcoming a bad temper, mild disapproval from a grandfather, dispute with his wife, are forced and unconvincing. The man had no great problems in life and the movie makers were unable to create any. Further, we learn nothing about him. He doesn't change. Everybody loves him. This is a relatively dull movie, saved only by some nice photography, the occasion bit of wit and Jeremy Northam's portrayal of Walterr Hagan. I also found the naive an eliteist attitude about being an "amateur" grating. The reason that Jones, and like-minded people like the Olympic committee for so many years, played up amateurism and locked down their nose at professionals had nothing to do with love of the game. It was snobbery. Only the wealthy could afford to be amateurs. Professional athletes came from lower classes and had to make money, as Walter Hagan explains. In fact, this would have been a far more interesting movie if it had explored Hagan's background and how he fought his way to the top ranks of golf. He certainly was a far more interesting character than Jones. And Jeremy Northam is a far more interesting actor than Jim Caviezel.

First off, there are far too many films that have already been made about this prolific golfer, Bobby Jones. One film you might have heard of is the legend of Bagger Vance. To die hard golf fans who hate entertainment, The Legend of Bobby Jones will be superb. The acting is okay, while the mise-en-scene is surprisingly spectacular. The story and plot, however, are plain boring. Which is to expect, since this film is more of an autobiography of a man's life. There just really isn't much of anything this film can offer the people who could care less about golf and Bobby Jones. You've not missed anything if you haven't seen this film, so it's okay to pass it up.

As a golfer, competitive athlete, and passionate person, I can truly say I thoroughly enjoyed Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius. The movie was a blast, and portrayed Bobby Jones as the congenial, well-liked character that he truly was. Bobby was loved by all, and showed his love for the game by only playing as an amateur. The film did a wonderful job of showing Jones to be respectable and classy. Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius made me love the game even more, and respect those who play it-and those who play it well. More movies based upon real-life class acts we need. The best part of the film is, if you are a golfer, you find that empathy and joy to feel what he feels. It is the emotional bond you can share with Jones, and it is more than the traditional "good-guy" that saves the day. He is a real person, and is genuinely portrayed as such. Applaud the makers, job well done.

Beautifully executed film with graceful presentation of the storyline. Acting really evokes the period with authenticity. Clothing, props, cars, etc. all are time appropriate. Lovely cinematography with beautiful scenery both in the United States and in Great Britain. The scenes shot on the ocean liner (which one? Queen Mary??) seem really authentic. I really enjoyed this film more than any I have seen in the last couple of years(it sort reminds me of a 'low key' version of "Chariots of Fire"). The soundtrack was quite good as well. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who would like to enjoy a more cerebral (not a film loaded with gratuitous action)experience.

This movie was so "corny" it was practically laughable. It was painful watching the actors recite the hokey lines they were fed. I felt it was trying to be something it just couldn't pull off. The lines and situations were all done a lot better in other movies. It reminded me a bit of trying to copy Seabiscuit, however this was an extremely poorly done film. The costumes and sets were appealing, but that wasn't enough to give this any kind of an acceptable rating. Even though it was based on a true story, nothing was original as far as dialog or characters. Maybe you have to love Golf to enjoy this, but I just really couldn't get into it. Because it was the 'on flight' movie, I forced myself to watch- otherwise I would have walked.

I urge you to see the Bobby Jones movie in question. If you do, you will see what a bad movie is all about. They simply do not make movies this bad very often. I figure that the ones posting "Great Movie!!!" on this site are desperately trying to get you to rent this awful thing for a very personal reason. They want you to spend your money so they can get a little of their investor money back. Go rent it... and then spread the word. Bobby Jones movie is laughably bad! AND--they even stole the title from the TITANIC THOMPSON:STROKE OF GENIUS book! Go figure!