Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius

Release Date: April 30, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG for language
Written and Directed by: Rowdy Herrington
Starring: James Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam, Aidan Quinn, Malcom McDowell

Plot:
For some athletes, the ultimate win comes through a stroke of luck, but for Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., Bobby Jones, the only golfer in history to win the prestigious Grand Slam all in the same year--it was truly a stroke of genius. Having overcome an early childhood illness, he would later leave an indelible print in sports history. In 1930, at the age of 28, Jones won the title of Grand Slam Champion by winning the British Amateur, the British Open, the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur. His record remains unbroken today. Even then, Jones was still able to complete two college degrees and graduate from law school. Eventually torn between his family and the game he loved, Jones retired early to spend time with his wife and children. However, his contributions to golfing continued, as Jones went on to found the acclaimed Augusta National Golf Club and the annual professional and amateur tournament--The Masters. The biopic, itself, is not only a story about the amazing feats Bobby Jones accomplished on the golf course, but also, the way he lived his life off the course. Bobby Jones became a true American hero, not because he played for money or fame, but rather for the love of the game. Bobby Jones, whose natural skill and uncanny passion for the game earned him the title the best golfer in the world, will always be remembered as a true gentleman and gracious sportsman.

Review:
Bobby Jones is known as the best golfer that ever lived period. When it comes to the game of golf he will most likely never be beaten for what he has done, at least not for a very long time. This film is released for only a limited time and the box office will draw in golfers and the curious. Its a film that will not exist in the cinema, but will sure exist as a good film.

This film surrounds Bobby Jones childhood and his golf career. It starts out with rather a strong punch and actually doesn't waste time. Part of what makes Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius so entertaining and convincing is the quick pace it takes for itself. It will satisfy the audience because its actually not two hours of golf, its far more than just golf with this film.

Besides the obvious hefty amount of golf, this film initiates the problems and changes that went on with this well known man during his time. It even signifies that during his childhood he didn't want all the fame, he didn't want to be famous at all. Strict it was though, especially during those times.

Perhaps one of the strongest accomplishments in this film is Director Rowdy Herrington's vision in handling this. He certainly has an eye for making golf a very intriguing and fun sport. Some may look at the sport as dull and tedious, but there is no signs of that while witnessing the film, none at all.

Rowdy Herrington delivers different sides to experiences everyone is having. While focusly staying with Bobby Jones, we see that the friends and family around him are at times not too pleased. Rowdy Herrington never disappointed with the golf scenes at all either. There were shots that the camera constantly followed and even at times the camera was in point of view.

Its the creativity and great visuals that sets Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius as one of the better golf films. It may even get some youngsters going for the game. Just like Jones thought he would grow up to be something professionally, a gift hit him and turned his life around. Although you can't play the game forever either.

Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius never showed a complete eighteen holes game, but updated us on how the tournament were going. I suppose that can be considered a smart move because quite frankly some people just can't handle sport for more than a few minutes. To that I say then why witness this film at all, but the positive note is it knows what its doing and gives the audience a complex background on Bobby Jones. And of course Bobby Jones is portrayed by James Caviesel.

James Caviesel who just recently starred in the much disputed Passion Of The Christ is incredibly great as Bobby Jones. Caviesel's performance is easily one of the best of the year so far and he places himself in the role perfectly. The young look to his face makes it believable that he is twenty eight years of age in the film. Yet another solid performance from Caviesel and it seems he has more to come in the future.

Whether you are a fan of golf or not, this is great adaptation of the legends story and there is plenty to enjoy in the film. Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius is a completely solid entry in the year and it is very memorable. Sometimes its great to remember how beautiful everything was back in the 1930's. Peaceful, but not silent is exactly what this film delivers. This film is a solid experience from start to finish.