Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

In 1936 St. Andrews, Scotland, Bobby Jones (Jim Caviezel) returns and everybody comes out to greet him to a hero's welcome. As a child, Bobby started hitting from a young age as he rises in the world of golf. As a young man, he must tame his temper. But at the top of the game, he decides to walk away.It's a very bland biopic. It doesn't have many dramatic turns. Director Rowdy Herrington isn't able to bring much life to this character. I'm not sure if it's the fault of the writers, the director, or the actual subject. It's like a game of golf that is more of a nice walk than anything exciting. There is about 30 minutes of Bobby as a kid which serves to forestall the start of the movie. There is just a general lack of tension.

Booby Jones is like The Greatest Game Ever Played a good, likable, and even inspirational sport biopic around golf. Bobby Jones remains one the greatest, if not the greatest golfer of all time. He retired at only 28. With a rousing Braveheart-like score from James Horner, plenty of golf, a couple of good rivalries, and some love interest, if you like sports movies to move you and to be about not just winning but winning with values and heart then this will fit the bill nicely.This is above all a film for those who enjoy being inspired by movies, you will get the lift and there is a palpable sense of real excitement in the golf in the last 30 minutes.All in all, a great way to spend 90 minutes, we really liked it; it's a well-made and well thought through film that is one to simply enjoy.

What a wonderful film on a truly extraordinary individual! Not only was Bobby Jones a great golfer but he excelled more importantly in his personal life as well. As Keeler says in the movie:" There will never be another Bobby Jones"....He was right of course since he was speaking of the man's character more than his golf talents. Keeler also says at one point, quite prophetically too, that money would destroy the sport. He would have been right about any professional sport, but most particularly about golf where every victory (majors above all) are quickly translated into endorsement deals. The players have become walking billboards for all sorts of companies.....something they will not walk away from as Bobby Jones did. Highly recommended for the kids as they can witness sport as it was before athletic ability was measured in dollars.

I chose to watch this DVD with low expectations and came away with about what I expected. I am a golf addict and I heard the golf scenes were decent so I figured I'd give it a try.The script (up until 1927) follows Jones' autobiography, "Down The Fairway," pretty closely. In other words, it is the standard, whitewashed, "just the facts" story of Jones' life as Jones himself might have wanted you to know it. It's great for kids and good for hardcore golfers, but it will disappoint discerning movie watchers.Everybody knows Bobby Jones won the Grand Slam of golf in 1931. Therefore, simply put, the plot lacks suspense. Occasionally, we have glimpses into Jones' battles against his physical / neurological disorder. This provides a bit of drama and does inspire awe for what the man was able to accomplish. Also, there are hints at his reliance on the bottle and the temptations and debauchery of the "Jazz Age." However, generally speaking, it's a standard feel-good story that (contrived Southern accents aside) somewhat delivers. The production values and acting are decent. The golf scenes are adequate. The story is somewhat bland.Those interested in Bobby Jones should watch the "How I Play Golf" series on the Golf Channel, featuring the real Bobby Jones. These are greatly entertaining and feature Jones in his full glory as a golfer!Note: The DVD extras are fairly weak with the exception of actual footage of Jones giving a speech at St. Andrews in (I think) 1956.