Bobby Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
He saw wrong and tried to right it. He saw suffering and tried to heal it. He saw war and tried to stop it.
The Ambassador Hotel, 1968: the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy will soon take place here but none of the hotel residents and employees knows about it yet. Everyone at the hotel is busy with his own affairs, and their paths never seem to cross, not even in this closed space. However, it only seems so and twenty two individuals who will become unwitting witnesses to the tragedy will make a lot of startling discoveries and have strange meetings.
| Harry Belafonte | Nelson |
| Joy Bryant | Patricia |
| Nick Cannon | Dwayne |
| Emilio Estevez | Tim |
| Laurence Fishburne | Edward |
| Brian Geraghty | Jimmy |
| Heather Graham | Angela |
| Anthony Hopkins | John |
| Helen Hunt | Samantha |
| Joshua Jackson | Wade |
| David Krumholtz | Agent Phil |
| Ashton Kutcher | Fisher |
| Shia LaBeouf | Cooper |
| Lindsay Lohan | Diane |
| William H. Macy | Paul |
| Emilio Estevez |
7.10 out of 10 (6138 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An interesting, if somewhat cluttered, Altman-esquire film...
posted on 18 Aug 2009This movie suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder... I feel like I missed out on the details of each character.You may not have suspected that this film is one of the biggest mysteries of 2006. I mean, how on earth did Emilio "Might Duck" Estevez command enough clout to assemble this stunning cast??? I am stumped. Nevertheless..."Bobby" feels very much like a stylistic copy of Robert Altman's work -- perhaps a lighter version of Paul Thomas Anderson's operatic ensembles. You know the types of films I am referring to -- "Nashville", "Magnolia", "Short Cuts", Boogie Nights" -- the huge casts, varying story lines, interconnectivity, etc.The events in this film all take place at Los Angeles' famed Ambassador Hotel in the moments leading up to the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968. There is the story of the nostalgic doorman who plays chess in the lobby. There is the story of the wasted night club singer. There is the story of a young girl who agrees to marry her friend so he doesn't have to go to Vietnam. There is the story of the racist food and beverage manager. There is the story of the bored married couple. There is the story of the political aides tripping on LSD. There is the story of the hairdresser... the cook.. the thief... his wife... and her lover -- Okay, fine... that's another film. There may even be a partridge in a pear tree somewhere along the way. "Bobby" is a sprawling film that may have jammed a little too much in between the credits.That being said, the film is a model of professionalism. There are some fine performances. The costuming and make-up is so colorful and vivid as to become a character in and of itself. The editing is the film's highlight, cleverly blending original footage with fictional scenes.The best performances come from William H. Macy, Anthony Hopkins, Lindsay Lohan & Svetlana Metkina. Hopkins plays wistful better than anyone ever has. Lohan has been called the "heart of the film" by Estevez himself. She gives the film an emotional connection and displays a level of acting talent that will surprise many audiences. Metkina has a few moments that will amuse you.A few performances stray a little over the top -- Demi Moore is a prime example of that. She breaks the understated tone of the film. Also, the entire trippy scene with Ashton Kutcher struck me as entirely wasted.The film winds down to the fateful event in the kitchen when Sirhan Sirhan ends the dream of many Americans. The film hints that this particular event may have been even more significant than the assassinations of either JFK or MLK. It hints that the course of the country shifted drastically that night. It hints, somewhat overtly, at the present situation we find ourselves in with world politics. And the words of Robert Kennedy echo sadly in the final chapter of the film.There is so much crammed into this movie that it almost demands a second viewing. It is not that one can't keep up, but that each character gets so little screen time that it feels necessary to visit them again in order to get their full effect. I think that Estevez shows great promise here, but he may have overloaded his buffet plate -- and who can blame him with so much talent at his disposal.© Written by TC Candler IndependentCritics.com
Like Viniger & Oil
posted on 12 Aug 2009It was a sad session to sit thru this sorely mix of soap opera and semi-documentary. It just didn't work. A reasonably good premise attempted but the one side floundered all too often. I have a hard time saying this but "Bobby" deserved much better. Not to be forgotten ...Rosie Greer was nowhere to be seen in this reenactment. Missing too was the song that should have been...."Abraham, Martin, & John." Too many times the story jumped from one soap to another and, frankly, the characters were little if at all interesting. On the up side, Fishburn and Rodrigez were worthy of merits with their true and vivid interaction. Lastly, Emilio Estavez needs to realize the magnitude of this historic event and possibly understand that he may have bit off more than he could handle.
Short compendium of 1968 using RFK campaign vehicle.
posted on 08 Aug 2009Since I lived through this era, I feel qualified to have an opinion here. This movie is not a family history of Robert F. Kennedy's life. Rather, it celebrates the morale choices and passions of RFK during his bid to become President of the U.S. Many good movies have a beginning, middle, and end with a sense of closure to all important activities. It is disturbing to know that this film ends with death.This movie places us in 1968 when a middle point of conflict is reached in U.S. history. Tensions from the Civil Rights Movement, L.A. Watts Riots, unhappy, unfulfilled pre-feminist wives, Vietnam War, Assination of Martin L. King are all to collide and provide the motivation to elect a new President of the U.S. who will bring peace to America. LBJ has said he will not run again for President, so a redeeming change to bring peace is possible through RFK's election.What we see here is the nation through the eyes and opinions of the residents and workers of the Ambassador Hotel in L.A. Since RFK was considered a "people's president" we hear the opinions of the "little people" of our nation: food workers, housewives, telephone operators, teenage (18-19 years old) campaign workers. We see how these people are imperfect; and we see and hear their hopes for personal achievement.This film personalizes history. For younger people, they will hear and see why their grandfathers and grandmothers made such and such decisions during a time of political conflict: For example, grandfather married grandmother to get out of the draft--and save his life. So we see patriotism and we see motivations to evade service. We see racial bickering.I was only alittle bored because I know 1968 very well. To me, this was old news. And I am glad it is behind me not to return. That era was too confusing for a teenager to comprend the outcome. But for the younger set, oh, born after 1965 or so, this film will color in those spots of history now well documented with more personal details of those who lived through it.And that is what this movie is about: giving examples of what the average citizens were doing and thinking in 1968 which would subsequently find them voting to change the nation through their choice of candidate. It shows the motivations, lifestyles, and idealism of a few "little people" in 1968. Subsequently we must put together these stories / lifestyles to understand why California voted to push RFK towards the presidency.RFK was killed by a deranged man, never to complete his life story with a happy ending. However, Civil Rights won, the Vietnam war was ended, LSD hippies became insurance salesmen and life went on with indescriminate, sometimes guilt ridden sex. RFK's speech is stirring and has strong moral overtones: so nice to hear in our present materialistic pop culture 2006.So, if history entertains you, you will enjoy this film. If you are looking for action and heat, better to look at a James Bond movie. You will likely uncover a motivation or two here as to why your parents or grandparents made certain choices in their lives. And you may find closure here as a result. Was sexual promiscuity invented in 1990? Oh, no, there it is in 1968. Why did wives think of themselves as prostitutes in 1968? At what point did blacks begin to riot in America, and when did they stop? So, to make history live for you, see this film.Oh, You may be crying alittle inside as you leave the theatre.
Partisan take on RFK for the 21st Century
posted on 31 Jul 2009Robert F. Kennedy.He was one of John F. Kennedy's younger brothers, his Attorney General during his term, a New York Senator, a candidate for U.S. President, and a highly revered idealist.Emilio Estevez.He was a member of the Hollywood Brat Pack in the 1980's, hardly taken seriously due to a string of "Mighty Ducks" flicks, a director of such forgettable movies as "Men at Work", and brother to infamous womanizer Charlie Sheen.With "Bobby" this unlikely duo meet for what can be immediately seen as a labor of love, as well as a laborious view for history snobs and those toting Right Wing perspectives. Estevez's film is a two hour Robert Altman style ensemble piece complete with an after party's roster of Hollywood who's who that interweaves a variety of characters lives at the L.A.'s Ambassador Hotel in the summer of 1968 where Kennedy was shot.This tidbit is hardly a spoiler, and ultimately plays out like the sinking of the boat in "Titanic". The specific details of the story lines are mostly irrelevant to the meaning of the film but are given an impressive pay-off in the third act. The general voice of the characters and tone of their stories suggest a like father like son explanation, given Estevez's dad is none other than liberal political activist and fictional "West Wing" President Martin Sheen. Though each of the stories show the appearance of period drama, the perspective and intention is to draw distinct parallels to our time, which is understandable if not a bit heavy handed at times.Even though Estevez is not a household name behind the camera, his deftly crafted metaphor and deeply felt, heart wrenching idealism that are the most powerful aspects of "Bobby" demonstrate a filmmaker with artistry and passion to spare. One can only hope this man will continue making movies that matter.
Leftwing Emilio Does His Feeble Best
posted on 29 Jul 2009This movie, with its revoltingly leftwing script by Emilio Estevez, who obviously learned well from his leftwing father Martin Sheen, is an orgy of leftwing talking points and images.Pathetic example of the leftwing drooling as they wallow in their own excrement.OF COURSE there was no mention of PALESTINIAN murderer Sirhan Sirhan.Why? Because the leftwing LOVES their 'palestinians.' The leftwing loves their Arafart--as well as their Mao Tsung, their Castro, their 'Che', their Tito, etc.So of course, in putting forth the false picture its agenda demands, this leftwing script WOULD NOT DARE mention that one of its beloved 'palestinians' murdered Bobby Kennedy.EVEN THOUGH the movie is about the killing of Bobby Kennedy.What a lame exercise in leftwing falsehood.
A disappointing film, but a moving love letter...
posted on 23 Jul 2009by Dane Youssef Emilio Esztevez's "Bobby" celebrates not only one of the greatest political icons to die before his time, before he had the opportunity to live up to even a fraction of his potential, but a seven-year effort to get it on the screen.Esztevez is not as renown in the business as his father and brother are. Nor does he have such a sparkling track-record. Let's be honest. Most of the man's movies (paticularly those made after "The Mighty Ducks") borderline on unwatchable. But just because a man has a few "Battlefield Earth" and "Catwoman"-like stinkers doesn't mean he's totally incapable of putting out anything at all decent. I know we love to skewer a star when they're down. But let's give a poor guy an even shake...Because of Estevez's experience in the biz, as well as his family's, "Bobby" is chock-full of big-name walk-ons. Yes, it's good to be able to employ the best and biggest names in the business, but I don't know if it necessarily works here. There are so many familiar faces that pop up like a Jack-In-The-Box and then disappear just as quickly, that it's actually distracting.They're all not on camera long enough so that we see the characters, not actors playing a role. We keep getting the feeling that all we're looking at is super-star after supers-star just here to do some temp work, have fun, do a favor and pay respect to a great political icon.This is an ensemble vehicle, in the tradition of the late Robert Altman. Like every ensemble vehicle, the star is the subject matter--RFK himself.As for it's much-touted heavy-hitter cast: Christian Slater is one of the best out there, but any schmuck standing in line at "Hot Dog On A Stick" could have done as good a job as he's allowed to do there. Hey, maybe some of that trademark reptilian demeanor of his might have helped. He's a racist who's as interesting as plain white-bread. Heather Graham is equally ineffective (has she ever given a really great performance?) Joshua Jackson (who worked with Esztevez in "The Mighty Ducks" films) isn't really given anything to do at all.Ashton Kutcher thankfully sheds his tired "Kelso" scthick as a spiritual drug dealer who introduces to LSD. He wears glasses, has long mop-like hair and beard. He seems to be in serious danger of becoming just another flavor-of-the-month like those before him (and after him). With roles in movies like "The Butterfly Effect" and this, there may be hope.Lawrence Fishburne almost steals the movie as a veteran cook at the Ambassador. He has a deep philosophical mind and some theories on the way the world is... and how to survive in it. How to make it yours. He sounds so insightful, like an older, seasoned veteran not miles away from Kennedy himself. He talks about how anger is toxic and his admiration for Dr. King and how it hurt when...Legendary Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins appears as the elderly doorman who won't retire because the boredom and feeling of uselessness gets to him. His role is pretty unremarkable, although he brings the same grace and dignity he does to pretty much any role he's in. It's nice to see him away from his "Hannibal" repertoire. And "Bobby" is a vast improvement over Ron Howard's desecration of "The Grinch." Director Esztevez and Demi Moore appear together as a couple for the first time in Esztevez' nearly unwatchable "Wisdom," which contained none of what was promised. Or anything else worth seeing. They have some worthwhile moments as a show-business couple, especially Moore. And it's one of the few sub-plots that work.The only true stand-outs here are Lawrence Fishburne, Sharon Stone, William H. Macy, Martin Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. Everyone else seems is just coasting. Because they're all distinguished veterans, we want them to make an enormous impact. The kind where the scene and line becomes a legendary quoted movie moment. But each shot just shows big-name marquee headers doing what just about anyone could have done. But does it work? The most crippling flaw in "Bobby" is that because of the contemporary faces and their underdeveloped characters and underwritten scenes, we're never convinced we're back there during that fatal day. And when RFK walks through the door, onto the stage... we're never really convinced that he's in that room at this moment. Throughout the whole film, I was aware that they were just using old footage of Bob and the entire cast--er, members of the Ambassador were cheering facing a camera crew.There are some moments that alone make Bobby worth seeing: A scene where a deception is going on and is revealed--we see the victim's tears and pain, a conversation in a kitchen that really stays with you, two buttoned-down campaign volunteers who volunteer to embrace something more have than Kennedy, the reporter dying to see the senator in the flesh. All story lines that could have really packed a wallop if they're were written more. Was Esztevez on a schedule? In the end, what truly makes this a movie to see is the passion. The passion that Esztevez has for Bobby and has had ever since dear Emilio actually came in contact with him when he was but five years old."Bobby"'s finale (yes, that is the correct phrase) comes to no surprise, but what is so astonishing is how much such an act can still touch us as if we are actually there and then. It helps give the film more of an impact than everything leading up to it did.What matters really is not when or how Kennedy left, but that he was there. Now that he's gone, it's says sad things about us how much we need him now...by Dane Youssef
Really Wanted to Love It; Could Only Like It
posted on 21 Jul 2009Like so many others, I really wanted to like "Bobby." There's so much in Robert Kennedy's bio. Just reading moments from Robert Kennedy's life -- his work for Joseph McCarthy, the assassination of his beloved older brother, John, that apparently changed his life by changing his soul, the moment when he had to announce to a crowd of African Americans that MLK had been assassinated, and his recitation, to that crowd, of the poetry of Aeschylus.A quote from that speech: "My favorite poet was Aeschylus. And he once wrote: "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."" I mean, my God. I'm not at all in thrall to the Kennedy as Royalty myth, but this man was charisma; he was history; he was lightening.So, yeah, I really wanted to love Emilio Estevez's "Bobby." I liked it. But I did not love it.Sharon Stone is terrific -- please, please, Hollywood, make good use of that woman's huge talent.Everyone else -- Anthony Hopkins, Ashton Kutcher, Harry Belafonte, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Wallace Beery -- oops, sorry, that's another all star Hotel movie -- everyone is fine, right down to the cutest little cute dog since "Benjie." There are sixties songs, and sixties themes, and, oh, lots stuff.But the movie never really grabbed me until the climactic moments, during which a speech by Bobby Kennedy was played over the soundtrack.The best moment in this movie consisted of material that would probably have been better placed in a documentary about Bobby Kennedy.
Well intentioned miss
posted on 19 Jul 2009First, let me offer a personal note. I was at the Ambassador Hotel the night Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot, although I had to leave the hotel to perform my own job as a wire service journalist before the Senator came down to the ballroom, so I was not there after midnight when the shooting took place. However, my wife at the time was there and for one moment, was one of those standing over Kennedy's body. I was back at the office working on the Kennedy victory story when word came though of the shooting. It was devastating, even more so for me because we learned very quickly that a woman was among those shot, but there were no ids available and in the days before cell phones, I had no way to reach my wife. It was hours before she was able to get to a pay phone to call me and let me know she was alright.That all made watching the last few minutes of this film very difficult for me, even though the incident took place nearly four decades ago.The assassination segment is gut wrenching to say the least, as are the newsreel clips of Kennedy on the campaign trail.Other positives of the film are the acting and overall direction from Emelio Estevez.The problem for me with this film was, I could not get a real handle on what it was saying. About 90 percent of the movie gives us capsule glimpses into the lives of people either working or staying at the Ambassdor before the shooting.We find out the hotel manager is having an affair with a switchboard operator, a bus boy has Dodger tickets he will not be able to use, two college age nerds drop acid for the first time, and a comely young lady is going to marry a boy to keep him from being sent to Vietnam. (I'm not sure that actually worked, as many married men I knew wound up getting sent to Nam in that era. And I met many others while I was in the army.) Okay, the idea was to show us, not just a cross section of 60s culture, but also a glimpse into the lives touched by the assassination. Trouble is, we got a lot of their back stories, but since the film ends with the shooting, we never get to see what impact this terrible night had on them, other than that some, but not all of them, are among the wounded.Consequently, it is never clear to me what all these stories add up to. For instance, Anthony HOpkins and Harry Bellefonte play a couple of retired hotel doormen who are apparently allowed to spend their retirement years hanging out in the hotel lobby, playing chess. Cute, but irrelevant to the story, since they don't even talk about politics on this, California primary day.Again, some of these people are apparently fictionalized versions of those wounded, but they all survive and what we never find out is, was this incident life changing for them. And if it was, is it any different for them than it is for any other crime victim? For me, the assassination was and I eventually dropped out and went to Europe for a while. I don't know what happens to the people here and since I got so much back story, I feel cheated. Did the hotel manager and his wife reconcile? Did the boy who got shot get sent to Nam anyway? Did the two college boys become hard core stoners? Did either of them score with the hot lunch counter waitress?I think this script needed some major adjustments to make the film work for me.
Should have been called "A Night at The Ambassador Hotel."
posted on 17 Jul 2009Seriously, this film always gives you something to chew on. In the vein of a Robert Altman picture (i.e. "Nashville"), Writer/Director Emilio Estevez assembles a cast of 22 A-List actors and thrusts them into non-conventional roles meant to reflect the tumultuous times, giving you reason to hang on for each scene. But let's face it, the focus was roughly 10% Bobby and 90% everyone else at the hotel, most of which had no relation to Bobby… So let's just call it "A Night at the Ambassador," the whole Bobby thing can be a nice bonus, and bam! We'll call it a day.http://manwithavan.blogspot.com/
The once and future king…Bobby
posted on 15 Jul 2009Emilio Estevez has thrust himself back into the limelight this year with his passion project about the day of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination. While doing maybe four or so acting roles in the past seven years, Estevez has honed his directorial skills with TV shows and I'm sure tweaked his script and signed a wishlist of actors. I'm sure it was the storyline parallel between RFK's Vietnam messiah with the hope for one today in Iraq by the Hollywood Democrats that drew many to the material, but I don't mind the liberal agenda on display here and found it easy to ignore. While the writing is poignant and real, the directing and cinematography simply breathtaking at times, it is the acting that really makes this film. Having the sheer cast size here could be a very daunting task for anyone let alone a guy who's past directing work includes Men at Work. Not only does he check everyone's egos at the door by filming a true ensemble where no one gets more screen time then the other, he also gets some of the best performances these actors have ever given. It's hard to believe, but Bobby is perhaps the closest movie we have gotten to vintage Robert Altman, not directed by the man himself. The intricate storyline and weaving of no-name characters through short vignettes culminating into tragedy bares an uncanny resemblance to Altman's acclaimed Nashville. Being that the directing great recently passed away, Estevez has unintentionally given him a wonderful tribute. Bobby is a masterpiece in many ways and if everyone's passion projects could be this thought out and important we'd never have a shortage of great cinema.The decision to interweave archival footage of the real Robert Kennedy is a superb choice. Unlike the boring documentary feel this tactic gave Good Night, and Good Luck, it really fleshes out the man at the forefront while we are shown the periphery of the story. If Estevez had cast someone to be facially seen and interactive with the cast it would have taken all the emotional resonance felt away. Letting Kennedy stand in for himself is the most effective utilization there is. Also, allowing the actors to play off the real man makes their performances that much more real. The speeches hold weight with these men and women who truly believe he is the savior for their country that has strayed. His words, along with the gorgeous soundtrack of period specific music, juxtaposed with the visuals hits home almost every time.Everyone knows the tragedy of the situation, and this film does not look to shove it down our throats. Bobby is not as much a film about the man, but a telling of his impact on America as a collective. We are treated to a kitchen staff of Mexican immigrants trying to gain respect; a black political staff supporter who is desperately trying to get ballots into the inner-city to help put his candidate in office as he is the hope for the future after the slaying of Martin Luther King, Jr.; a retired hotel doorman unable to leave the place he has resided working for so long; a hotel manager trying to make everything perfect with his employees and for the fiasco he knows will soon be spilling through his doors while dealing with his wife, a mistress, and a newly disgruntled kitchen head just fired; a washed-up lounge singer drinking her life away in front of her loving yet cowardly husband and the hotel stylist; and a young soldier and woman about to get married so as to keep the groom away from the frontlines. This just describes a tiny particle of what is actually going on this fateful day. Every actor encompasses his/her role perfectly and with a real sense of everyman's purpose. While not at all involved with the titular martyr personally, their stories are not to be dismissed as trifling or inconsequential. These are the people Kennedy was fighting for and their lives are the reason he was in the position he was to begin with. By showing the supporters, Estevez showed the man.Rather than give a laundry list of actors, as each was great, I will try and single out the most memorable. For one, husband/wife team Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher both bring their best work here. Kutcher revels in the stoner/hippie role, whether not really having to act it for realism is debatable, he is good nonetheless. Moore, maybe likewise, plays the drunk and depressed ex-celebrity as though she went through it herself. Her old "brat pack" chum has given her a role here that she sinks her teeth into and really runs with. Credit Sharon Stone and Helen Hunt for playing roles their age and allowing it to show. Rather than use makeup and be glamorous, they show every wrinkle on their face proudly and give strong, truthful performances wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Freddy Rodriguez is phenomenal as the hotel busboy who's fate has drawn him what first appears to be a bad hand, yet eventually helps him see what life is about and the way he should live it, with nice help from the wise beyond his years cook Laurence Fishburne. Special mention goes to Joshua Jackson who usually doesn't standout to me in movies, (and a nice Mighty Ducks connection), and Lindsey Lohan who does do a nice job of portraying the conflicting emotions of her young bride. Also, give Nick Cannon more serious roles, because someone who has looked terrible in what looked like terrible comedies really does a great job in a tough role fighting for the people. And of course, there needs to be mention of the nice turn by Emilio who succeeds in the trifecta of writer, director, and actor on this brilliant little piece of cinema with a giant heart.
Emilio at His Best
posted on 13 Jul 2009In a surprisingly good movie, the former actor Emilio Estevez has produced a solid, serious, drama using vignettes (using many well known actors) surrounding the last night of Bobby Kennedy's life at the Ambassador Hotel. Perhaps the only legitimate complaint was Emilio's use of one too many vignettes that took away from the cinematic depth and power of the characters. All the performances are great. This "Lost in Translation" liberal political immersion oriented bent moves the experiential cinematic technique forward building on the power of acting performances, substantive plot and ideas that capture the 1960s angst of discrimination while at the same time providing hope, particularly through the actual words and taped broadcasts of Bobby Kennedy himself. It would be impossible to briefly describe the wonderful actors and their emotionally absorbing scenes. Eight out of Ten Stars.
Bobby's words & Stone's performance lifts this out of listlessness.
posted on 11 Jul 2009Emilio Estivez wrote and directed this film. It is, above all else, a tribute to, and reassertion of the words and work of Bobby Kennedy. Documentary footage and audio are integrated throughout this production to make him live again in this film.This is one of those pastiche films of people "sharing a moment of time" when separate lives all intersect through fate (a style which is not my cup of tea). Unfortunately, there is an awful lot to wade through just to get to that moment, much of it banal. This film tries so hard to be historical, timely, and PC all at the same time, that it is utterly devoid of charm or interest. The cast is so chock full of luminaries that it looks like a remake of Spelling's HOTEL, or SHIP OF FOOLS, with the same amount of soap opera story lines. Unfortunately, the famous faces are often extremely distracting. Oh! Look! It's Frodo getting married! I wonder if he is using "precious" as the ring? This film would have benefited enormously from casting mostly little known faces, especially when you get to the pay off scene. Surprisingly, the stand out performance is Sharon Stone as a sadder-but-wiser gal, a hotel salon hairdresser married to the philandering manager (William Macy). I love it when a familiar actress actually brings new facial expressions to the table, and here she proves herself a strong character actress (like a sequel to her strong work in CASINO, but a more down-home character). The strongest scene in the entire film is between Stone and Demi Moore as an alcoholic performer/diva. Moore evokes Joan Crawford in her later years, dependent on large wigs and alcohol. There is something touching and a little scary about these gaunt, overly tanned women (Helen Hunt, too)… some of this must be make-up, because that "beached, bleached and smoked look" was in vogue with the country club set at this time period, but it's a cautionary tale about skin like leather stretched over a skeletal frame. So…that IS relevant, isn't it?! Estivez wisely gives himself a very small role, but sympathetic, and (other than Kennedy's) the most memorable line of the film. Harry Belafonte and Anthony Hopkins quote GRAND HOTEL at the onset of the film, but this is no grand hotel. Too much happens, and everything changes. It's almost painful to see these two lions in these roles with meaningless dialogue, just filling time. I was just so relieved when this film was over! Finally! The words of Kennedy remain relevant and inspiring, and BOBBY makes me long for a really good bio documentary of his life instead of this sound and fury cavalcade of stars tribute.
Garbage>>> Total crap don't waste your time.
posted on 05 Jul 2009Weinstein = garbage. TWC = Crap.This movie is such total garbage as is to be expected from this company. But I decided to watch it because of all the good reviews I heard, a decision I regret. With so many known actors you would think that something would be good about this movie. Actually there was one good part Elijah wood getting shot it is too bad it hasn't happened in real life. He sucks and hasn't done anything good, ever, not even LOTR. The acid trip is a total joke evidently Emilio has never done acid, or even talked to a reliable source about it. The Weinstein Company sucks!!!!!!!!
Awful
posted on 03 Jul 2009What was Estevez thinking? Has he been out of the mainstream so long that he forgets what a good movie really is? Guess he figures just toss in a few well known stars and people will pay to see this pile of junk. I went, I saw, I threw up. If you wanted to do a movie on hotel workers, then that's what you should have done. How about making Mighty Ducks 5 or whatever number you were on. That's more your speed. I heard it took three years to make this movie. Why??? Terrible movie........the next time I see a preview with Estevez' name attached to it, I will know to stay away. Save your money folks.......the most interesting thing about this movie was Don Drysdale and the shutout innings.
Bait & Switch
posted on 23 Jun 2009To be clear, I hated this movie. I saw it last night knowing nothing about it other than the title and the cast. I certainly won't do that again when the film concerns a topic I care about.I believe that Bobby Kennedy's presidency would have radically altered history for the better. His assassination was a watershed that cleared the decks of inspired liberal leadership and paved the way for the ensuing conservative counter-revolution that we "enjoy" today. Only Watergate and Clinton (whose policies would have been Republican in 1968) have provided any break in the conservative Republican stranglehold on power since his death. In other words, the assassinations worked according to plan.I was apprehensive about viewing this movie because I knew I would feel wounded by the violence and the enormity of the loss. However, I was equally excited at the possibility that a major motion picture might refresh our memory of his leadership and ideals. It strikes me that this is a particularly good time to revisit this history, and I hoped that this might be a film of real consequence.But it wasn't. Instead, it was an obscenely trivial piece of Hollywood fluff. Obscene for using Bobby Kennedy's assassination as the backdrop and selling point for a star-studded ensemble piece. It was a con- a bait and switch. They called it "Bobby" and then give us a movie about "America" in 1968 along with a couple of snippets of audio and video featuring the man himself. What a lecherous and debased marketing tactic.This movie is not necessarily a bad piece of film-making. But the title and marketing make it deplorable. It should be called "The Ambassador Hotel" or "June 5th" or something. That way folks like me would steer clear and leave it to you cinemaphiles to gush over the way "Emilio" artfully weaves disparate strands into a compelling and evocative pastiche of American tragedy. Gag....
Slow Start, Great Finish
posted on 21 Jun 2009Bobby was a very good movie, however, heres my rant. An ongoing 60's soundtrack was a missed opportunity. The movie plays out like "Boogie Nights" meaning micro stories come together at the end to give you a finished product. With Boggie Nights the sounds of the 70's all through the film took you back in time which makes it one of my all time favorite films (same as American Graffitti). Bobby could have done the same thing with ongoing sounds of the 60's especially with 90% of the movie filmed inside, at times you could mistake it for a film set in the 50's. The all star cast comes at you one after the other and all work out well. (I would have liked to have seen Charlie Sheen play Ashtons role) even though he did a very good job of it.
Bobby
posted on 21 Jun 2009Bobby In Amsterdam, I go to see movies every weekend, and this weekend my boss asked me whether we can go for a movie together. I suggested – Rocky Balbao and The Lonely Hearts, but he did not agree. Then I thought of Bobby and asked would he like to come, and he agreed. So we decided that we would meet on Saturday evening to see Bobby at Pathe Tushinski. And there we were – at 18:45 hours sitting together – eating Nachos and seeing Bobby.Bobby, is an American story – very American, and Americans would love it. It revolves around the last day before Robert Kennedy was shot at the Ambassador hotel. It looks into lives of many people working inside the Ambassador hotel. The story starts in the morning and ends around mid-night when Kennedy was shot. The director multi-faceted Emilio Estesev – (I never knew till now that he was the eldest son of Martin Sheen – who also plays a role in the movie) has worked very hard on the dialogues and tries to capture the essence of American life and history through what this characters say. There are liberal amounts of historic footage of Robert Kennedy taken from archives and spread across the movie to connect a link. It takes about 20 minutes for all the characters to get a decent footage and for the audience to understand their stories, and the last 20 minutes when the Kennedy arrives at the hotel and is shot – is the most engrossing part of the movie.In between the stories of different characters tell intrinsic facts about – American history, Vietnam war, human relations, economics and politics, sports, racial discrimination, poverty, growth, etc. And every word said by characters – is applicable even today – and that makes the film relevant and appealing to world audience.I am not an American and while seeing the movie I had to think like an American to feel patriotic – and I think, movie succeeds in conveying that emotions. It is a tribute to Bobby – Robert Kennedy.Through Robert's speech the movie projects America too sanely – too good, which in today's world – we know is not totally true.The star cast is huge. There are two sets of actors who are working in the movie – one set consists of senior well-known and fine actors like Anthony Hopkins, Helen Hunt, Emilio Estesez, Laurence Fishburne, Sharon Stone (I could not recognize her until my boss told to so – she looks quite old – suddenly), Harry Belafonte, William Macey and Micheal Slater who have performed their roles brilliantly. The other set of actors are upcoming ones – like TV stars. I felt that they have overacted a bit in most of their parts. This discredit goes to the director. I also found the production flaw in the extras in the scenes shown behind the main characters – quite forced and artificial. It was looking obvious that someone has told them to behave in a certain way. Because the director is trying to say too many things (directly and indirectly) through his dialogues – the dialogues – even though appropriate seemed to me forced. Certain things talked by the actors would never happen in real life, but that is excused because I understand that there is a larger purpose of the director to convey a message. For non-Americans this movie seems that in America everyone talks a lot. One particular mention of hippy culture and LSD drug shown in the movie is over stretched and unnecessary. At one point in the movie when I started hearing Indian – Hindustani music in the background, I was surprised, may be the hippy culture, LSD and God was associated with India!? The speeches used of Robert Kennedy showcase the most inspiring words spoken by him. I heard that most Americans cried at the end of the movie – which is largely understood. I think especially older people who have seen and experienced the 60s would associate strongly with the movie.Overall a good effort, good acting by most seasoned actors. Go if you know American history and love Kennedies.If I was an American I would have rated it 7 - but I am rating it 5.(7 Stars)
Proof of conspiracy not in movie
posted on 19 Jun 2009I've always been a huge Bobby Kennedy fan and the best part of the "Bobby" movie was his speeches. What only about 5% of Americans know is the details about how there was a conspiracy within the government and maybe others forces, to assassinate Bobby Kennedy. I know and you can read it on a Google search at 'Robert Kennedy'. I am disappointed that Emilio Estevez did not include the truth about how Bobby Kennedy was shot from behind on the right from the spot where his body guard was, 22 year old Thane Eugene Ceasar.Sirhan Sirhan was brought into the Ambassador Hotel by a young couple, about 22 years old. The film incorrectly showed him walking in alone. Sirhan was also whispering in that lady's ear moments before he turned on Kennedy. Sirhan missed Kennedy when he shot! The ground shaking evidence is Bobby Kennedy's autopsy. It shows that he was shot 3 times from behind! All the witnesses in the pantry placed Sirhan Sirhan three to six feet in front of Kennedy with his gun held horizontal.Bobby Kennedy was killed by a bullet that was shot at a 70 degree angle upwards, to the left. The power burns on his neck indicate that he was shot at point blank range, about one inch from his neck. The other two bullets went into his right armpit. One logged in his neck and one exited from his chest. He was shot from behind! Sirhan Sirhan is innocent of that murder and deserves to be released from jail.You can read the rest of the evidence on the websites. I also interviewed, several times, a person who has represented Sirhan for 20 years. Sirhan was innocent and he was hypnotized into shooting. He was not a willing participant. About 51 witness testimonies were ignored. Many witness saw and even photographed other gunman shooting at Bobby Kennedy. There were three.The movie was good at evoking a deep emotional appreciation of the great sincerity of Bobby Kenndy to help the poor, the blacks and to stop the Vietnam war. Kennedy's powerful words were conveyed in the film. I give Emilio Estevez credit for that. And I appreciate that it would be a whole other film to show the real truth of the assassination- like Oliver Stone's film "JFK." But this film actually supports the government cover-up of the truth of Bobby Kennedy's assassination. For that I have to criticize it and give it a low rating.I care about the Kennedy's and I always will. And I'm a Canadian.Sincerely, Brian Ruhe
"Bobby" is an incredible message from the past that can still be applied
posted on 13 Jun 2009I have watched movies all my life, from the silent films, through the classics and the newest of today. The movie "Bobby" is a wonderful creation from Emilio Estevez. It brings back an old belief and renews our hopes. It has an astounding cast and packs a real punch home. Watch it with your mind and heart wide open and listen. I hope you hear what I heard and feel what I felt. I believe this movie could change the world if we would let it. My hat is off to you Emilio! Everything is there from that time period. You caught the moment very well and made it so real. I laughed and cried and wished everyone in the world could see this one. The authenticity of the surroundings and the Ambassador was beautiful. I loved seeing Harry Belafonte and Anthony Hopkins together. That was a real treat! The title of the movie was perfect of course, I mean what else could you have called it. I have watched "Malcolm X" and "JFK" but I must say I enjoyed "Bobby' the best.
Couldn't help but like it
posted on 22 Aug 2009A conventional structure was lacking but in it's place was a charmingly odd and disjointed series of subplots, peppered throughout with cameo roles from some of my favourite actors - and sure to be yours too. I'd agree with many that perhaps Emilio went one or two characters too far in trying to illustrate an holistic summation of late-60's America. What it does serve to conjure is the undoubted sense of optimism invested in RFK - as such the inevitable ending becomes all the more poignant given current situations ongoing around the world. I tear was shed - made all the more profound by some fascinating original footage of the man himself. Given the topic, it's timing, and my own opinion of the current administration - I found this a film that I just couldn't help but like.