Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

Golfers will love this film about one of the greatest golfers of all time. I say one of the greatest because it is hard to say that any one golfer was the greatest given the changing conditions, the degree if competition, and the changes in equipment. While Jones undoubtedly was the best of his generation, arguments can be made that Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus were the greatest of their generations and that Tiger Woods is the greatest of the present generation.

From a historical standpoint, this movie is very accurate and a great deal of attention was paid to every detail. As to authenticity of the sets and costumes this movie is the best I have seen in years. All too often movies take shortcuts which infringe on their authenticity. Even the uniforms worn by the Marines in this picture are authentic replicas of the uniforms worn by Marines in the early '30s down to the ribbons.

The film does have some shortcomings though. Ihe acting is not that great and the story gets a little hammy at times but the reality still shows through. Much too much is made of the reporter from the Atlanta Journal who is used as a foil. While the Journal did follow Jones closely, it wasn't nearly as close as depicted in the film. But the story brings out the humanness of Jones quite well, better than does the usually told legends.

I'm not a golfer and if I'd known this was a "golf movie" I probably would have stayed home. I knew Jones was a famous golfer but this film transcended golf--and for an independent film it had a real Chariots of Fire kind of spirit to it! This elegant, classically told and beautifully photographed homage to the Jones legacy is not only entertaining but there's some great truths contained in the dialogue. (They'll forgive you for losing but not for quitting). I attended a sneak advance screening of the film. The whole theme of the evening was a `life well lived' and was very inspiring. The more I've (now) read about Jones the more I appreciate this film about a humble guy whose integrity, sportsmanship and refusal to play for money made him a role model for the ages. It's not surprising I guess, to see that some critics seem to have it out for Caviezel who is very understated but excellent in this well-acted film. I think he's our next Gary Cooper. Or maybe Jimmy Stewart (as anyone could tell who's heard him speak). More films like this! Keep up the good work.

Wow, what a nice movie! Beautifully filmed, too.

This is a loving tribute to the American amateur golf legend Bobby Jones but it doesn't sugarcoat his story. Jones is shown with his good and bad sides, especially his horrible temper which he corrected, and his nervous ailments which he was unable to correct and caused an early retirement from the game.

There is a lot of golf footage in here, of tournaments won and lost and battles against famous professional Walter Hagen, who always is pictured in these golf films as an arrogant, flamboyant man. In contrast, Jones' modest character is even more apparent than would normally be noticed.

Anyway, Jim Caveziel is likable as Jones and the two young actors who play the golfer as a kid also do very well. Jones' love interest is appealingly played by Claire Forlani. The two make for a handsome couple.

This is simply a good-natured, feel-good movie that is pleasing to the eyes as well as the heart. If you are a golfer, this a must, but a nice story even if you don't play the game. If you have the DVD, check out the documentaries here. They are quite interesting.

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.

My dad loved golf, and I wish I did. Unfortunately, I'm like my mom--as unathletic as you can get. But I enjoyed this film about the greatest amateur golfer who ever lived.

Bobby Jones didn't do it for the money. Isn't that an anachronism in this sports-crazed age of million dollar salaries! Bobby's record as the only golfer to win the big three of golf tournaments still stands. He walked away from it after this accomplishment to devote his life to his family.

I really like this movie. It portrayed a time when values meant something. Jim Caviezel does a great job as do the rest of the cast. The guy who plays Jones' arch rival, Walter Kagan almost steals the movie.