Movie Review: Bobby

Movies Reviews

By Anne Brodie Nov 22, 2006, 2:01 GMT

This is a profoundly emotional and devastating ensemble story woven around 22 people present at Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel the night Robert Kennedy Jr. was assassinated.

It’s not just the script – it’s the passionately committed focus of Estevez and his cast as they show us again how hope died in June of 1968.It’s been seven years of Estevez’ life making this film a reality. He believes the premature death of Kennedy compromised the future of the US.Sirhan Sirhan shot him to death after delivering a speech celebrating his victory in the 1968 Democratic Presidential Primary. He was making his way through the hotel kitchen where, for a moment, adoration for this forward thinking man united the disparate workers.Fortunately, Estevez has hit it out of the park. An above average script and capable direction, and top-notch performances by a cast of 22 stars make this a major contender not only for the Academy Award race but also for our hearts.1968 was a year of lurching change in the States – civil, race and women’s rightsHe spoke for the poor and disenfranchised and rallied to the side of African Americans.The film opens in the kitchen and security areas of the Ambassador Hotel, where racial tensions trickle down the ranks from the manager, played by Christian Slater. Upstairs a young and idealist woman (Lindsay Lohan) prepares to marry a friend (Elijah Wood) so he will not be sent to the Vietnam front when he’s drafted.Sharon Stone puts in a bravura performance as an ageing hotel hair stylist married to an unfaithful manager (William H. Macy). Stone is unafraid to look careworn and old – the set of her jaw, the sadness and resignation in her eyes – while maintaining her dignity. He’s cheating on her with operator Heather Graham. Also in the mix are a couple of political interns who take acid instead of stumping on Election Day, acid sold to them by a sixties style drug alpha male played by Ashton Kutcher. Kutcher’s wife Demi Moore is reunited with Estevez as husband and wife, she’s a famous singer, and he’s her lapdog. For those with long memories, they were at one time a hot celeb couple. Estevez told me, when premiering the film in Toronto, that she had not had the opportunity to display her considerable dramatic talents to date. He knew she could do it and she does, her work is worthy of the material.The remarkable cast in side plots includes Harry Belafonte, Anthon Hopkins, Larry Fishburne, Nick Cannon, Helen Hunt, Joshua Jackson, Shia La Beouf. There is no space to talk here about their individual contributions, but I want to – I want to share word that this film is a one-of-a-kind, important and deeply moving experience with once-in-a-lifetime performances.It recalls the sixties vividly for those who were there. Estevez’ attention to detail for a time he really does not really remember is breath taking. The film will surely raise debate between political factions in the US, but its universal messages embrace everyone, its emotion hits everyone. A tour-de-force, well worth seven years’ dedication.Opened limited USA November 17. MPAA: Rated R

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SP4Nov 22nd, 2006 - 22:03:14

What a crock...

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