vincentlynch-moonoi So, why did this film flop...so badly. Simple. To enjoy this film you pretty much have to have a true interest in golf, and perhaps even more so, and interest in the history of golf. That brings things down to a pretty small audience.That being said, this is a very good film. I do have to admit that I preferred the depiction of Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in "The Legend Of Bagger Vance", but the depictions here are probably more accurate. The film also suffers from being a bit too long...123 minutes...it could have been edited more tightly. And, I wish it had spent a little time telling about Jones' illness later in life.The performances here are, in my view, solid. Jim Caviezel was excellent as Bobby Jones, although I did prefer the depiction by Joel Gretsch in "Bagger Vance". Claire Forlani is good as Jone's wife. Jeremy Northam was good as Walter Hagen, although again, I preferred the depiction by Bruce McGill in "Bagger Vance". I never cared for Malcolm McDowell in his younger years, but as he has matured I've come to appreciate his performances, and he's enjoyable here. I almost didn't recognize Aidan Quinn as a British golfer...watch for him...it's a rather small part. Brett Rice was very good as Bobby's father, and Connie Ray good as his mother. Dan Albright was interesting as the grandfather. I also enjoyed Paul Freeman as the Scottish caddy.If you're a golfer, I recommend this film. If you're not a golfer, you may find it boring. But it is a nicely executed film.

zabokrugby8 Like many amateur golfers, I am interested in learning more of the early history of our game. That's the primary reason why I rented this film.What better place to start than with this film. Hollywood did a fine job telling the story of one of golf's memorable amateur players: Bob Jones. And for sure many of us are also well acquainted with the Jones' legend: the only man to have captured golf's 'Grand Slam'.Way back in the Thirties, Bobby Jones won the U.S. and British amateur titles as well as their senior counterparts: The U.S. Open and the U.K.'s 'Open Championship'. Accomplishing all that is no small feat either. Bobby did that in a single calendar year.And almost immediately after he had climbed golf's pinnacle, Jones announced his retirement from tournament golf. He was 28 at the time.Some notable pros of his era, fellow American Walter Hagen and Scottish legend Harry Vardon both thought highly of the smallish man from Atlanta Georgia. They too both saw the making of golf legend, many times.Some matches they won. In others where they lost to Jones' magical shot making, even finishing runner-up was considered an honor. However, winning was not that easy for the mercurial first ever golf 'super-star'.The film devotes much time to exposing his mystery ailment: stomach troubles. The cure though was less than conventional. Bobby took a little whiskey from time to time. So, the film's producers claim.Early in his career the film also mentioned another health issue: Bob suffered from varicose veins. He was 'much too young for that', his father decried.Aside from the heavy exposure devoted to a young Jones' temper, the film cast a bright light even halo over Bobby Jones. That brilliance presided over both the golfer and the man. What I didn't like was the many close-up shots of Jones' helicoptering golf clubs after an errant shot. We get it: club throwing is not flattering behavior for a gentleman's game.There's no doubt that Bobby Jones was that. He was in fact a Southerner. And Southerners that I've met have always exhibited gentlemanly traits, both behaviorally and in their speech.The last line here belongs to one of the film's producers. One expressed his sentiments (paraphrased) this way."Golf is a backdrop. The real story is about an extraordinary man. Moreover, Bobby Jones left his indelible mark on both the golf world and all those who knew him."Nothing needs to be added there; I agree, wholly. Bobby Jones both the golf legend and as a fellow citizen are stories of renown. This film captured both the highs and lows of Jones' life on and off the course in a sensitive yet respectful manner. For their efforts I doff my cap to the producers, directors, crew and actors. And Jim Caviezel's reprisal of the golf legend did Jones proud.

Olyincomefree I urge you to see the Bobby Jones movie in question.If you do, you will see what a bad movie is all about.They simply do not make movies this bad very often.I figure that the ones posting "Great Movie!!!" on this site are desperately trying to get you to rent this awful thing for a very personal reason.They want you to spend your money so they can get a little of their investor money back.Go rent it... and then spread the word.Bobby Jones movie is laughably bad! AND--they even stole the title from the TITANIC THOMPSON:STROKE OF GENIUS book! Go figure!

mjf-12 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.