Searching for Bobby Fischer

Starring: Max Pomeranc, Joe Mantegna, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishburne, Laura Linney, Tony Shalhoub, William H. Macy, Dan Hedaya, David Paymer
Directed by: Steven Zaillian
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: 7 year-old Josh (Max Pomeranc) sees people playing speed chess in the park. He quickly picks up the game, and shows signs of being a chess prodigy. His father (Joe Mantegna) enlists the help of a professional chess coach (Ben Kingsley) to help his son develop his gift.

Review:

Tim: I was only 12 or 13 when I first (and last) watched this movie, and there are still parts of the film that I remembered vividly, even 15+ years since I last watched it. That is the mark of a great movie- when you can remember scenes that impacted you over a decade after watching it. I was surprised at how much I remembered, but also by how much I did not.

Searching for Bobby Fischer is a great movie. It's based on the true life story of a young chess prodigy, and is pretty remarkable. The story is about a kid with a gift, but it's also about so much more than that- it's about facing our fears, about overcoming adversity, and about having compassion and kindness. This is a film about the greatness we all have inside us, and about how we choose to use the talents God gave us. It is an inspirational, uplifting movie. It is foremost a movie about chess- not about the science or the math of it- but the art. It is beautiful in that aspect.

The cast is fantastic. Young Max Pomeranc shines in his feature film debut. I wish he had stuck with acting more, because the kid truly has talent. He really makes the movie. Joe Mantegna was fantastic as his father. Mantegna seems like he mostly gets smaller, supporting roles, so I was glad he got a meaty one here. Joan Allen is very good, making the absolute most of her smaller role. Every scene she's in is important for the movie. Ben Kingsley was excellent as the prodigy's teacher. Kingsley has the right balance for the part, and offers up some very emotional moments. I really enjoyed his performance. I also really liked Laurence Fishburne here. He doesn't have as many great scenes, but he is still important to the film. Laura Linney, Tony Shalhoub, and William H. Macy have too small parts for their talent, but their presence was welcome.

This real life drama does so much right. It is fascinating in how it portrays genius, and how natural ability alone is not enough to truly excel in life. There's so much one can learn about life from watching this movie. I watch a lot of crappy movies, but I also get the opportunity to watch some truly great ones. Searching for Bobby Fischer is one of those great movies. There are so many funny scenes, so many moments when you can just sit back and revel in the genius and talent of Josh Waitzkin. This movie is a drama, but it's also a very fun movie. That is not easy to pull off, but this film does it. I really enjoyed this movie, and I think it's still underrated by many viewers. It received only one Academy Award nomination (for Best Cinematography). It's deserving of so much more.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



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