Bobby (2006)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / June 23, 2007

Robert Kennedy won California’s primary election on June 5, 1968. That night, after giving a speech in the ballroom of his headquarters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy was shot in the head by a Jordanian immigrant named Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy died the next day.

Writing that isn’t a spoiler because people already know the story, and “Bobby” isn’t really about the assassination, anyway. Emilio Estevez wrote and directed this movie that focuses on satellite stories of fictitious human dramas that surround the events of that night.

Basically, to describe each of these tiny storylines is to give away the movie. Since there are a number of plot threads, each story only gets limited attention. But the huge, star-studded cast makes these mini dramas interesting enough.

Don’t mistake “Bobby” for an accurate, historical depiction. In fact, Kennedy is hardly in the movie at all. Most of his appearances are actual file footage. The actor who plays Kennedy doesn’t appear until about 75 minutes into the film.

This edited version has brief innuendo; several drug depictions; references to northward, female body parts and ample blood.

Overall, “Bobby” isn’t exceptional, but it’s a decent, historical fiction drama.

Directed by Emilio Estevez
Anthony Hopkins / Laurence Fishburne / William H. Macy
120 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up

DVD release date: April 10, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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