Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

Links fans may enjoy this reverential biography of the famed golfer of the 1920s, who retired at age 28 after becoming the only player ever to win the Grand Slam in 1930 (taking first place in four major U.S. and British tournaments). In golf lore, Bobby Jones is a white knight of the game, a figure of Babe Ruth-level achievement and wonderful post-career service, too. Unhappily, the film--like the man himself, who never turned pro--doesn't rise beyond amateur status; rather, writer-director Rowdy Herrington's paean is like a stately, well-intentioned but rather dull small-town pageant in which residents dress up in period garb to dramatize the life of some local celebrity. Jim Caviezel is stilted and ponderous--as well as much too old in the earlier reels--as Jones; as is Claire Forlani, playing the woman who becomes his wife. Some energy is brought to the proceedings by Malcolm McDowell, who gads about as a sports reporter, and Jeremy Northam, who preens majestically as Jones's main competitor, a high-living professional who can't help but be miffed by his rival's seemingly effortless success. Kudos are also due for the movie's sumptuous look, enhanced by attractive locations and handsome costumes. But, ultimately, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius is a movie of mediocrity--the sort of earnest, plodding docudrama that will appeal only to those already fascinated by its subject. Not a necessary purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a narrative track for the visually impaired, audio commentary by director Rowdy Herrington and special guest NYU Professor of Film & Video Richard Brown, the “making-of” featurette “Celebrating the Legend” (17 min.), four deleted scenes (5 min.), five minutes of bloopers, “The Legacy” (five segments, 1-4 minutes each, featuring archival footage, letters, info about Jones's ailment, and promos for The First Tee golf foundation and the East Lake Community Foundation), a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a subpar biopic.] (F. Swietek)