Movie Review: Bobby

Bobby (On DVD, 2006)

This film chronicles the lives of a number of fictitious people who were in the hotel on the day when Robert F. Kennedy was shot and killed in 1968. First thing’s first. This film is misnamed. It should have been named, “People hanging out at the hotel on the day Bobby was shot whose lives are not quite as interesting as Bobby’s”. But, I guess that wouldn’t fit well on a movie poster. To be fair, this is a pretty decent film in and of itself. Given the fact that most people know what the outcome is going to be, there is a level of intrigue that keeps you wondering when and how it will happen. The cast is heavily loaded with star talent and there are a number of solid performances. But, as mentioned, this film doesn’t have a lot to do with Robert Kennedy. Visually it is an interesting film to watch as the filmmakers spliced real footage of Kennedy on the campaign trail, and eventually at the hotel, in with other scenes. What this film suffers from is too many subplots, none of which get developed enough for the audience to connect with the actors. This leaves you somewhat unsympathetic to the plights of some characters, as you don’t get the sense that this is really supposed to be about them. I suppose this film may appeal more to those who actually remember this time, much in the same way that people remember exactly where they were or how they felt when other national tragedies occurred. If you are looking for a decent fictional film that is a loosely intertwined with historical events, this is a good bet. However, if you are looking for an in-depth narrative of the life of Robert F. Kennedy, you will have to look elsewhere. (2 ½ stars out of 4) Rated R for profanity, adult situations, and drug use. Enjoyable for my mom: Yes.