Bobby

Without exception, a great cast and a nice mosaic-like script that convinces the viewer at the very end that each of the stories seen (in fact, even Ashton Kutcher's hippie) really had its place in it. That's what made Bobby an excellent film for me. In addition to a convincing period atmosphere, it offered a number of really great scenes, such as Demi Moore and Sharon Stone's conversation in front of the mirror, or retired doorman Anthony Hopkins, who can't resist welcoming one more distinguished guest to the Ambassador... And then the ending. The reporter Janáčková from Rudé Právo is an added bonus for us Czechs, as is the pleasant fact that the screenwriter and director really know something about the situation in Czechoslovakia at the time. (04/08/2015)

It can be seen as a reminder of the event, but otherwise, the whole thing will again be sent to the dogs by the clichéd thesis - even a broken marriage is brought together by national sadness. Bleh. Nevertheless, the cast is truly representative: the affable Hopkins as a Greta Garbo fan, the appealing Demi Moore as a washed-up singer, the mature and still sexy Sharon Stone as an enterprising hairdresser, the charming Helen Hunt as a vain wife, the quality Fishburne as the chef-guru of all blacks, and Slater as the Deux ex machina. (06/26/2010)

The name Emilio Estevez didn't mean much to me until I came across a film where he both acted and directed, and it turned out to be perfect. Making a film solely about Bobby would have been difficult, but the way it intertwines with the stories of people at the Ambassador Hotel was simply flawless. The ensemble cast was impressive, with a decent number of well-known names (I liked Christian Slater, and Demi Moore delivered a very convincing performance). This definitely showed, guaranteeing top-notch quality. The storytelling style was somewhat unconventional but interesting. Initially, you don’t quite understand why these particular characters are given the most screen time, but as you build a connection with them, the ending hits even harder. While you know there won’t be a happy ending, you still secretly hope for a miracle and that things won’t end badly. The portrayal of the 1968 atmosphere was unusually authentic, the costumes were well done, and the build-up to the final catastrophe was chilling. From now on, I know Estevez is a name worth following. I’m also looking forward to his latest work, The Public. I give Bobby 90%. (09/24/2018)

Bobby is an informal name that suggests that its bearer was liked and had a close relationship with people. Unfortunately, this film is unable to convey this informality of the legend of American politics. The presidential candidate speaks to us only through his speeches, from which quite extensive passages have been selected. I have nothing against big ideas when they are presented in an unobtrusive way. However, here I felt as if the director was somewhat inspired by the famous Oprah Winfrey Show. I do not relate to this method of communication. In my opinion, it is both pathetic and soaked in ingratiating sentiment. The moving music, as the minutes went by, turned into torture. Bobby deserves one star for the idea of depicting the last hours before the assassination through a kaleidoscope of hotel guests and employees, thus using the method that Robert Altman made famous in the United States and another star for the stellar cast and their acting. On the other hand, I felt that some characters were unnecessary and I would like to learn more about others. Overall impression: 45%. (07/07/2015)

Emilio Estevez the director is quite good, but Emilio Estevez the screenwriter is lost. The film doesn't let you get beneath the surface and watching more than a dozen characters is basically quite boring. If Bobby had reduced the number of characters and given them more personality, it could have been much better. (01/16/2007)