SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER

SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER - 1993

RATED - PG for thematic elements. VERY family friendly for ages 7+.

RATINGS - 106 Amazon (5/5), 336,733 Netflix (3.8/5), 12,330 IMDB (7.5/10), Roger Ebert (4/4).

STARRING - Max Pomeranc, Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishburne

AWARDS - 1994 Academy Award nomination for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY plus 4 other nominations and 5 wins.

THEMES - Relationships, gifts, winning.

STORY - The film is based on the true story of Josh Waitzkin and his family. What happens when a sportswriter, who has just given his son a new baseball glove for his 7th birthday, discovers that his son prefers chess over baseball. He not only prefers it but he is a child prodigy. He could be another Bobby Fischer. Unfortunately, as we see in flashbacks of Fischer's career throughout the film, being a genius and world champion did not necessarily make you a human success story. The question is: are genius and success as a human being mutually exclusive? Can you be a child prodigy and a 'normal' child? The film does a great job of exploring that question as we see the family struggle with first, Josh's gifts, and then, how to best use the incredible talent he has for visualizing the game of chess. As Josh says to one of his opponents during a match, 'It's over. You just don't know it yet." Genius sees things the rest of us mortals do not. The acting is superb, the cinematography, especially of the chess tournaments, is amazing, and the degree to which the film addresses the question of genius versus having a life is sometimes heartbreaking. A film that will challenge you and inspire you. You don't need to be a chess fan or even know anything about the game to enjoy this one. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/29/2009.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, ROGER EBERT (Excellent Review)

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX

KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX - 2005

RATED - TV PG (Family Friendly)

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (4.5/5), 5,077 Netflix (4.1/5), 276 IMDB (6.7/10).

STARRING - Ted Danson and a host of talented students.

THEMES - Relationships, pursuing your dream.

STORY - The film begins with former engineer businessman Richard Mason (Danson) showing up at an inner-city school for what he thought was to be his first day teaching sixth grade. It turns out to be fourth grade and they're not very interested in learning. Based on true events, Mason, a chess master, finds common ground with the students in teaching them the game of chess in a way that challenges and motivates them to want to be the best. Mason, dealing with his own demons at home, finds a new life in the classroom and so do the students. While the plot and ending may be somewhat predictable, the film feels true and realistic. There is always room for one more well done story of someone who thinks outside the box to change their world and those around them for good. May their tribe increase! Very entertaining and family friendly.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB