Movie Friday Returns!

Hey all...

I know you've missed Movie Friday as much as I have, but I've been busy dammit! I'm moving on Monday and I've been working lots of overtime at work and... Truthfully, it's all lies. I have been busy, but I use that excuse for everything. I am an underachiever in the best sense of the word. :)

This week I'm recommending an older film, but one I thoroughly enjoyed and still do to this day. Searching for Bobby Fischer was released in 1993 and I don't know that it did all that well at the box office. The film is loosely based upon a nonfiction book of the same title. It tells the story of a young boy who is a chess prodigy and born into a normal all American family. After his father discovers his talent, he is eager to have his son win matches and become a champion. His son, Josh, is still a little boy growing up and doesn't quite understand the adult concentration on winning and being better than everyone else. As Josh grows up through the film, so does his father. The movie makes an important and valid point that child prodigies are still children first and foremost.

This film has an extraordinary cast. Max Pomeranc gives a believable and authentic performance as Josh. I wouldn't say he's as good as the kid in Little Man Tate, but he's pretty darn close. He comes across as a normal and affable kid who's caught up in the melee that has become his life. Ben Kingsley is amazing as Max's chess coach and Laurence Fishburne brings his usual strength of character to his role as a chess playing homeless man from the park. Joan Allen, in one of her earlier roles, brings forth the kind of power that would carry her to starring roles in later years. She is fierce and I am such a fan of her work. I refuse to gush anymore, but she could read names out of the phone book and I would pay top dollar to listen. Joe Mategna also gives a great performance as Josh's father, the guy who wants everyone to know his kid is a genius. You also see William H Macy amongst other actors with supporting roles before they went on to bigger projects.

Searching for Bobby Fischer is an extraordinary gem of a film that I cannot say enough about. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have.

Have a great weekend. Cuidate.