Following the media circus that was “Passion of the Christ”, I wondered what would be next for actor Jim Cazievel. According to the press, it was likely that Caviezel would forever be hailed as the ‘man who was Jesus’ and stereotyping was sure to follow. The best thing he could do was choose a quiet, unassuming film that would allow him to do what he does best… act. “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” was the perfect choice. Based on the life of the famed golf legend, “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” is one of those films that is seen by few, but makes an impact on those who do. I will be the first to admit that I have little to no interest in sports. I’ll even go so far as to say that I have always found golf to be especially boring, silly, and one that I would never be caught dead playing (aside from Miniature Golf, but that is a whole different world). In my line of work, I hear a lot of young corporate ladder-climbers talk of the wonders of golf, all the while realizing that they don’t believe it for a minute.

We both understand it is no more than a way to kiss up to the upper corporate echelon, whose own professed ‘love’ of the game is built upon the leftover feeling they had when they themselves were the young corporate ladder-climbers looking for a way to kiss up. But I digress…

What is odd about my complete disinterest in all things sport related is almost as strong as my interest in sports movies. I have yet to understand this dichotomy, but I think it has something to do with what these movies are usually really about, as opposed to what real sports are all about these days. In the movies (most of the time anyway), the people playing sports are doing it for their total love and devotion to the game, kind of like what it was like in real sports years ago. In real sports nowadays, it’s all about the money. It’s rare to find a player in any arena who looks at his position, not as a high-paying job, but as the culmination of a dream.

“Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” is one of those movies that is about passion and drive more than it is about the game of golf itself. The real-life character of Bobby Jones was a man if many faults, from his battle with alcoholism to the painful career-ending spinal disorder that he could no longer hide. Caviezel throws himself into the role completely and paints a picture of this flawed human being who wanted nothing more than to be the best at his craft. He didn’t care about the fame or the money, which is something most of today’s athlete’s could learn a thing or two about.

I enjoyed this move a lot more than I expected I would, though I’m sure there are many it will not appeal to. “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” is not a fast-paced, in your face type of film. It takes its time in telling the story, and if I had any minor nitpicks at all it would be that some of the scenes involving playing the game itself went on a little too long. Seeing more of Jones off the course, was always more interesting than seeing him on.

The DVD, which is being released this week by Sony / Columbia Tristar, offers up the film, as well as a fair share of special features. There is a commentary by director Rowdy Herrington, who oddly enough also directed “Road House”, who is joined by Professor Richard Brown. It is a fairly entertaining commentary, though a bit dry at times. You’ll also find deleted scenes, a look at the making of the film, and some featurettes about the real Bobby Jones. Surprisingly, there are also some bloopers included, which seemed strange considering the somber and quiet tone of the film.

“Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” is a good film to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and a darn sight better than anything you will ever find on ESPN.

Directed by: Rowdy Herrington
Starring: Jim Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northram, Malcolm McDowell, Connie Ray, Brett Rice
Extras: Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, Director Commentary with Special Guest Prof. Richard Brown, “Celebrating the Legend”, Featurettes on the Bobby Jones Legacy, Photo Gallery
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 11/30/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG (For Language)
Website

We'll give Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius a B-.