Searching for Bobby Fischer Movie Review 1993

Seven-year-old Josh Waitzkin (Pomeranc, in his debut) shows an amazing gift for chess, stunning his parents, who must then try to strike the delicate balance of developing his abilities while also allowing him a "normal" childhood. Excellent cast features Mantegna and Allen as his parents, Kingsley as demanding chess teacher Pandolfini, and Fishburne as an adept speed-chess hustler. Pomeranc is great, and his knowledge of chess (he's a ranked player) brings authenticity to his role. Title comes from Pandolfini's belief that Josh may equal the abilities of chess whiz Bobby Fischer. Underrated little gem based on a true story and adapted from the book by Waitzkin's father.

Distribution

Paramount Home Video, 5555 Melrose Ave., 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Phone: (323)956-5000, URL: http://www.paramount.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 111 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Family Ties, Childhood Visions, True Stories, Chess, Gifted Children, New York, New York

Screenplay

Steven Zaillian

Cast

Joe Mantegna, Max Pomeranc, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, Laurence "Larry" Fishburne, Robert Stephens, David Paymer, William H. Macy, Hal Scardino

Cinematography

Conrad L. Hall

Director

Steven Zaillian

Music

James Horner

Producer

Scott Rudin, William Horberg, Sydney Pollack, Mirage Productions, Paramount Pictures

Awards

MTV Movie Awards 1994: New Filmmaker (Zaillian).