Fresh
Pomeranc is wonderfully real and wide-eyed as Josh, with a raspy voice and slight lisp recalling Linus from the Peanuts cartoons.
Variety Staff, Variety
Searching for Bobby Fischer
Every journey begins with a single move.
1993 · 1h 50m · PG
Drama
Directed by
Steven Zaillian
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Searching for Bobby Fischer
Overview
A seven-year-old chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.
Director and cast
- Steven Zaillian Director
- Max Pomeranc as Josh Waitzkin
- Joe Mantegna as Fred Waitzkin
- Joan Allen as Bonnie Waitzkin
- Ben Kingsley as Bruce Pandolfini
- Laurence Fishburne as Vinnie
- Michael Nirenberg as Jonathan Poe
- Robert Stephens as Poe's Teacher
- David Paymer as Kalev
- Hal Scardino as Morgan
- William H. Macy as Tunafish Father
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh
The mystery of Fischer's talent and torment adds depth to Searching for Bobby Fischer, about a young New York chess prodigy who doesn't want his genius to ruin his life.
Michael Booth, Denver Post
Fresh
True, James Horner's score seems to have strayed in from a fists-in-the-air crowd-pleaser, but it's the one weak link in an accomplished, unexpectedly winning movie.
Derek Adams, Time Out
Fresh
What Bobby Fischer took away, dashing the hopes and the innocence of his acolytes when he spurned chess, may never truly be recaptured. But some of it has found its way to the screen.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Fresh
Chess may not be the most exciting activity to watch, but Searching for Bobby Fischer makes for engaging entertainment.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
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