Sorry, this movie sucks

One of my all time favorites.

Don't listen to the negative reviews

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I was really looking forward to seeing this movie and overall it was a good movie. Like most chess players any movie which portrays chess in a good light is welcomed with open arms.Lets get the gripes out of the way first. For me Ted Danson was never really believable in this movie, I can't quite put my finger on the reasons why but he just didn't seem to be comfortable in the role. Then there are the chess errors, any attempt by TV or Film to represent the royal game seems to fail miserably with the chess basics.I am not talking about a 1 second clip here with the board incorrectly set up, but in the Nationals when Jimmy is playing, there is a close up which pans out with the board completely set up wrong. This is just unforgivable and any basic chess consultancy on this film would have picked this up. For me that cost the film 3 stars right there. This may seem harsh however this is not the only error in this movie other less serious errors have been documented on the Internet.However that said if you are looking for a feel good movie with the usual happy ending with chess in it you can't really go wrong with this film.

In a time where critical thinking and being able to think "outside the box" are fundamental, this movie give hope to so many who don't have much exposure to things outside their little world. Not everyone in the USA even knows the wonder of your neighborhood library, or of an art / science / history museum, or has even been to a zoo. So many in our country are struggling just to learn to read. It gives hope to see these young children learn to master the game of chess, learn to know that they too can take a stand for what is right, for what they deserve. It also shows how rewarding it is to help show someone the way to a new way of learning, thinking, doing, being...to give hope.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, but did anyone else notice a few moves that just annoyed them? At the end especially, Dawsons final move blocking his opponents check (it was like Rc3 or d3 I believe) and yet mating him, made no sense. It was possibly a discovered check with the queen I noticed, but for it to have been a mate it didn't really make much sense to me. Yeah, I guess I'm thinking too technical probably, but regardless great all around acting and definitely recommend it to viewers of all ages. I think this would be a great flick to show in school, possibly give kids who don't know or respect the game a better idea of what possibilities chess can bring into their lives.

Don't know if what I am writing is a spoiler or not, but just in case...here goes!! Saw this movie tonight on A&E. At first wasn't sure if I was interested with lightweight actor - Ted Danson. I mean what has he done lately? I was more than pleasantly surprised and very happy that I watched this movie. I think that the premise of this story - even though the use of fictitious characters were used, the fact that there really is a teacher of this caliber that took the time with young kids in situations that could take them down the wrong road - well it strengthened my belief in human nature once again! I even think Danson's decision to go naturally with the silver-white hair added to the believability of the character...I think my favorite scene was when Jimmy went to visit his dad. Father and son relating on an equal playing field of a chess board where the dad teaches his son a life lesson. What a powerful statement.Anyway, A&E played it back to back tonight and I couldn't help but watch it twice.Excellent choice for family viewing. We need more movies like this that emphasize that even those in dire straits can find a lifeline if they just stop and think before flailing in knee-deep water.I applaud teacher David MacEnulty for teaching us all a lesson in life!