Prayers for Bobby

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Prayers for Bobby

TV-PG,

2009,

1h 30m,

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

73%

15 Reviews

Tomatometer

86%

1,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights.

Critics Consensus

A devastating true story and terrific performance by Sigourney Weaver give Prayers for Bobby palpable power, although some viewers may find this well-intentioned film too calculating in its efforts to wring tears.

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Gail Pennington

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Oct 3, 2019

Poignant but as heavy handed as an old after-school special. It delivers an important message, but I wonder whether those who need to hear it will stick around long enough to listen.

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New York Post Staff

New York Post

Oct 3, 2019

The cast is just perfect -- not a missed beat. And Weaver? She puts in a performance that is right up there with her best work.

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Joanne Ostrow

Denver Post

Oct 3, 2019

It doesn't mean to feel maniacally manipulative. It just happened that way... Sigourney Weaver is the film's strength; the neat Lifetime tie-a- ribbon ending is its biggest weakness.

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Mark A. Perigard

Boston Herald

Oct 15, 2019

Here's the obvious question: What is Sigourney Weaver doing in a Lifetime movie? Answer: Giving one heartrending performance.

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Michael Abernethy

PopMatters

Oct 3, 2019

Weaver gives what is undeniably one of her best performances.

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George L

Oct 17, 2017

This docudrama, based on a true story, does indeed tell a powerful story about a topic which has not previously received much attention. While the direction and editing is poor, the performances are generally strong (especially Weaver) and there are some very powerful scenes. You may need a tissue towards the end.

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Han S

Dec 17, 2011

QuÃ (C) pelÃcula tan buena, casi me hace llorar!! QuÃ (C) historia!!! OjalÃ¡ todo el mundo se diera cuenta de la verdad asÃ como Mary Griffiths

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Abraham G

Jun 20, 2009

Prayers For Bobby may be very definitely stuck on the realms of the TV movie, but it's got a moving story to tell and the cast and filmmakers' belief in what the film has to say comes through in every frame.

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Russell Mulcahy

Director

Sigourney Weaver

Mary Griffith

Henry Czerny

Robert Griffith

Ryan Kelley

Bobby Griffith

Dan Butler

Reverend Whitsell

Austin Nichols

Ed Griffith

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights.

Director: Russell Mulcahy
Producer: Damian Ganczewski
Screenwriter: Katie Ford
Production Co: Permut Presentations, Sladek / Taaffe Productions, Once Upon a Time Films
Rating: TV-PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 19, 2017
Runtime: 1h 30m

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