Bobby Z (2007) User Reviews

Movie was funny, entertaining and I enjoyed it.

[NerdLife · 7/10 · 12 October 2007]

While it's no worse than much of the action movie junk that makes it to theatres, Bobby Z, originally entitled The Death and Life of Bobby Z, is a action thriller with Tim Kearney (Walker) as our hero. Kearney is a convict who's an ex-Marine and clearly not so much a bad person as one who has frequently found himself in trouble due to circumstance rather than intent. This gives director John Herzfeld, whose own career hacs been on less than an up-tick since the appropriately named 15 Minutes came and went in about that long, a premise for having a good guy hero who still fits the label of a tough convict.

The slightly convoluted storyline sees Kearney – whose life is in peril since he killed a biker gang boss in prison (self defence, of course) – offered an opportunity to walk free, as long as he's willing to impersonate a drug kingpin who happens to look just like Kearney, and who has just died. Fishburne plays the Drug Enforcement Agency cop who puts Kearney up to this task.

Before you can say 'gunfights are fun', Kearney is being shot at by the cops, manhandled by Mexican drug thugs, pursued by the bikers, and generally in demand by everyone, regardless of whether they think he's Kearney or Bobby Z. Our hero, of course, dodges the bullets, battles the bad guys, befriends Bobby Z's son (who has never met his dad) and romances a beautiful woman (Olivia Wilde) whose relationship with the bad guys is a bit hazy, but clearly quite intimate.

Filled with head scratching twists and cornball dialogue, this is not exactly a brilliant film. Yet it's got a slick look and at least a few passably enjoyable action scenes. And Walker, while never likely to be mistaken for a Shakespearian thespian, has the good looks and charisma to lead the way here. At least his character isn't loaded down with as many stupidly threatening lines as Fishburne's. Wilde also does a passable job as Kearney's conflicted love interest; she's mainly called upon to look good (which she accomplishes rather easily), but also doesn't muff her lines when she does have something to say.

Movie was funny, entertaining and I enjoyed it.

Herzfeld tries another Tarantino style movie

[krachtm · 5/10 · 8 March 2013]

The plot: Kearny, a loser convict,is pushed into impersonating Bobby Z, a larger-than-life drug dealer, in a hostage trade, only to find both his own and Bobby Z's enemies trying to kill him.

Herzfeld previously directed 2 Days in the Valley, a Tarantino ripoff if ever there was one. However, unlike most people, I actually kind of liked it. This movie is another attempt to clone Tarantino's style, heavy on flashbacks, stylized violence, and witty anti-heroes. Unfortunately, it's not all that great, but it did manage to keep my interest for the runtime.

Bobby Z is built up as a small-time celebrity in the local surfer scene, as well as a rising star in drug distribution. Kearney, on the other hand, is a three time loser with a price on his head. The movie compares and contrasts their personalities many times, with Bobby Z being revealed as a manipulative, egocentric jerk, while Kearney shows many admirable qualities despite his impulsive violence.

After a somewhat grim opening, the movie becomes quite lighthearted. In fact, I'm really at a loss as to why they even opened the movie with such a dark and disturbing bit of character development if they were just going to completely ignore it for the rest of the film. Oh well. Much of the movie is like this, however. Whenever anything shocking and dramatic happens, it's instantly forgotten by the next scene, where everyone pretends that it never happened. Even being shot seems to be glossed over rather quickly with some cursory first aid. It reminded me of a video game, where picking up a first aid kit heals your character of all wounds.

The acting was passable. It was certainly better than many direct-to-video movies, but nobody really stood out. I guess the script didn't really allow anyone to shine, though I was probably most disappointed that Laurence Fishburne was given such a bland role. Still, it's always fun to see him, even if it's in such a small and clichéd role.

If you're looking for an action movie, this will probably satisfy you, but I'd be surprised if you remembered it later or recommended it to your friends.

Not too bad for straight to DVD

[paramount-services · 5/10 · 17 April 2009]

For a seemingly low budget film, Bobby Z wasn't too bad. Moves pretty quickly, but with a weak storyline and plot, it is clear why it was a straight to DVD feature. Paul Walker does a decent job with a character that an Actor won't be able to do much with, except go with the flow. No real surprises, or twists and turns, just straight to the point B rated action. Actually has some pretty good fighting sequences and shoot outs. Laurence Fishburne is surprisingly cast as a supporting with a weak performance, mainly due to the script and content and possibly direction as well. Bobby Z is definitely a good B movie, with a rating of 5 overall considering everything listed above. All in all, this film is definitely worth watching if you're just chillin' with 97 minutes to spare. And Paul Walker is not nearly as bad an Actor as everyone tries to make him out to be. Have fun.

Beat by a loser.

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 8 November 2009]

To see Thirteen (Olivia Wilde) from House makes the movie a "must-see" all by itself. But there is much more promise in this film with action star Paul Walker, and the ever popular Laurence Fishburne.

Walker is playing this drug dealer and is trying to get Fishburne's partner back. You know, what can go wrong, will go wrong. Now, he is on his own.

The name of the game here is action. From the first scene, we see Tim/Bobby (Walker) getting in trouble, and it never stops. After an exciting horse/motorcycle chase, he takes off with his (Bobby's) son. He has the feds, the drug lords, and a biker gang after him. Not a good bet to survive, but he is an ex-Marine. Never bet against the Marines.

Don't expect anything more than fast action and you will not be disappointed.

Joaquim de Almeida, who you should remember as Bucho in Desperado, is the bad guy here.

I can forgive anything director John Herzfeld does in this film as I am forever grateful for his introduction of the hot Charlize Theron in 2 Days in the Valley.

Straight to Video

[netzwelter · 5/10 · 30 April 2007]

There is nothing much to be too excited of at this movie, but still entertaining. I wonder why it made its way to the silver screen because it's not better than dozens of Straight to Video productions. Storywise, you will get nothing more than you'd also get if you rent a Jean-Claude Van Damme Film. Same goes for "character development". There are some nice shootouts and fights, but nothing remarkable. It sometimes feels as if you were watching a film from the seventies: there is nothing really stylish or spectacular in the action scenes. Although it feels good to see movie that doesn't use the much common and enough-seen style of today's action flicks, the way this film shows the action seems out-dated. Also the film's pace should be higher, again it feels 70s-ish. As usual these days, there are some nice twists and turns in the story. Paul Walker does a decent job, but not as convincing as in "Running Scared". Laurence Fishburne he fails to put any life in his bad guy role. I am not impressed of Olivia Wilde in the leading female role. At least she tries hard to be more than decorative. 5/10

Macho man Paul Walker strikes again

[eonianskr · 7/10 · 19 January 2007]

Let me just start off by saying that i am quite an admirer of Paul Walker even thou he is not such a good actor i kinda like his style, this particular film had in my opinion a horrible script and a lot of pieces that didn't fit at all but it was really entertaining at least for my part. I gave it a 7, even thou i think i might have over rated it,the actress thou that played Elizabeth, i don't know her name yet but i will check it out after i post this comment, is a complete knock - out and i would see this film again just for another glimpse at her beauty-full face.

In an other of business i was quite surprised by the distribution of Lawrance Fishbourne in a secondary part like the one he had, i consider him a pretty good actor, a lot better than "macho man" Paul Walker.

In the end i'm just gonna say that i think they casted P. Walker just because he is a good "moaner" seeing him doing almost the same "battle sounds" in every film he had played in GrrrAAaarRRr (watch and listen closely). Cya

Cheesy

[legendaryunderdog · 2/10 · 5 May 2008]

I rented this movie thinking, "Hey, Paul Walker wasn't too bad in the fast and furious films and Laurence Fishburne is just awesome so why not get it?" Well friends, looks can and are deceiving, and I learned the hard way last evening watching this film. The director is trying so bad to keep you involved (or wanting to be involved) and for me it wasn't happening. The whole 'syking everyone out to think I'm Bobby Z' script work got old really quick, Paul Walker's acting was sub par (I haven't seen a lot of his work but I've been told by many that he's not that great of an actor). I cannot imagine what went through Laurence Fishburne's head when choosing to be in this film, he has done better, WAY better! There are way too many close up shots of Paul Walker (for absolutely no other reason than to show off his "Good Looks" and play some really lame music along with it). There is always some hot girl and a kid involved that need their lives saved, if you've seen it once, you've seen it a hundred times (just this time with Paul Walker). I suggest this film to people who only like Paul Walker and his close ups and not action flicks, because thats about all you get. Walker couldn't portray a criminal to save his life! Sorry Paul Walker fans, your boy let me down.

Lots of UFC Fighter Cameos

[kegan84 · 7/10 · 10 April 2007]

It's starring Paul Walker & Laurence Fishburne, but features appearances by a gang of MMA fighters.

Chuck Liddell, Tim Sylvia, Pat Miletich, Robbie Lawler and others all are in various fight and chase scenes etc.

Even in one scene, Paul Walker is in a fight, and starts shooting for an arm-bar, than triangle choke but gets slammed out of it.

This isn't even an MMA movie!

Fighters are terrible actors, but it's still cool to see so many cameos in one movie.

Overall, I give it a 7/10. It's entertaining enough.

This was fun

[stanman90048 · 8/10 · 2 June 2006]

I saw this movie last night at a special screening for audience feedback. Paul Walker really can act - I was pleasantly surprised. I originally thought he was only cast for his looks, but can see he has good acting abilities.

Movie was funny, worked well and I enjoyed it. The action scene in the kitchen was great and intense, kept me on the edge of my seat.

Lawrence Fishburn - as always - great! He's a solid actor and his role as the DEA Agent worked perfectly.

Paul's pretty love interest (Olivia Wilde from the OC)chemistry was lacking.

Chuck Liddell, although was only in the beginning of the movie was convincing. There was also a girl named Ashley who I would have like to see more of. She's hot!

The kid looks like he'll have a career ahead of him. The relationship between the kid and Paul Walker worked well and was believable. Not sure where I've seen him before, but he may have a promising career.

I liked the sequence of the movie - it starts with a mystery and the flashback kept me trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I liked the movie can't wait to see on see it on the big screen. Hope if comes out soon.

Poorly acted eye-candy

[saberknight · 6/10 · 6 September 2007]

Fishburne's role fits him about as well as one of his namesake fish lying on an Omaha sidewalk. Walker overall is a rather poor actor, and his straight-man face and actions pull his role off only with generous intimations on the part of the viewer. The plot is relatively cliché and, at points, nonsensical. I'd point out specific moments, but if you've seen Walker in the Fast and the Furious movies, I have a feeling you didn't pick this one for the plot.

The redeeming features, if there are any, are that there's a fair amount of eye-candy (no outright nudity, though, if that's what you're looking for), and you can sit and cheer as a sadistic woman-beater gets chained up and drug behind an SUV.

Sad and disappointing - See it at your own peril

[djhuckel · 2/10 · 14 February 2008]

I must say upfront I found 'The Death & Life of Bobby Z' to be quite sad and disappointing. I have read a great book by the author from where it came (half read another) and I really felt let down with this effort on screen. All I can think of is that the director John Herzfeld (15 Minutes, 2 Days in the Valley) didn't get to do what he wanted to do. I am sure he loved the book, which rights for were purchased for a considerable sum.

The story is that DEA agent Tad Gruzsa, played by Laurence Fishburne, provides former Marine Tim Kearney, played by Walker, with a way out of his prison sentence. By impersonating the legendary criminal Bobby Z... I felt it was a little too convoluted, slow in places (read 'quite boring'), stupid too in others, and don't think Paul Walker, or (surprisingly) Fishburne clinched their characters in what should have been an action, reasonably fast paced thriller.

Please do not watch this movie. It was very woeful... It was sad to see the great Neo, the terrific Laurence Fishburne incur this. Paul Walker? Forget it...

I was looking forward to seeing this film on the power of Laurence Fishburne primarily, Paul Walker, and secondly the author of the source (book) material, Don Winslow. I'm sure this book was great, like the one I have read 'The Winter of Frankie Machine' which is being turned into a movie with Robert De Niro starring, 'The Winter of Frankie Machine' by Scorcese...

But 'The Death & Life of Bobby Z' is one of the most woeful films, sloppy piece of celluloid dross, I have had the misfortune to see in a very long… See it at your own peril.

Worth a watch

[JCinHB · 6/10 · 30 March 2024]

OK... so this movie wasn't some blockbuster or anything... but its a decent movie.

It has a hot chick, the good looking guy, chases, shoot outs, back stabbing etc... If it was just a little bit better in some of the scenes, this could have been a major motion picture with a wide release.

But hey, you will find this on FREE streaming sites so what do you want for NOTHING?

Its 1:37 minutes long, not too short and not too long, grab some popcorn and enjoy.

I rate this movie a 6 out of 10, I start with a 5 and either go up or down... this movie goes up a notch.... and FYI, there is no such thing as a 10.. but there can be a 1.

I Simply Love It

[njlovallo · 10/10 · 12 September 2021]

Paul Walker was so awesome in this movie. The whole cast was. There is something about it that makes me watch it over and over. Is it Paul Walker's chemistry with the other Actors, maybe? I loved Tim/BobbyZ & Elizabeth's relationship. I wish there were more scenes of them together. I love the love Tim/BobbyZ finds for this child, Kit who Elizabeth is taking care of for his mother. The same man who says "he doesn't know much about kids." Does everything in his power to keep Kit safe.

Why is Paul Walker still relevant now? Because Paul was a damn great versatile actor. I know everyone usually only thinks of Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious movies. I did become a fan of Paul's from those movies. I started watching all of Paul's movies. And I became a bigger fan. Paul Walker had a gift. You don't even feel like he's acting. He put his whole heart into every role he played. Paul Walker's sensational talent. I miss him.

We lost so much when we lost Paul Walker.

Terrible plot holes

[Jimdotedu · 1/10 · 20 January 2021]

After 15 min I was cussing myself for watching this

not surprising

[yorkshire_keith · 3/10 · 9 May 2008]

This film is designed to appeal to a particular audience, the nature of which can be deduced from the standard of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation in most of the previous reports. (Those little tadpole like things are commas by the way.) The fact that many of them don't find it convincing despite their limited film viewing experience should be taken as a warning by the more discerning film critics amongst you. Comparing Paul Walker to Jean Claude Van Damme may seem a tad harsh at this stage in his career but if he wants to avoid the same level of career it might be an idea to employ someone else to pick film roles for him. Maybe he could "go halves" with Fishbourne who seems to be having a "blip" at the moment. I've no idea what he's doing in this. I like a good action movie as much as anyone and I've certainly nothing against excessively pretty people escaping from tough situations with never a facial blemish. But I wasn't quite convinced the cast and crew of this weren't taking it more seriously than perhaps, given subsequent reviews, they'd like us to think.

A Dreary Rehash of the Too Familiar Drugs/Gangster/Bad Cop Story

[gradyharp · 2/10 · 9 September 2007]

How this story of freeing a deadly criminal from prison to act as a stand-in for an at large criminal (Bobby Z) to bring revenge and closure to corruption on every level of the playing field can continue to be reproduced ad infinitum will remain a puzzle. This tired, poorly acted, hyper kinetic desert film wastes the talent of some good actors, gives plenty of killings to watch, and then introduces counterfeit kindness as a reason for making the film, is a movie to avoid.

Paul Walker is the released Bobby Z look-alike who will be freed from his life in prison by Laurence Fishburne's cop image if he merely shows up in Mexico as bait for drug lord Joaquin de Almeida's hostage demands for Fishburne's partner. Of course it all goes wrong at the exchange point, allowing the fake Bobby Z to find a female interest (Olivia Wilde) as well as a little boy (J.R. Villarreal) who is supposedly the son of the real Bobby Z (and therefore is taken in by the fake Bobby Z), and the rest is just a messy chase sequence and series of killings and kidnappings. The bad guys outnumber the good guys, and, well the rest is yesterday's sandwich. Not recommended even if there is nothing else on the shelves to rent! Grady Harp

Continuety issues and poor acting

[nmj-301-605167 · 2/10 · 4 March 2012]

Expecting a Tarrantinian type of experience, I was greatly disappointed with this movie. Not even the talented Laurence Fishburne could elevate the cast's overall acting performance to mediocrity. The rest of the cast demonstrated rigid, theatrical acting in a Charlie's Angels's style train of semi-connected events. The plot suffers from stereotypical characters like the bad cop, loser-turning-into-an-honourable-"doing-the-right-thing"-man, evil latino mafia boss, and cynical drug dealer. Several goofs scarred the movie as well. Eg. when Bobby Z jumped into the water right behind the moving boat, he jumped in the white stir created by the boat's propeller. When he crawled onto the boat, it was not moving and the water was calm.

Not going to the Oscars with this one

[dmstokes73 · 5/10 · 21 April 2011]

A convicted felon is used as a substitute for a drug dealer by law enforcement in an attempt to trade for an undercover officer being held by a drug baron. All the clichés are there, crooked cops, clueless felon, hairy bikers, sociopath drug baron, innocent child victim, Judas friend and a bad girl seeking redemption. This one has the whole lineup.

Not particularly believable story with a plot line that does not really hang together particularly well and really lacks substance. Not a bad movie that I would ridicule people for participating in but it is definitely a straight to DVD B-Grader.

How the mighty have fallen, from the Matrix to this for Laurence Fishburne, who would have to recognize he is on the way down if he is taking on projects of this caliber.

Olivia Wilde on the other hand is stunning, although more than a little lacking in emotive range and is hopefully using this as a vehicle on the way up as she develops.

I am beginning to suspect Paul Walker only has one character in his range and I just hope he makes enough money off that before the gravy train derails.

This is worth watching but set the bar low before you start, and savor Olivia Wilde's eyes because that is about the best thing that is going to happen on screen in this piece of cinema.

Not sure about this one...

[paulclaassen · 3/10 · 5 July 2018]

Mixed feelings. Too much if left to chance and movie convenience. Not much is justified here and the decision to be a comedy or action drama interwtines so much that it leaves you still wondering at the end...

Too many plot holes

[casablancavic · 2/10 · 1 October 2018]

Lots of plot holes. Lots of inconsisyencies.

Maybe the writers didn't realize that the US and Mexico requires passports to get from Mexico across the Border - and that neither of them had any. Bobby Z or kid had no wallet, passport or anything else.

They left the Mexico house, was chased down, shot at and Bobby Z was a known criminal in the USA. He was charged and convicted of murder, yet he and a Mexican kid can go easily across the US/Mexico border with no id, wallets, cash - after being ragged looking and Bobby Z being known as a convicted murderer and drug dealer.

I had a hard time going across the border into the US with unpaid parking tickets and a small charge of theft under $100 from when I was 18 years old.

Now Bobby Z can go with a child and himself - who have been beaten and are ragged looking, as well as Bobby Z wanted by both US and Mexican police for murder charges - and in addition, they can do it with no ID papers - unless they happen to have them stuck up their butt-holes.

This story loses credibility 5 minutes after it starts 0 and it just gets worse and worse.

After watching plenty of movies with Paul Walker in them, he seems to take them - even though they lack a story or any thought into that story.

This is just dumb on every level.

The 2 star rating is for camera work, locations and for the extras who weren't paid enough to work in this crap fest.

Very generic and bland crime thriller/drama

[Floated2 · 2/10 · 16 July 2023]

Initially this film was supposed to be released in theaters but no surprise that it tested poorly resulting in a straight to video release.

First, the film is relatively bland, generic, boring and the plot is slightly confusing and makes little sense. We understand that Paul Walker's character is impersonating a wanted man named Bobby Z but how is it that the people who knew the real Bobby Z did not know Paul Walker was impersonating him (mainly Olivia Wilde- unless we are lead to believe she was in on it). They look look similar but clearly two completely different looking people.

There isn't much action save for one scene near the ending and the humor here is quite silly. A lot of which deals with Walker interacting with a child.

If considered a thriller, it lacks in the thrills and suspense. If considered a drama, it isn't very dramatic or captivating. Not enough humor to be a comedy and not much action for the action category. It contains somewhat of a western vibe with horses, bike gangs and old ranch shootouts.

It's rated R but felt quite tame and watered down. Not much strong language, the violence wasn't graphic and some scenes which you may expect skin, the camera panned away and cut to another scene.

Overall this is most definitely one of Paul Walker's weakest films, weakest roles and more forgettable films. Would only recommend seeing it for fans of him as nostalgia, even then don't expect much.

Couldn't stop watching!

[wamwatcher · 10/10 · 5 September 2010]

I was toggling back & forth between the Wisconsin Badgers Football season opener & this movie on DVR AND IT WAS COMPELLING ENOUGH that for awhile I forgot to flip back to the game!!! So obviously I have no idea why this audience-tested badly or why people think Paul Walker can't act. Plus he's got a great cast to back him up...

The mystery of why this was going down hooked me early & I cared about what happened to these people (at least the good guys) For the girl-watchers out there ~ Olivia Wild is jaw-droppingly GORGEOUS!! I Can't believe I've seen movies with her in them before & not noticed!!! Definitely worth the rental price if you have to go that route.

Bobby Z is an average addition to the action genre that's worth watching once, but it doesn't offer anything particularly special

[kevin_robbins · 5/10 · 11 April 2024]

I recently rewatched Bobby Z (2007) on Tubi. The storyline follows a former marine who is about to be sentenced to jail but gets an opportunity to escape his situation by impersonating a notorious drug dealer in a drug bust operation. However, things quickly spiral out of control, leading the marine to flee from both a drug cartel and the US government...

Directed by John Herzfeld (Don King: Only in America), this picture stars Paul Walker (The Fast and the Furious), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), Olivia Wilde (Don't Worry Darling), Jason Flemyng (Deep Rising), and Chuck Liddell (Kick Ass 2).

This is a very straightforward and predictable addition to the action genre. The acting is somewhat uneven, causing some scenes to feel more authentic than others. However, Chuck Liddell was perfectly cast as a villain, and Laurence Fishburne's performance straddled the line perfectly, keeping viewers guessing about his character's intentions until the very end. Some of the fight scenes were enjoyable, and the shootouts were as expected.

In conclusion, Bobby Z is an average addition to the action genre that's worth watching once, but it doesn't offer anything particularly special. I would score it a 5/10.

less than optimal

[ksf-2 · 5/10 · 18 September 2023]

Paul walker, who died in 2013. He had made all those fast and furious films. He's tim kearney, just out of prison. Agent grusza (laurence fishburne) wants him to pretend to be the dealer bobby z so a hostage swap can be made. It's all pretty silly. The bad guys are all just terrible shots.. .they never seem to hit kearney, his horse, or bobby's son. And it moves so slowly...long pauses. And who says "he's heading south by southwest" ?? No-one. Maybe sailors. Most of the script is just silly and unlikely. And the feds don't really want kearney to succeed, for some reason. And it's so convoluted, we can see why. Imdb states this was filmed in 2005, but wikipedia says it was released in 2007, and went directly to video. Not usually a good sign. Directed by john herzfeld. Based on the book by don winslow. I'll give this one a "just okay".

Paul Walker delivers to us a great action film once again!!!

[dustinhunter707 · 9/10 · 8 September 2007]

I was expecting some good stuff from this movie because I am a Paul Walker fan, plus he has never been in a horrible movie and Running Scared was one of the greatest action dramas ever made. I also loved many of his other films such as The Fast and The Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Joyride, and Into The Blue. Anyways back to his newest movie that I saw last night, Bobby Z. Like I said I expected some good action from this and I was more than pleased by the storyline, the numerous action scenes, and the load of stars that follow Walker in the film such as Lawrence Fishburne, Olivia Wilde, Jacob Vargas, and more. I have actually heard a few people say that Paul is a horrible actor, but they just need to keep their mouths shut because they don't know what they are talking about. Paul Walker has delivered good entertainment to the audience every since The Fast and the Furious and he's a great actor if you ask me. Bobby Z is probably one of the best straight to DVD movies I have ever seen, it delivers good action along with a tricky side that you never see coming. I give this movie a 9 out of 10 because of the tremendous action and simply macho portrayal of it by Paul Walker. He's a great actor and no one thought this movie was going to be good before they seen it so I hope they believe me now. I highly recommend this movie if you are a Paul Walker fan like me or if you are an action junkie like me. 9 out of 10, best straight to DVD rating from me ever!!!