Prayers for Bobby

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Prayers for Bobby

TV-PG

2009

1h 30m

Drama

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Tomatometer

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.

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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

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.

Oct 3, 2019

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New York Post Staff

New York Post

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.

Oct 3, 2019

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Joanne Ostrow

Denver Post

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.

Oct 3, 2019

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Mark A. Perigard

Boston Herald

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

Oct 15, 2019

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Michael Abernethy

PopMatters

Weaver gives what is undeniably one of her best performances.

Oct 3, 2019

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Chris Hicks

Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

A nice showcase for Weaver, a sensitive story given the light Lifetime touch. Have a box of Kleenex nearby.

Oct 3, 2019

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PridePosterStudios

A child is listening Never cried more at a film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/24/24

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Alexandra H

I was totally in this movie all the way through. A very realistic depiction of family life with particularly difficult challenges. Sigourney Weaver, as always, was great!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/23

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Audience Member

Very informative. Made me cry

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/22/20

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Audience Member

Leaving not a dry eye in the house is Sigourney Weaver's performance as a mother who came to a rude conclusion that it is her ignorance and nonacceptance that drives her gay son to suicide.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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kirby p

The production values are low enough here that some of the edits are startling and some of the acting is wooden, but the story is so strong as to overcome much of that. Of course, I would have been FAR less forgiving of the church for its role here than Mary Griffith was. Why do people refuse to see the evil that religion does in the world?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Note to self: Bring entire box of tissues.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

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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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