Everyone knows the formula for a “sports movie”: The hero/team is introduced, has a meteoric rise within the relevant sporting event, is overcome with self doubt and finally, triumphs in a final showdown.

When looking at a list of subjects to fit this genre, I’m positive chess is either at the bottom of this list, or not even on it. I’m in no way putting down the game; I love to play it myself. However, chess just doesn’t seem to be a game suited to the formula. Searching for Bobby Fischer turns that notion on its ear.

The reason this film is able to succeed as a “sports movie” is because it’s so much more than that. The characters are engaging and well acted, especially Max Pomeranc (playing Josh Waitzkin), who ably convinces the audience that he knows his way around the chessboard. The film also manages to be touching, funny and exciting all at the same time.

The movie is based on the true story of child chess prodigy, Josh Waitzkin. We find out that he learned to play chess by watching the chess matches taking place in the park. Josh makes friends with one of the street players in particular, Vinnie (Lawrence Fishburn), who recognizes the boy'sraw talent.

Fred Waitzkin (Joe Montegna), Josh's father, disbelieves the boy could have learned chess in such a manner until Josh solidly whoops him while simultaneously playing catch, holding phone conversations and taking a bath.

Fred hires chess instructor Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley) to tutor Josh and soon Josh is entering competitions. Throughout all of this we learn (by way of a narration by Josh) that Bobby Fischer was also a child chess prodigy who, as an adult, vanished from the world of chess. Fischer’s name is tossed around liberally throughout the film as all of the adult players compare Josh and other child prodigies to him. The question of the day is, who will be the next Bobby Fischer?

I won’t be spoiling anything by admitting that the film closely follows the “sports movie” formula outlined above. Any halfway competent movie watcher will spot the formula immediately. It doesn’t matter, though, because everything else about the film is so good. There are legitimate questions to be asked about child prodigies and how much they should be pushed. The movie doesn’t shy away from those questions and the answer found by Josh’s family is the best I can imagine.

It’s worth noting that no real knowledge of chess is required to watch this film. It doesn’t explain everything, but the important points are covered well enough that even a novice can follow the action.