Eventually a movie will come along that truly reveals the impact Bobby Kennedy’s assassination has had on America. The movie will show the man not just as President John F. Kennedy’s little brother, but as the 1968 presidential candidate whose death we still feel the consequences of today.

Writer/director Emilio Estevez’ ambitious film, “Bobby,” doesn’t quite do the man justice. However, Estevez’ intentions are true and his effort should be appreciated. Despite its many flaws, “Bobby” still is an important movie.

The entire film takes place June 4, 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Two significant events take place that day.L.A. Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale will attempt a record sixth consecutive shutout against the Pirates — something many of the hotel staff are preoccupied with. The second: Sen. Robert Kennedy will make a speech that evening at the Ambassador.

Estevez tells his story through the incredibly diverse eyes of 23 different characters, most of them staff members. However, all of them play a supporting role to the main theme — hope. To each person, that hope is represented by Sen. Kennedy.

Instead of casting someone as the senator, Estevez uses archival footage and voice recordings to establish the charismatic Kennedy as a mythical figure. He is looked at by the hotel staff as a savior — a reason to stay optimistic in the midst of the turmoil that was the 1960s. For some, the issue is racism. For others, it’s Vietnam. For everyone though, the hope is for a cultural change. His appearance at their hotel forces them to believe change is on the horizon.

Unfortunately, Estevez reaches beyond his grasp by way too much. He tries to tell the stories of so many characters that some become downright dull. Heather Graham, Helen Hunt and William H. Macy are all somewhat disappointing. Elijah Wood has never been more annoying as a young groom whose fiancee, played by Lindsay Lohan, is marrying him just to keep him from going to Vietnam.

Standing out are Brian Geraghty and Shia LeBeouf as young campaign workers who try LSD for the first time and spend the entire movie “turned on.” Demi Moore is also great as a washed up drunken lounge singer.

But this is really Estevez’ show. He reportedly spent almost seven years putting it together, and the end result is a touching, emotionally moving film.

Ask someone about the JFK assassination and they’ll most likely be able to answer, “Nov. 22, 1963… Dallas… school book depository building and/or grassy knoll… Lee Harvey Oswald.” Ask the same guy about RFK and see if he can provide an answer as detailed.

This film may be able to provide a spark to give people reason to know that answer a little better.