30 for 30: Seau

May 30, 2019June 9, 2019 / Tom / 1 Comment

Release: Friday, September 21, 2018 (ESPN) →ESPN Directed by: Kirby Bradley When ESPN Films announced they would be making a documentary about Junior Seau, the megastar linebacker who played for over a decade for the San Diego Chargers and who tragically took his own life in 2012, I figured pretty much right then and there … Continue reading 30 for 30: Seau

30 for 30: The Last Days of Knight

March 30, 2019March 30, 2019 / Tom / 9 Comments

Release: Thursday, April 12, 2018 →ESPN Directed by: Robert Abbott In the eyes of many Bob Knight is an obvious candidate for the Mt. Rushmore of collegiate hoops coaching greats. He has numbers on his side and generations of fans ensure he won't be forgotten. But whereas words like legacy are most often used to glamorize and … Continue reading 30 for 30: The Last Days of Knight

The Dawn Wall

March 25, 2019 / Tom / 6 Comments

Release: Friday, September 14, 2018 (limited) →Netflix Directed by: Josh Lowell; Peter Mortimer Generally speaking, if you want climbing films done right, you turn to the Lowell brothers. In 1997 Josh and Brett Lowell co-founded Big UP Productions, and over the last two decades have documented some of the most stunning climbing achievements across the globe, even … Continue reading The Dawn Wall

30-for-30: One and Not Done

March 31, 2018March 31, 2018 / Tom / 3 Comments

Release: Thursday, April 13, 2017 (ESPN) →ESPN (re-air) Directed by: Jonathan Hock As someone who spent his college days getting lost amidst the sea of brilliant orange and bright white on Rocky Top Tennessee, I'm about to admit something that could very well lose me some friends: this documentary gave me a new appreciation for Kentucky basketball. … Continue reading 30-for-30: One and Not Done

30-for-30: No Más

December 30, 2016May 29, 2017 / Tom / 9 Comments

Release: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 [Netflix] Directed by: Eric Drath Spectators historically aren't accustomed to seeing a professional boxer not finish what they started -- at least, not voluntarily. When Roberto Durán, the man with two of the most devastating fists in all of boxing, waved his gloves at his opponent in the 8th round of a 15-round bout signifying … Continue reading 30-for-30: No Más

30-for-30: Fantastic Lies

November 30, 2016May 29, 2017 / Tom / 3 Comments

Release: Sunday, March 13, 2016 [Netflix] Directed by: Marina Zenovich Marina Zenovich's Fantastic Lies establishes one simple truth that cannot be disputed no matter what your feelings are towards Duke University and the air of superiority it cultivates. The scandal that rocked the Durham-based university in March of 2006 and the manner in which it was handled … Continue reading 30-for-30: Fantastic Lies

Bleed for This

November 18, 2016May 29, 2017 / Tom / 21 Comments

Release: Friday, November 18, 2016 [Theater] Written by: Ben Younger; Angelo Pizzo; Pippa Bianco Directed by: Ben Younger Bleed for This is an intense title for an underwhelming boxing movie. Its hyperbolic nature suggests a scream-o/punk-rock band's new single when really it's meant to describe the mentality of one Vinny Pazienza, a boxer from Providence, Rhode Island who returned to the ring after … Continue reading Bleed for This

30-for-30: Four Days in October

October 31, 2016May 28, 2017 / Tom / 8 Comments

Release: Tuesday, October 5, 2010 [Netflix] Directed by: Gary Waksman In October of 2004 the Boston Red Sox became the first team in major league baseball to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series at the championship level. In that famous set they sent their BFF's the New York Yankees packing, eking out two desperate wins at … Continue reading 30-for-30: Four Days in October

30-for-30: Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?

September 30, 2016May 25, 2017 / Tom / 6 Comments

Release: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 [Netflix] Directed by: Mike Tollin When Donald Trump made the 'small potatoes' remark it was after he had wrapped up an interview with the director for this very documentary. He was referring to his dalliance with sports team ownership, his dismissiveness hinting at days that were so far in the rearview he couldn't even see them anymore. He … Continue reading 30-for-30: Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?

Hands of Stone

September 7, 2016May 22, 2017 / Tom / 17 Comments

Release: Friday, August 26, 2016 [Theater] Written by: Jonathan Jakubowicz Directed by: Jonathan Jakubowicz Confession time: coming into this I had no idea who Roberto Durán was -- ya know, other than the fact he would be the center of attention in Jonathan Jakubowicz's boxing drama. Do I feel silly now. Long story short, the Panamanian has been … Continue reading Hands of Stone