I have watched all of the 30 for 30 programs. In its entirely it is probably the most relevant thing ESPN has done in a decade.
I am older, I can not watch once loved shows like Sunday Night Countdown, PTI, and SportsCenter anymore. That said, for a few reasons, I am still in the demographic advertisers like.
Anyway, I think the best 30 for 30s have been:
1. "The Two Escobars"- directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist- Epic. Better than most Best Picture Documentary winners.
2. "The Band that Wouldn't Die"-directed by Barry Levinson- I watched this twice and it made me tear up the second time. Best anecdote is that Maryland's Governor William Donald Schaefer did not enjoy sports.
3. "Without Bias"- directed by Kirk Fraser- Thought about the parallels between Len Bias and LBJ throughout. Lebron is 25 and just up and quit on his city and legacy at 25. I hope no one does a 50 for 50 documentary on the success of his shoe line some day.
4. " The Legend of Jimmy the Greek"- directed by Fritz Mitchell-The early story about Jimmy betting for his father in Ohio was poignant. Tragic that he died penniless. Cable TV keeps so many sports analysts fat, content and mediocre...thanks allot Dick Ebersol. Jimmy was authentic.
5. "The U"- directed by Billy Corben-Did not want to like this 2 hour program. I, like many others, liked it immensely.
6. "The Birth of Big Air"- directed by Jeff Tremaine, Johnny Knoxville, and Spike Jonze- Knew nothing of this sport and Air was better than most national championship games. Could not forget that return path this guy in Oklahoma City had to navigate on his landings. Fondly reminded me of Evil K on ABC Wide World of Sports.
7. "Into the Wind"- directed by Ezra Holland and Steve Nash- I, like the "Sports Guy" Bill Simmons may want to move to Canada some day. Weirdly, the early footage of the guys in the van reminded me of the first hour of "Man on Fire"...perhaps the most underrated movie of the last decade. Great things happen when you take the time to set the stage.
8. "Guru of Go"-directed by Bill Courturie-the footage of Hank Gathers' last game haunted me for days. Watching so many millionaire lousy coaches/managers not go for it on 4th and 1 made me wish for more Paul Westheads.
9. "Small Potateoes: Who Killed the USFL?"-directed by Mike Tollin- Wish I could have rooted for the Tampa Bay Bandits. While we are talking Tampa Bay...cheers to John McKay...best...soundbites...ever.
10. TBD...though "Jordan Rides the Bus" directed by Ron Shelton had some interesting moments.
The least satisfying:
1. "One Night in Vegas"- directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood. Saw this at its SXSW premiere. The Alamo Drafthouse beers could not help this attempt. Please, no more comic book and sports analogies.
2. "Silly Little Game"- directed by Adam Kurland and Lucas Jansen. The film making style completely and irrevocably overshadowed one of the most joyful sports phenomena of the last twenty years. I liked the subjects of the program but learned little for my time.
3. "Once Brothers"- directed by NBA Entertainment? (Oh...OK...fitting)- 90 minutes. Vlade is likable but he spent scant time actually delving into the details of his relationship with Drazen.
4. "King's Ransom"- directed by Peter Berg. What a great subject to kick off 30-30. Unfortunately, shots of the director chumming it up on the golf course were poor replacements for candid accounts of subjects Gretsky, Pocklington, McNall etc...Tell us about that conference call Wayne listened into Peter! Phenomenal build up about how much Edmonton and Canada cared about Wayne.
5. "Straight Outta LA"- directed by Ice Cube. Had high hopes especially with an Al Davis interview. This film covered little new ground.
