Viewed in
2009
Premise
Part of ESPN's '30 for 30' series, Billy Corben makes a documentary on University of Miami's incredibly successful college football program from the 1980's to early 1990's.
Who should watch
College football fans.
Thoughts
Thank goodness this documentary was actually full length, as it was able to take its time to explore and I was able to soak in the details and footage.
Like many of the films from the series, it was very entertaining and educational. I enjoyed the antics and there were some great stories about rivalries and mind games. Personally, I like arrogant athletes who have the skills to back it up. Had I watched college footage during that time, I think I would enjoy watching the likes of Michael Irvin, Jerome Brown, and Bernie Kosar kicking some major butt. Also, I was enlightened to know the importance of Howard Schnellenberger, Jimmie Johnson, and Dennis Erickson in the sport.
Watching the film, I liked how it explained the origins of the teams' 'swagger'. Schnellenberger went outside the box by recruiting local, underprivileged, black kids. To survive living in rough ghettos and being financially, racially oppressed, you need a certain attitude and bond. After all, 'us versus them' can be a very powerful motivation.
The interviews were fantastic, I especially liked the stars from the Schnellenberger years. However, I could not stop laughing as Bernie Kosar talked like a disoriented drunk and Dan LeBatard looking like a shady poker player.
What I did not like about the film was that fact that the film makers glossed over the controversies and criminal activities. While I empathized with the kids attitudes from the early years, there was no doubt that all that national exposure and success spoiled the players during the later years, ultimately leading to the school's recent embarrassments and failures. These kids felt entitled, which is never good for student athletes. It almost gave me the impression that the film makers glorified those issues. Hearing Michael Irvin dish out wisdom to the kids in the 90's, when now we know his history with drugs, made me scoff at said wisdom.
Thanks to the nearly two hour long length, I was able to indulge in the notorious success of this amazing stretch. I just wished they acknowledged that this came at a price.
What I would change
No Warren Sapp? To quote WWE wrestler, The Hurricane: Whatsupwitdat?!
