Greetings again from the darkness. In the way that Steve Nash is a different kind of professional athlete, this is a different kind of documentary about a professional athlete. Despite the film's subject being a 7-time NBA All-Star and 2-time League MVP, there are only a few game clips and highlights. Instead co-directors Michael Hamilton and Corey Ogilvie focus their attention on something much more interesting
Steve Nash, the man.
The celebrity talking heads offering insight into Nash include not just the expected hoopsters like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, but surprise commentary from folks such as actor Owen Wilson, Todd Marinovich (former football prodigy), director Ron Howard, and even President Obama. We soon enough understand why the list of Nash fans is so varied and extensive.
The film shows Nash as a very talented Canadian high schooler whom most doubted could play Division 1 ball. Nash never doubted. A few years later, most scouts doubted that the skinny Santa Clara point guard had an NBA future. Nash never doubted. After being selected 15th overall in the 1996 draft, most doubted he would ever be a starting player. Nash never doubted. After leading the Canadian Olympic basketball team to a strong finish, Nash came back as one of the best players in the league in 2001. Later, as a free agent, he went through a nasty contract battle between Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner) and the Phoenix Suns. Nash became a very rich man, and no doubters remained.
That's the stuff that most basketball fans know. The off-the-court Steve Nash is a family man who loves his 3 kids – even signing with the Lakers to be close to them. This Steve Nash has a foundation that builds hospitals and helps underprivileged kids. This Steve Nash started a film production company that produced the award-winning documentary Into the Wind on Canadian hero Tony Fox. This Steve Nash is the guy that when things don't go his way says "That's life", and he just keeps moving forward.
One segment of the film contrasts the hype of a player like Lebron James coming out of high school versus the underdog, little noticed player like Nash. It's a reminder of the celebrity society we live in, and how a few seem to be able to avoid the spotlight and live a productive life. So while most know Steve Nash as one of only 3 point guards to win the NBA MVP (Magic Johnson, Bob Cousy), this film introduces us to the Steve Nash that we would really like to know
the skateboarding guy doing good things for our world.
