Courtside Chronicles: a True Underdog Story Unveiled

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Stephen Curry: Underrated
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Genre: Documentary, Sport
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Peter Nicks
Where To Watch: premiere in select theaters and globally on Apple TV+ on July 21, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Cue the lights, drop the intro music, and pump up the crowds: We are about to dive deep into the courtside chronicles of the NBA's sharpshooter extraordinaire with the film STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED. This cinematic venture, directed by Peter Nicks, skillfully captures Curry's high-school-to-hardwood journey. The film focuses primarily on his on-court exploits, providing enough intrigue to keep us locked in until the final buzzer.

STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED, an Apple TV+ and A24 co-production, follows a somewhat predictable narrative trajectory typical to many biopics: it chronicles Curry's rise, achievements, and obstacles yet tends to downplay the hurdles in favor of a more heroic image. Who doesn't love a bit of hero worship? Seriously though, I’m not a huge basketball fan, but this is the guy that pretty much everyone roots for, and I think so much of it is to do with what this documentary features. An undersized player that made everyone eat their words.

The film does a nothing but net swish when capturing Curry's incredible career arc, from an under-acknowledged high school player to modest beginnings at Davidson College to the prominence of the NBA. His story is peppered with rich anecdotes from his mother, his unyielding drive for perfection, and the coaches that helped mold him, all of which add a realness to the mix often missing from similar-style documentary films. His story, which is still going, has already added a two-time MVP and four NBA championships to his resume.

Basketball is a game of raw emotion and transparent interactions; with such a small team size, it lays bare the souls of its athletes. This sets the stage for the director and his challenge of framing Curry's journey in a fresh way that transcends public perception. Despite moments of rose-tinted memories that overshadow the present, the film meets this challenge with a candid focus on its subject.

The film acknowledges Curry's initial troubles at Davidson College and expertly contrasts these struggles with his later NBA victories, crafting a compelling narrative that underscores his growth. And let's not forget the jaw-dropping spectacle of Curry sinking three-pointers—a sight that would leave even the most stoic audience members on the edge of their seats. His unyielding spirit in the face of adversity and his emphasis on team unity resonate deeply, painting a picture of an athlete whose stardom is firmly rooted in humility and perseverance.

STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED an incomplete tale; while Curry is still an active player, we can look forward to future accomplishments added to his already impressive career. I would like to see a deeper dig into his personal life—his experiences outside the basketball court and his time as a student in a predominantly white institution—to be clear, these are nitpicking; this is still a compelling exploration of Curry’s life so far.

STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good underdog story. It offers a rare glimpse into the life of a phenomenal basketball player, bringing his journey to life in all its ups, downs, swishes, and misses. And above all, it's a testament to Curry's relentless tenacity and unbreakable loyalty—a cinematic homage to an extraordinary athlete and a respected sportsman.

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[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+/A24]

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