Back at it with the MOVIES&FOOD 30 for 30 Elite Eight! The two top seeds advanced last week but this week we have few tear jerkers with (3) Survive and Advance facing off against (6) Without Bias. I'm in a glass case of emotion!
The Case for Without Bias: As Rick James famously said it: "Cocaine is a hell of a drug." Three decades after his tragic cocaine overdose, the late Len Bias still leaves more questions than answers. "How good could have Len Bias been" is a question still asked today. When Bias dropped dead two days after being drafted 2nd by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Draft, he forever altered our perception of casual drug use and became the tipping point of America's drug crisis in the mid 1980's. Through interviews of his teammates, coaches, friends and family, "Without Bias" is a celebration of Len's life and legacy but more importantly, this documentary is a symbol and a cautionary tale for the generations to come.
The Case for Without Bias: As Rick James famously said it: "Cocaine is a hell of a drug." Three decades after his tragic cocaine overdose, the late Len Bias still leaves more questions than answers. "How good could have Len Bias been" is a question still asked today. When Bias dropped dead two days after being drafted 2nd by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Draft, he forever altered our perception of casual drug use and became the tipping point of America's drug crisis in the mid 1980's. Through interviews of his teammates, coaches, friends and family, "Without Bias" is a celebration of Len's life and legacy but more importantly, this documentary is a symbol and a cautionary tale for the generations to come.
The Case for Survive and Advance: "Everyday ordinary people do extraordinary things." In 1983, the NC State Wolfpack, coached by Jim Valvano, stayed alive in the postseason by winning nine do or die games in a row -- seven of which they were losing in the final minute, beating the likes of Michael Jordan and three time National Player of the Year Ralph Sampson. The film chronicles the Cinderella story through the eyes of the some of the Wolfpack players detailing the rare chemistry they had with their coach. Through his speeches, hugs, stories and vision Coach V taught them how to believe. NC State was one of the biggest underdogs ever in the final game, one that went down as possibly the best college basketball games in history, ending with one of the most well-known plays of all time.
The Verdict: In the spirit of March Madness it's only right that Survive and Advance continues its Cinderella story and marches on to the 30 for 30 ELITE EIGHT. Without Bias was impactful, but nothing beats a classic underdog story and Survive and Advance offers that and a whole lot more. The title Survive and Advance has a dual meaning, both in basketball and in life. On the surface, it’s a film about a miraculous tournament run, but the film offers a deeper meaning. It's also a story about persevering, believing and never giving up in the game of life.
-akidnamedCAL
-akidnamedCAL