Mav-elous!
Dirk
Nowitzki, The Perfect Shot
(Der perfekte Wurf ) premiered September 2014 in Germany,
and the U.S. version of the German documentary premiered this week in Dallas.
(It opens wide in July 2015.)
At one point during the 105-minute film, we see Dirk's reaction
to being told that the NBA did a study where he came out as the “most
marketable player.” It’s not surprising. Dirk is a relatable guy that you
instinctually root for, even if you don’t want his team to win.
The documentary captures the highs and lows of Dirk’s career
and (surprisingly) personal life. Balancing both stories is a difficult task
for high-profile biography, but with Dirk these things are so connected that it
could be no other way. His relationship with mentor Holger is the heart of the
film and unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Although biased as a Dirk and Mavericks fan, I think that the
access to Dirk’s story will thrill any basketball fan. Anyone can benefit from
seeing Dirk’s commitment to excellence up close. I found the whole film
inspiring.
Simply put: Power forward to this inspiring documentary
that gets up close to an approachable but previously mysterious sports hero.
Award potential: Unlikely. As any fan of
Hoop Dreams will tell you, sports docs
are overlooked at the Oscars.
The ten buck review: Worth ten
bucks.
