Sports to Buy

Muhammad Ali was arguably the greatest boxer of the 20th century, and that rare fighter whose presence in the culture of the day was equal to (or perhaps even greater than) his remarkable skills in the ring. Ali was a superb fighter who squared off against a variety of gifted athletes during his career, and filmmaker Pete McCormack offers a new perspective on Ali through this documentary, in which some of his opponents speak about their experiences with the man. Facing Ali includes interviews with Joe Frazier, who speaks of the bitterness that still remains of his rivalry with Ali; George Chuvalo, a Canadian fighter who recalls that while Ali defeated him, he went dancing with his wife afterward while the winner went to the hospital; George Foreman, whose memories include a powerful punch that Ali chose not to land; Leon Spinks, whose 1978 upset victory over Ali thrust him into a level of fame he was not prepared to handle; Ernie Terrell, who discusses the technique and strategy behind Ali's approach; and many more. Produced in association with Spike TV, Facing Ali was an official selection at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

In the 1960's, Nick Bollettieri gave tennis lessons on two dilapidated courts in North Miami Beach. He envisioned opening a school that specialized in providing contestants not just tennis, but life lessons to manage the fame and fortune that come in the wake of success. Flash forward to the new century where the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida stands as the incubator of champions, with talented prospects seeking his services from around the globe. Bollettieri not only revolutionized the way tennis champions learn their craft, he guides his young students through the peaks and valleys that championship athletes encounter in the high pressure, media intensive world of professional sports.

His ability and willingness to inflict pain on himself in unusual ways made Jackass cast member Steve-O second only to series creator Johnny Knoxville in popularity. The Early Years features Steve-O performing new stunts interspersed with information about his childhood and his formative years. The documentary features appearances from some of his Jackass cast mates. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Unconsciousness comes in a flash as the most outrageous stunts-gone-wrong ever captured on camera come together in a wild collection of cringe-worthy clips that will have more squeamish viewers watching through their fingers. From race cars careening into crowds of spectators to skateboard wipeouts, disgruntled athletes, wild women, and street brawls where the rules of the ring simply don't apply, hosts Tiny "Zeus" Lister and Anthony "AJ" Johnson offer their own hilariously twisted commentary as the bones keep snapping and the skulls keep cracking ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Filmmakers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Half Nelson) weave this introspective sports drama concerning a talented Dominican baseball player who longs to break into the American big league and earn the money needed to support his impoverished family. Miguel Santos is a talented pitcher who might just have what it takes to earn a prized spot on a Major League Baseball team, but before that happens he'll have to prove his worth in the minor leagues. Advancing into the United States' minor league system at the tender age of 19, Miguel is warmly welcomed into the small-town Iowa home of his host family, but can't help but struggle with language and cultural barriers despite the kindness of strangers. Subsequently forced to reevaluate his life's ambition after his once-trusty arm becomes unreliable, the previously single-minded pitcher gradually begins to question both the world he lives in and the role he has chosen to play in it. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide