Michael Jordan to the Max: A short journey through the life and career of Michael Jordan, the man and the myth, with a focus on the 98 championship series. > I am not a sports fan - I went to this movie with no prejudices or expectations. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much. > This could have been a sycophantic attempt to deify Jordan. But it isn't. I don't think anyone would disagree that Jordan had a phenomenal career, and stands out as one of the best athletes of the twentieth century. He was a one man marketing machine with global appeal, and while millions knew of his exploits, few have ever seen the man behind the ball. > Through interviews with colleagues, friends, and Jordan himself, we meet a man whose greatest gift appears to have been perseverance - if he were not good at something, he would keep practicing until he was. Only when he had given it his all would he even consider giving up. The best example of this was his foray into baseball - many people dismissed this as hubris, but I think it took a lot of courage to try another sport in which he was not star. Few athletes would dare take such a risk. Fewer still would admit they couldn't cut it. Furthermore, when he left baseball, he didn't make up excuses, he just got on with what he did best. > Some detractors have said that the film contains some of the commercials that Jordan did, and is too positive. My response is "So what?" The commercials merely document the rise of his public image, and I'm not aware of a seamy side to his life. Michael Jordan is not perfect and says so, repeatedly. Everyone praised him for his work ethic and drive to succeed. He points out that if you give your best, you are never a failure, which is a great message for both kids and adults alike. Also, he stresses that love for the sport - not the potential for fame and wealth - is the most important reason to play. Finally, I think it took a great deal of courage to get out when he was still at the top of his game. > I recommend this movie for anyone who is in the mood for a positive uplifting film, and some great basketball sequences (including a beautiful slam dunk from the free-throw line shot with a "Matrix" style 360 degree camera angle). >
