The Fan Connection

Everyone who has rooted for an underdog will connect with the charming characters in this affectionate slice of life documentary about how sports can create vital human bonds when the chips are down. At a time when America seems hopelessly divided, the three main characters remind us that much in life is more important than politics. You don't have to be a hockey fan to be carried away by the intimate glimpse into the lives of three people struggling for three different & very human reasons. Along with the story of the fans is a parallel story of the creative citizens of the rust belt city of Buffalo struggling to renew blighted areas despite missteps by political leaders who lack imagination. This documentary will inspire anyone coping with adversity - and isn't that really all of us?

The film gives an intimate look at several fans of the Buffalo Sabres. It's engaging and gives the wider world a glimpse into why Buffalo has the best, most dedicated, fans in the world.

The Fan Connection is really not just for sports fanatics, but fans of documentaries in general. The characters are really sweet and compelling. They are the kind of ordinary people we meet all the time, but whose stories are so rarely told in most media. The film is multi-layered - it's a film about sports, what turns people into fans, Buffalo, urban development and more. A unique film that is not only entertaining, but useful in promoting discussion and understanding.

Let me first start by saying I am not a Buffalo Sabres fan. I am a sports fan. Being from Chicago I'm a die-hard Cubs fan. Which is one reason I may have found this film so relatable. I connected with the people in this story. Their struggles with a team that doesn't always perform as well as you think they should. The excitement when they give you hope of playoffs and the disappointment when a game you need them to win they don't. The other thing I enjoyed about this film is yes it's about these fans' love of the team. But it's also about how this team brings together families and friends. It's also about the love for their city of Buffalo. Which plays a great role in this film. I loved learning a bit about the city. I didn't know much about Buffalo before this. I enjoyed getting to know about the fans that were highlighted in the film. We not only learn about their love for their team but also a bit about who they are. You don't need to be a fan of the Buffalo Sabres to enjoy this film. If you're a fan of any sport I think you'd enjoy watching this. It's a heartwarming story with a great group of characters.

Seeing a community that's taken so many hits, yet still has the strength to rise for their sports team is a wonderful message for these days. The movie showed the grit of a steel town down on its luck with the optimism of fans who who love their team. The filmmakers clearly knew their subject and did a wonderful job bringing it to the screen.