"Book Of Manning" Tells Family's Story, Including Darker Episodes

"The Book Of Manning," part of the "SEC Storied" series of documentaries, debuts tonight at 8:00pm ET on ESPN. The film from writer/director Rory Karpf chronicles the story of the quarterback-rich Manning family, from father Archie's playing days to the NFL success of sons Peyton and Eli.

VARIETY's Brian Lowry writes despite the "cloying Hallmark Card music and Southeastern Conference-approved pom-pom waving," the film is "pretty fascinating stuff." USA TODAY's Chris Strauss writes, "While the childhood footage provides some nostalgic levity, the film goes a little deeper into some of the family's darker times." NEWSDAY's Neil Best writes, "It is Archie's story that drives the narrative, including a playing career now mostly forgotten among younger fans."