HBO Sports last night debuted "Kareem: Minority of One," a documentary centered on Basketball HOFer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the film "effectively introduces Abdul-Jabbar to a generation that did not witness his 20-year NBA career," according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. The "mystery of Abdul-Jabbar is less opaque for several reasons that make this documentary a successful form of expression." It has a "deep archive of film and photos," and uses "informative talking heads and Abdul-Jabbar acting as the guide to scenes from his past." The 90-minute film "carries Abdul-Jabbar’s life only to the end of his playing career." However, the doc "should have trimmed part of his basketball life for his current one -- swap some hoops stories from the past to give his vibrant present its due." The filmmakers’ mission to "more fully understand an enigmatic public figure stands incomplete" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/4). SI.com's Ben Golliver wrote the film is "comprehensive, informative and engaging." As a retelling of his basketball career, the film "is an unqualified success and a definitive account." The details revealed in the archival footage and old photographs "are extraordinary." Depending on the age of the viewer, the film’s basketball story "serves as a walk down memory lane or as an extended introduction to a Hall of Famer whose legend hasn’t quite endured like a Magic Johnson or Larry Bird." But there are "many missed opportunities for Abdul-Jabbar to invite the outside world to better understand him." Golliver: "Also noticeably absent: Abdul-Jabbar’s thoughts on his mortality and his legacy" (SI.com, 11/2). VARIETY's Brian Lowry wrote the "only real flaw" in the film is the "relatively short shrift afforded to his post-hoops endeavors" (VARIETY.com,11/2).
JOB WELL DONE: BLEACHER REPORT's Alec Nathan wrote Abdul-Jabbar's "compelling story is difficult to sum up in 90 minutes," but the film "does an excellent job of painting the six-time MVP as a man who had just as significant an impact off the court as he did on it" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 11/1). Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears tweeted, "Outstanding documentary on @kaj33 by @HBO. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's contribution to the NBA & basketball at large is under appreciated. Legend" (TWITTER.com, 11/3). USA TODAY's Mike Coppinger noted interviews with Pat Riley, Jerry West, Johnson, Bird, Bill Walton, Julius Erving and others "provide different perspectives on Abdul-Jabbar." The film also "touches on his cameos in the comedy 'Airplane!' and in Bruce Lee’s final film,'Game of Death,' performances that showed a different side" of Abdul-Jabbar (USATODAY.com, 11/2). Magic Johnson tweeted, "Watching Kareem: Minority Of One brought back so many fond memories of how great the @Lakers organization was and still is today!" (TWITTER.com, 11/3).
SOME DOWNER MOMENTS: In L.A., Eric Pincus notes not all of Abdul-Jabbar's memories in the film "are pleasant." He "owns up to failings, including the dissolution of his first marriage, separation from his parents and a generally withdrawn nature that didn't help win over fans and the media" (L.A. TIMES, 11/4). FORBES' Mitch Lawrence noted Abdul-Jabbar in the film "beats himself up, as much as he ever will." He "doesn’t bare his soul." He "opens the door a crack, but this is a guy who rarely ever opened up" (FORBES.com, 11/3).
