ESPN tonight debuts its latest "30 for 30" documentary, "The Two Bills," about the longtime relationship between coaches Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells, and the film "delivers all of the staples of a NFL Films piece with tremendous use of cinematic highlights, a great soundtrack, and unrivaled access to former coaches and players," according to Ben Koo of AWFUL ANNOUNCING. There are a "few times where you’d like to see 'The Two Bills' go a bit deeper," but director Ken Rodgers and NFL Films "did their best given the personalities involved." Ultimately, this is a "well-executed film about subject matter and particularly relationships that were compelling and complex" (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 1/31). In Boston, Chad Finn wrote the film is as "compelling and complete as we could have hoped for." It is "superb in several ways." The "subtleties" of Belichick and Parcells' "personal dynamic become apparent" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/26). CABLEFAX DAILY wrote this "might be the most sports-laden '30 for 30," as there is "much football lingo tossed around." The non-football fan "might lose interest during this first half." But for those who "stick around, this might be one of the most rewarding of the fine '30 for 30' series because it's really a relationship story" (CABLEFAX.com, 1/26). In N.Y., Gary Myers wrote the film is "highly entertaining with great footage" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/28).
A DEEPER LOOK: In Boston, Ross Gienieczko wrote the film is a "must-watch examination of the complex dynamic" between Belichick and Parcells. It details the "highs and lows" of their relationship (BOSTON HERALD, 1/25). On Long Island, Neil Best wrote, "It reveals a warmer, chattier Belichick than the one fans have become accustomed to during his long reign in New England." The film is "loaded with archival footage of the men when they were much younger, video that will be nostalgic for fans of a certain age" (NEWSDAY, 1/24). NBC SPORTS BOSTON's Phil Perry wrote the film "may provide some insight on what goes on behind the scenes with the Patriots' top three coaches when they aren't planning for their next game" (NBCSPORTSBOSTON.com, 1/26). In Houston, David Barron wrote both Belichick and Parcells "provide entertaining moments of their time as teammates and opponents, bolstered by testimony" from longtime associates (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/26).
