KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

The remarkable coming-of-age story of one of the most influential, dynamic and unexpected players in the history of basketball: Stephen Curry. This feature documentary — blending intimate cinéma vérité, archival footage and on camera interviews — documents Curry’s rise from an undersized college player at a small town Division I college to a four-time NBA champion, building one of the most dominant sports dynasties in the world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “Stephen Curry: Underrated is an extraordinary documentary with creative editing, accessibility, and a compelling story. I really enjoyed it and I think others will as well, whether you are an avid basketball fan or not.” See his full review below.  

Stephen Curry: Underrated
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Stephen Curry: Underrated is an extraordinary documentary with creative editing, accessibility, and a compelling story. I really enjoyed it and I think others will as well, whether you are an avid basketball fan or not.

Stephen Curry: Underrated follows the humble beginnings and present day life of all-star basketball player Stephen Curry. Curry starts off obsessively playing basketball as a kid, and is later mentored by head coach Bob McKillop at Davidson College where he begins to become known. Despite his small height and build, he rises up the ranks in college basketball and eventually enters the NBA. With all the odds stacked against him, we witness his journey from dreaming of playing basketball professionally to winning four NBA championships.

This film shows hos Stephen Curry is a rare example of true commitment in an athlete. Curry devotes himself, not just to his performance, but his team, leading them to success. Editor J.D. Marlow seamlessly weaves together Curry’s past and present. From the old footage, we see his improvement and growth over the years. The more recent footage, shows how Curry’s past experiences shaped the athlete and person he is now. The time periods are interlaced so well that it feels like his younger self and present self are working in unison to achieve success. The beauty of this film is that anyone will be entertained — basketball fans will appreciate how it shows the journey of one of the most popular NBA players today, but anyone will enjoy the film for its compelling story. I am not a big basketball fan, but I found myself quickly immersed and fascinated by Stephen Curry’s story. I immediately connected with Curry, and cheered him on.

The documentary kept me glued to the screen because Curry’s story is especially gripping. I felt like I was on the journey with him as the film gives a detailed telling of his story. While most see the player as a “larger-than-life athlete,” the film explores the family-oriented aspects of his character, which makes him feel well grounded. His path is unique, and inspiring.

The film’smessage is about the power of devotion and passion. Curry’s willingness to overcome obstacles, and get up after falling down solidifies his place as one of the most successful players today.

I give Stephen Curry: Underrated 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 12 to 18, plus adults. The documentary is available now on Apple TV+. 

Directed by Academy Award® Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and based on a true story, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamously known for their brutal 31-0 loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic David E. comments, “Next Goal Wins, based on a true story, is a heartwarming and genuinely enjoyable film that captures the essence of teamwork, perseverance and the human spirit. It’s a family-friendly movie that offers both humor and feel-good moments and is told with an authenticity that makes it relatable and engaging.” See his full review below.  

Next Goal Wins
By David E., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Next Goal Wins, based on a true story, is a heartwarming and genuinely enjoyable film that captures the essence of teamwork, perseverance and the human spirit. It’s a family-friendly movie that offers both humor and feel-good moments and is told with an authenticity that makes it relatable and engaging.

The story revolves around the determined coach, Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) who takes on the challenging task of coaching an American Samoa soccer team with a historically abysmal loss record. Their only goal is to score one point, a seemingly insurmountable task.

This film is a delightful cinematic experience that celebrates the power of belief, teamwork, and the indomitable human spirit in the world of sports.  As the film develops, it dives deeper into the characters’ lives, particularly Coach Rongen and the soccer team. The connections that form between the players showcase the power of heartfelt camaraderie in sports. The film brings out both the emotional and comedic aspects of these players journey. It’s clear that the cast and crew put their heart and soul into this project, resulting in a standout film. The camera work is outstanding – it captures the action on the field with finesse, making you feel like you’re right there with the team as they strive for victory. Michael Fassbender’s performance as Coach Rongen is commendable, as he skillfully balances humor with emotional elements in the film, delivering a memorable character. Oscar Kightley, as Tavita, Coach Rongen’s right-hand man, brings a good-spirited energy to the film. His character adds to the loveable dynamic of the team, making it easy for the audience to root for them. The film’s pacing is fast-paced, keeping the story engaging and ensuring that viewers remain invested in the team’s journey from start to finish.

The film’s core message is a simple, yet powerful one: believe in yourself and have fun. It’s a message that resonates with both young and adult audiences, reminding us of the importance of enjoying the process and having faith in our abilities. It’s important to note that the film contains some profanity, alcohol use, glimpses of drug use, and a transgender lead character, which may require some parental guidance depending on the age of the viewers.

I give Next Goal Wins a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults who appreciate uplifting and heartwarming stories. It releases in theaters on November 17, 2023.