I liked the *feel* of the documentary, like being on the inside, instead of on the outside looking in, though I think it could've been made better in the sense that the parts I personally enjoyed were the ones where Johnny wasn't posing for the camera/aware of it, rather the camera caught Johnny without his seeming to know it. Hard to explain.
Anyhow, back to the film. Interspersed throughout the film was his best friend Paris, either you love him or hate him, no in between. Leastways that's my opinion. Paris acting like a diva, you get the picture. Audience laughed along with him. Personally I think he's the one that holds Johnny back, always by his side, in the bedroom & out, always there to have a good time. IMHO if Johnny really wants to be an Olympic Champion, as he states throughout the film, then drop this guy (at least temporarily; until his amateur career is over). Or set boundaries. Prioritize.
Johnny has all the talent in the world, but *not* the discipline necessary to reach the very top of the podium. And I know Prisicilla Hill feels as I do. That's the difference between him & Evan Lysacek. The latter has the mental toughness, the discipline, the concentration. Though I've always conceded Johnny is the one with the pure raw talent. But as has been said a million times before, talent alone does not make a champion, it's 95% mental, the other 5% talent. JMHO.
Okay, enough about that, I enjoyed the flashbacks to Johnny's childhood, his progression from a highly talented 12 yr. old to a three-time US National Champion! To start skating at that late of an age & to become Jr. World Champion three years later - unbelieveable. And it all started downstairs in the basement of his childhood home, roller skating, imitating the moves of Oksana Baiul from the 1994 Olympics ~ The Swan ~ and here I thought I was Oksana's biggest fan, no way, Johnny takes the cake!
That's another thing I particularly enjoyed about this film ~ his inclusion of all those skaters we love ~ one of the first opening scenes was of Johnny & Sasha Cohen. Then throughout the film an assortment of skaters talking about Johnny ~ Kurt Browning, Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano, and of course Oksana Baiul ~ as well as a few backstage shots of Stephane Lambiel & Brian Joubert & Evan Lysacek, and of Johnny talking about his relationship with each. Oh yeah, before I forget, Christine Brennan had a few words to say as well, and Phil Hersch was caught asking questions at one of those Q&A sessions after the competition is complete.
One of the most compelling aspects of this film, if not thee most compelling, was his relationship with his coach of 10 years ~ Priscilla Hill ~ they grew up together on the ice; she the loving mother, he the talented child. So sad the breakup. He just didn't want to listen to her ~ she's just way too nice, not tough enough ~ Galina Zmievskaya was the perfect one to go to, as she will not take any of his sh*t, and he knows that. Hopefully, as is Priscilla's wish, they can reconnect again after his amateur career is over. Heartbreaking.
That's all for now, but before I go I have to say that one can tell how close Johnny is with his mother & father, especially his mother.
I loved the scene wherein they both helped him move into his own apartment, reminded me of the first time I left home.
Yikes, almost forget to mention that I also wanted to say that I enjoyed the mini interviews with
Johnny's Angels, those fans that have supported him from the very beginning. Touching. Good job, Johnny, good job.
Originally Posted by Nadine
Okay, I just got back, after having spent an enjoyable night at the movies & eating afterwards.
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