SkyWalker: The David Thompson Story (2004) (TV)

Director:

Rick Clemens

Writers:

Rick Clemens (writer)
Rob Goldman (writer)

Release Date:

17 March 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Sport

Plot:

Following the life and career of basketball hall of famer David Thompson

Plot Keywords:

Dunk | Basketball | Jordan | Character Name In Title

Cast

Michael Jordan	...	Himself
Bill Walton	...	Himself
Julius Erving	...	Himself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
David Thompson	...	Himself

Runtime:

USA:46 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Filming Locations:

Denver, Colorado, USA

Company:

TriMotion Films

If You Love Basketball, You'll Love This Film

Thompson's accomplishments on the court, and his contributions to present-day professional basketball deserves a film of this level and merit. The documentary covers the ascent of Thompson from revered high-school player, to accomplished North Carolina State University star (perhaps the best player to play college ball), and eventually to his legacy as one of the NBA/ABA's greatest athletes.

The film does a great job of highlighting Thompson's career (college and pro) without the usual melodrama-sensationalism that many biographical sport documentaries spotlight when the subjects fall from grace. The filmmaker never attempts to explain the conception of Thompson's problems off the court, instead he presents Thompson's story in a candid and interpretive manner with a steady emphasis on Thompson's talent and contributions to basketball.

The college film highlights are emphatic and invaluable. The interviews are significant and include some of basketball's greatest players: Bill Walton, Dr. J, Dennis Johnson and Michael Jordan (who rarely submits to interviews). Thompson was Jordan's childhood hero, and it is evident in Skywalker that the respect MJ has for Thompson is well deserved.

I look forward to this filmmaker's next gem!