30 for 30 (TV Series) This Is What They Want (2013) User Reviews

Interesting more for the psychological angle than anything else.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 27 December 2014]

"This is What They Want" is weak compared to many of the other "30 for 30" films because the basic premise is flawed. It's all about Jimmy Conners' insanely good performance at the US Open when he was nearly 40 and after coming back from surgery. BUT, after nearly an hour of build up, you learn that Conners did NOT win the Open--in fact he didn't even make it to the finals!! In other words, the documentary makes it seem like Conners' performance in the competition was earth-shattering--while it was merely very good.

Another difficulty with this film is that how much you like it will truly depend on what you think of obnoxious athletes, as Conners was one of the most obnoxious (though incredibly talented) athletes of all time. If you like boorish antics, then you'll love the film.

As for me, I actually liked the film because it was interesting as a psychological portrait. As an ex-psychotherapist, I couldn't help but feel this was, as so much of Conners' own comments made him sound like a high-functioning antisocial personality. Fascinating.

Overall, this IS a well made film (aside from the HUGE buildup when Conners really didn't come that close to winning the 1991 Open) and is pretty interesting.

Connors the Villain

[Michael_Elliott · 1 December 2013]

30 for 30: This Is What They Want (2013)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Highly entertaining entry in the ESPN series takes a look at Jimmy Connors, the people who couldn't stand him and his miraculous run through the 1991 U.S. Open at the age of thirty-eight. The documentary covers Connors rise through the ranks but the main focus is this last stand of his, which saw him playing some of the best tennis of his career even at his age and coming off a major injury. I was vaguely familiar with the events told here but it was pretty interesting seeing all the facts laid out on the table. I say "facts" because all the people that Connors beat are on hand here to talk about it including some people who aren't all that happy with Connors and some of the things he did during the tournament. I think it's quite clear that Connors didn't make too many friends in his day and I really love the fact that the documentary doesn't try to sugar coat this or take away some of the bad feelings that even viewers today might get after watching this film. There's no question that the real highlight is getting to hear from Connors as well as the people who played against him. Hearing them recall the various battles was certainly highly entertaining on so many levels. Fans of the sport will certainly get a kick out of this film but even if you're not a fan, the events that took place are so interesting that you should be entertained as well.