The Tao of Steve (2000)

Underachieving, overweight kindergarten teacher Dex finds a woman who forces him to reexamine his Zen-like system of seduction.

Director:

Jenniphr Goodman

Writers:

Duncan North, Greer Goodman

Stars:

Donal Logue, Ayelet Kaznelson, John Hines

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Donal Logue	...	Dex
Ayelet Kaznelson	...	Beth
John Hines	...	Ed
John Harrington Bland	...	Priest
Jessica Gormley	...	Gossipy Woman
Mercedes Herrero	...	Gossipy Woman
Cheryl Anne Jaroslaw	...	Gossipy Woman
Nina Jaroslaw	...	Maggie
David Aaron Baker	...	Rick
Dana Goodman	...	Julie
Greer Goodman	...	Syd
Dave Bynum	...	Epperley Reunion Band: Bass
Matt Nader	...	Epperley Reunion Band: Guitar and Vocals
Dave Terry	...	Epperley Reunion Band - Vocals and Guitar
John Truskett	...	Epperley Reunion Band: Drums

Storyline

In his early 30s, the beer-bellied Dex has things figured out. He's widely read in philosophy, he's studied Steve McQueen the prototypical cool American hero, and he's distilled Buddhism and Taoism into three laws that make him a hit with women: don't express desire, do something heroic in front of her, then retreat. A part-time job with young children, beer, guys, Frisbee golf, pool, poker, his dog Astro, and sex: what could be missing? Then, at his ten-year college reunion, Dex meets Syd, and the "Tao of Steve" may not be enough to get him what he wants. Plus, Syd remembers something important that Dex has forgotten. Can a cool smart guy, 50 pounds overweight, find his bliss?

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Plot Keywords:

seduction | sex | kindergarten | frisbee | philosophy | 

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Taglines:

Why do women find this man irresistible?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 September 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dex, der Frauenheld

Filming Locations:

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Parlor - 1841 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$91,791, 6 August 2000

Gross USA:

$4,342,203

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,406,030

Company Credits

Production Co:

Good Machine, Thunderhead Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min 81 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When you first see Syd she's playing the drums. Watch closely and you'll see that the sound doesn't really match.

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Quotes

Dex: Dating's so tricky, that's all. And you're really cool. You have a great personality. I just don't wanna... I just don't wanna mess up our friendship.
Julie: Friendship? We just met!

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Crazy Credits

Based on a story by Duncan North Based on an idea by Duncan North Based on Duncan North

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Connections

References Josie and the Pussycats (1970)

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Soundtracks

Peanut Butter
(1961)
Performed by The Marathons
Written by Marty Cooper, H.B. Barnum, Clifford Goldsmith, Fred Smith
Produced by Marty Cooper and H.B. Barnum
Published by Escort Music Co.
Administerd by Bug Music Inc.
Courtesy of Everest Music Group

User Reviews

AKA, The Diet of Steve

This movie is that extremely rare blend of "guy movie" and "chick flick". Every guy can relate to this and most women will enjoy the (twisted) love story. Dex is the ultimate slacker - part time worker, pot smoker, over-eater and heavy drinker. His life is based on emulating the coolness of Steve McGarrett (Hawaii 5-0), Steve Austin (6 Million Dollar Man) and the ultimate in coolness, Steve McQueen. Hence, the Tao of Steve. Dex has claimed for his own a part of Zen philosophy which has made him remarkably successful in seducing women. Syd changes everything. She is an independent, career minded, drum spanking, beautiful woman that doesn't appear to fall for Dex's charms. The chase is on. Dex pulls out all stops, until his past catches reaches up and grabs him. Syd and Dex have a strange relationship that never allows either to fully define the boundaries. There is an obvious attraction, but Syd's contempt for Dex and his methods always throws up the road block. Of course, Dex does some soul searching after a health scare (that seems out of place in the movie) and the somewhat predictable ending,nonetheless brings a smile to our faces. Donal Logue give a brilliant performance as Dex, and Greer Goodman is enchanting as Syd. Greer is the sister of the movie's director, Jenniphr Goodman, and also shared in the writing credits. Take note of the soundtrack as it adds a layer to the script, which itself is loaded with great lines. Go see this movie. And it will work as a date movie.