Episode credited cast: | |||
Hank Aaron | ... | Self | |
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Ernie Accorsi | ... | Self |
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Sandy Alomar | ... | Self (archive footage) |
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Ruben Amaro Jr. | ... | Self (archive footage) |
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Jim Bailey | ... | Self |
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Carl Banks | ... | Self |
Chris Berman | ... | Self - Anchor (archive footage) | |
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Jim Brown | ... | Self |
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Mike Brown | ... | Self |
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Earnest Byner | ... | Self |
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Craig Counsell | ... | Self (archive footage) |
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Jim Donovan | ... | Self - Browns Radio Play By Play Announcer |
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Craig Ehlo | ... | Self |
John Elway | ... | Self (archive footage) | |
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Tony Fernandez | ... | Self (archive footage) |
There's a special place on the southern shore of Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Known as Cleveland, it is the site of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the home of the Indians, the Browns and the Cavaliers. But it's also the home of an agonizing losing streak. Of all American cities that have at least three major sports franchises, Cleveland is the only one that has failed to win a championship in the last half-century. Those sports teams, and the hearts they've broken over and over again, have inspired a different name for the city, and the title for this 30 for 30 film: Believeland. Directed by Ohio native Andy Billman, this evocative documentary will take you on a trip that goes back 50 years and captures the seminal ups and downs of the once-thriving metropolis - Superman, after all, was created there. Despite the economic and athletic misfortunes, and the T-shirt that reads "God Hates Cleveland," the people still believe and worship Jim Thome and Jim Brown and ... Written by ESPN Films
30 for 30: Believeland (2016)
*** (out of 4)
The latest 30 for 30 episode was meant to tie in with the NBA Championship as LeBron James had his team reaching the finals for the second straight year. I decided to watch this after the Cavs fell down 3-1 making it seem like the point of this documentary will have to wait another year. The documentary covers the history of Cleveland sports as they've gone over fifty years without a major championship, which is the only city who has three major sports.
BELIEVELAND is a good, not great, film that seems to lose it's focus towards the end because it becomes more about LeBron and not just Cleveland and their suffering fans. The film's highlights deal with the football team leaving the city and of course the Cleveland Indians classic World Series title against the Marlins. The interviews are all good and there's no question that it's an entertaining film but it's certainly far from the best.