By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 1.75
Director: Donal Logue
Starring: Donal Logue | Jason Isaacs | Kirk Fox | Stephen Dorff
Country: united_states
Year: 2005
Running time: 100
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413356/combined
Scot says: “I really did write this outside the Brattle before the film’s climax occurred, but found that I couldn’t send via my Blackberry:
“One of the worst films I’ve seen in recent years. Actually, I am outside the Brattle Theatre where the rest of the crew are (perhaps?) enjoying the ending. But this amateurish CADDYSHACK ala tennis ripoff is not my cup of tea. Perhaps if Rodney Dangerfield were in the Donal Logue role, the self-abusing Hollywood references would have some payoff, but alas. 1/2 a cat.”
Michael says: “I think Scot is being a bit harsh on TENNIS, ANYONE…? which I found to be fairly amusing, if somewhat predictable (especially at the end) and a bit of a vanity project. Donal Logue directs his first film, and like many filmmakers, he writes a story (with friend Kirk Fox) that is fairly autobiographical, or at least uses elements of his life. Logue and Fox don’t really stretch all that much, exploring the whimsy and superficiality of Hollywood fame. They play a pair of Hollywood losers, Gary (Fox) a poor actor who teaches tennis after spending a couple years on the pro circuit, and Danny (Logue) who tosses his successful television career away by utilizing poor judgement. Danny and Gary’s misadventures put them deeper and deeper in the Hollywood sh*thole, but don’t worry, as expected everything works out all right in the end, and our lovable losers triumph over evil (the self-centered, bastard of a Hollywood star).
“Not award-worthy, or even all that notable, but not a difficult film to sit through either. 2.5 cats.
“P.S. Logue and Fox were on hand to present the film and answer questions afterwards. They were amiable, fun guys; a pleasure to listen too. As a member of the Brattle’s Board of Directors I’d like to thank Donal for providing his film and giving his time to support the Brattle Theatre.”
Carolyn says: “I’m not sure what to say about this movie. I feel I should write soon (now) because I will forget it very quickly.
I already am. I was tempted to leave like at least one other person.. but I suffered through the whole movie and the Q & A. While they sort of rambled about their point in making the movie, it really told me that the movie didn’t really have a point. It was like the director and his buddy decided to make a movie incorporating various real-life experiences that had nothing to do with tennis and then they threw in the tennis theme and made that the ‘focus’ of the movie. I would argue, however, that there was no focus. I laughed a few times in spite of myself, but overall I was impressed (disappointed?) that I stayed awake for the whole thing. 1.5 cats.”
Chris says: “I’ve never sat down and watched THE TAO OF STEVE. Guess I should, since Donal Logue seems like a nice enough regular dude in this, his shaggy, low-budget directorial debut revolving around B-actors and lots of the title sport. Won’t make anyone’s year-end top ten list, but harmless and even fun in spots. Jason Isaacs (unrecognizable to those who know him as Lucius Malfoy in the HARRY POTTER films!) steals scenes as a vain, lacerating arsehole of a TV sitcom actor. 2.5 cats”