"You Don't Know Bo"

You Don't Know Bo

You Don’t Know Bo  is an expository documentary that details the life of former football and baseball player Bo Jackson, and his stunning athletic legacy and achievements. Bo Jackson was born in a dirt-poor neighborhood in Bessemer, Alabama, the second youngest of ten children. It was evident from an early age that he was an immensely gifted athlete, and it was at this age that the lore of Bo began. He went to McAdory High School, and by the time he graduated, he had set the record in the 100-yard dash, and earned a combined baseball and football scholarship to Auburn University. College-level sports proved no obstacle, as he excelled from his freshman year. He led the football team to their first victory over hated Alabama in ten years, and established himself as a first round MLB prospect. After his four years, he was drafted by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but refused to play for them after a visit to their facilities in college rendered him ineligible to play baseball his senior year. Instead, he chose to play baseball, and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. His godly athleticism manifested itself in his first at-bat, when he beat out a routine grounder to second base. After a year of baseball, the L.A. Raiders came calling, and he agreed to play for them. So, essentially, he took football up as a hobby, something to take up his time after baseball. And he dominated the league, until a freak hip injury ended his career. A brief stint in baseball happened, but it was the end of Bo Jackson being Bo Jackson.

The overall mood of the documentary was a mix between upbeat, because of his completely ridiculous feats, and sad, because so much potential was left unfulfilled after his premature end in sports. This was clearly established in the documentary, as the director would slow the shots and music down when a somber tone was needed, and would speed up the shots along with brighter lighting when it was detailing his outstanding career. The music is outstanding, alternating between fast paced marching band music and mournful classical music. The special effects were also a nice touch, as often, cartoons would be used to depict legends of Bo that had no video available. Archival footage was used heavily throughout the documentary, to emphasize his crazy sprints and jumps and throws. Interviews were conducted of Bo himself, and coaches and teammates of his. Jackson actually was the main narrator of the film, explaining the events that were happening on screen.

If you’re a fan of sports, then I would absolutely recommend this film. The archival footage alone, of him climbing up walls, running people over, and hitting mammoth homeruns, makes it basically a spectacle. The film does, however, get a little slow near the end, when his injury happens. The director’s portrayal of the injury is a tad overdramatic, and too long is spent lingering on the injury and his rehabilitation. The film would’ve been better off simply chronicling more of his athletic exploits. Nonetheless, even if you are someone with little interest in sports, Bo Jackson is still an intriguing figure. The folklore surrounding him makes him almost a literary figure, and his grace and power and capability to make you say “Whoa” can reach all people, regardless of their interests. You Don’t Know Bo is worth the watch. 

You Don't Know Bo , 77 mins , PG