Review: STEPHEN CURRY - UNDERRATED
by Karen Pecota

USA | 2022 Director: Peter Nicks

Producer, director and documentarian, Peter Nicks rides a wonderful wave showcasing a remarkable coming-of-age story of one of the most influential NBA stars of basketball history in his latest feature documentary STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED.

Known for his critically acclaimed feature documentary trilogy (THE WAITING ROOM, THE FORCE and HOMEROOM) on community institutions, Nicks decides to focus his storytelling on an individual athlete that is somewhat of an institution himself.

Nicks enjoyed the research process of Curry's story as the discoveries are many. He says, "Curry is an American icon who quite literally changed the game of basketball." This documentary is the perfect platform to unravel the reasons and to feature the depth and meaning of his influence.

Curry played college ball at Davidson College, a small educational institution just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. It was not necessarily known as one of the top colleges in America; but, the basketball coach, Bob Mckillop is well known in NCAA Division 1 circles. McKillop is the most successful coach in school and league history after 33 seasons as head coach heralding 634 victories, receiving several nominations and awards for his outstanding career performances both nationally and abroad. He retired in June of 2022, at the age of 72, with several accolades to his coaching career, his leadership style, and a role model which young men aspire. Nicks notes, "Fifty-seven of his players have gone on to play professionally, including Stephen Curry. A 7th pick in the 2009 NBA draft, Curry has led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA titles while earning back-to-back NBA MVP honors." Mckillop says, "Teaching basketball is teaching his students about life. What they do with that is up to them."

Curry is an example of a young man who has been influenced by many to be his own person with confidence and integrity. Nicks shares one example: a famous athletic brand courted Curry with the desire to sign him to endorse their products. Curry turned down the lucrative offer because the company representative could not pronounce or spell his name correctly on several occasions. A word to the wise: You snooze, you lose!

Nicks adds, "I found his [Curry] story riveting with all the twists and turns you hope a movie can have using archival footage, on camera interviews and various intimate conversations showcasing Curry, the man. The film speaks to what it takes to chase a dream. It is a film about family, community and overcoming odds." Curry emphasizes that what grounds him to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, "Being very intentional to find joy and gratitude in everything and in every experience."

Nicks concludes, "I'm excited to share a story that is full of drama, love and hope. It's a movie that I believe everyone will see a little piece of themselves in."