Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspirational sports docu about football legend; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bye Bye Barry
What's the Story?
In 1999, Barry Sanders, the legendary football running back who had played for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons, shocked the world when he announced his retirement. He was 31 years old and about to surpass the NFL record for rushing yards. In BYE BYE BARRY, Sanders gives an account of his life and career aided by colleagues, artists, and admirers, who help support the case of why he was one of the greatest players of all time. The film also celebrates Sanders' legacy when it came to uplifting the image and spirits of Detroit, where he became a role model and source of timeless inspiration.
Is It Any Good?
Sports documentaries usually tell two kinds of stories: tragedies or the overcoming of downfalls. Not necessarily because sports people are set to go down that path, but perhaps because uplifting stories lack dramatic tension. Enter Bye Bye Barry, the feel-good account of Barry Sanders' rise to fame as the Detroit Lions' running back and his surprising retirement at age 31 without having any injuries or scandals leading him to his controversial decision.
The point filmmakers Paul Monusky, Micaela Powers, and Angela Torma make is precisely that there was nothing really controversial about Sanders' decision to "just relax" and finally get to watch football without being a part of it. They could have perfectly turned his retirement into a mystery to be solved, but they avoid cheap thrills and choose to highlight his legacy. Since Sanders was never involved in scandals, the film mostly consists of interviews where his peers and admirers shower him with praise, footage of his remarkable skills on the field, and comments from Sanders that emanate grace and wisdom. Surprisingly, the film never feels monotonous or anticlimactic; instead, Sanders' thoughts on enjoying life and not devoting himself to accumulating money and basking in fame feel refreshing. For those who feel he retired too early, the film proves his short career left enough moments of wonder to populate four lifetimes while celebrating Sanders' decision to honor his life without falling into the trap that there was ever anything he had to prove.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the filmmakers' approach to the story. Why did they choose to focus on Sanders' legacy instead of his retirement? Did Sanders need to justify himself when he chose to retire?
What other sports legends, like Sanders, do you admire and why? What strengths and positive qualities do they have that you'd like to emulate?
During an era when sports players endorse products, appear in movies and TV, and often have their private lives scrutinized, what is it like to see the way Sanders remained private and made it all about how he played the game?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 21, 2023
- Cast : Barry Sanders , Eminem , Jeff Daniels
- Directors : Paul Monusky , Micaela Powers , Angela Torma
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 6, 2024
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