If you’ve already seen “The U,” “The U Part 2,” and “Pony Exce$$,” then you’ve also pretty much seen “Trojan War” already by default. The new film is the USC Trojans answer to the three ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentaries we just mentioned. Trojan War (not to be confused with the somewhat obscure 1997 teen sex comedy of the same name starring Jennifer Love Hewitt) premieres tomorrow night, kicking off the new fall season of 30 for 30s.
We obtained an advance screener copy of the film, and here are six major takeaways from the film:
(Breaking: USC Trojans Coach Steve Sarkisian will take an indefinite leave of absence after USC players and coaches revealed that Sark was drunk during a game and team meetings)
1. USC Trojans fans will own this film like Miami Hurricane fans own The U.
USC fans will deem this 30 for 30 the greatest one of all time just like Canes fans believe “their” documentary is. Make no mistake, Trojan War is not a fair and balanced look at the Pete Carroll era, nor does it strive to be. This film was Executive Produced by Keyshawn Johnson, one of the program’s biggest stars in the 1990s.
(Note: we were put in contact with Keyshawn Johnson for the purpose of discussing this film. He declined multiple interview requests)
2. They’ll be wrong
As Amory Blaine, the main character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s debut novel “This Side of Paradise” said:
“the only business people are interested in reading about is crooked business.”
Following that line of reasoning, the best college football 30 for 30s, and quite possibly the best films of all in this series, revolve around the current cesspool that engulfs all of major college football. (By the way, here’s our Top Fifteen 30 for 30s of all time, you can see where we ranked Trojan War)
Trojan War spends way less time on the salacious stuff than The U series or Pony Exce$$. That’s unfortunate, as the scandalous material is what most viewers almost always sign up to see. Trojan War chronicles the USC Trojans rise to power under Pete Carroll, through the lens of the 2006 Rose Bowl loss to Texas.
That game ended the USC Trojans dynasty, and Director Aaron Rahsan Thomas’ film then covers the chicanery, sanctions and fallout. However, there’s only about 10-15 minutes of that stuff, which was really disappointed. The Us and Pony Exce$$ were more even-handed as they spent much more time on program malfeasance.
4. Public opinion of Reggie Bush, Pete Carroll and Matt Leinart won’t be changed either way by this film.
LenDale White won this film narrated by Michael B. Jordan. White was the most entertaining and engaging featured speaker, and he summed Carroll up perfectly:
“He bailed as fast as he possibly could. Some guys might not get up here and say that, but I feel he just left the University,” White said of the Coach who took off to the NFL right before the sanctions and scandal hit the program. For as much as Carroll is lionized right now, remember this is who he actually is.
Reportedly, Reggie Bush was asked 40 times, over a two and half year span, to be interviewed for the movie. He declined the opportunity each and every time.
(Hey, I know how it feels to ask a former USC Trojans star player for an interview a couple times- only to be turned away) Bush might be the best example yet of the very real “Curse of football players wearing jersey #5.”
5. The timing of the film’s debut is perfect
TW’s release was obviously timed to coincide with the week leading up to USC’s biggest rivalry game (Notre Shame as the opponent is referred to in the film). When this was all planned a long time ago, Notre Dame week was the perfect time to get more attention on this product rollout.
Now with the serious Sarkisian situation, and how it will likely adversely impact the 2015 USC Trojans season, the program, and hence this film, will be talked about much more.
6. Snoop Dogg might be the best part of Trojan War
Snoop Dogg is more than a SC die-hard. He used to catch passes in practice and rap in the team room. He was the program’s best recruiting tool.
“If I was Reggie, I would act like I don’t know where the motherfucker at, come find it you funky bitch,” Snoop said about Bush voluntarily giving back his Heisman.
30 for 30 films will debut on ESPN Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 p.m. EST – “Trojan War”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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