30 for 30 (TV Series) Bernie and Ernie (2013) User Reviews

Good but the focus of the show didn't seem too sure of itself.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 24 December 2014]

Like all the "30 for 30" shows by ESPN, this one is well worth seeing. However, it's certainly one of the lesser episodes because the show's title and the focus of the show didn't quite match or gel. While you'd THINK it was all about the relationship or teamwork between Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld, this really only makes up a small portion of the film and really never seemed very important. And, the film really didn't have that much to do with Grunfeld either--at least much of the time. So, if you are looking for that connection, you'll probably be a bit disappointed, as the filmmakers were looking for a hook---and the supposed connection seemed to be their hook.

Despite this serious problem, you cannot help but enjoy watching this film. It's mostly about Bernard King and his college and NBA career. His reclusiveness and resilience are great stories in and of themselves and the film is worth your time.

Good Episode in the Series

[Michael_Elliott · 26 November 2013]

30 for 30: Bernie and Ernie (2013)

*** (out of 4)

Good entry in the ESPN series takes a look at friends Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld as the two would become stars at the University of Tennessee before both would end up in the NBA but going in different directions. This documentary covers the two men from their childhood in New York all the way to their current positions in life. The main focus of the film is King and his various troubles including being a black man in a part of Tennessee where he just wasn't excepted. In one of the film's most dramatic moments, King recalls an incident with a police officer who ended up hitting him over the head with his gun. Just seeing the pain and anger in King's eyes from this incident from nearly forty-years ago was quite sad to watch. The film also goes into detail about the troubles King got into early in his NBA career but things eventually turned around for him and the two friends were reunited for their run with the New York Knicks. Fans who actually remember the two playing at Tennessee are certainly going to enjoy seeing the video clips but I'm sure they'll also be ashamed of some of the stuff that happened to King while there. Overall the documentary does a very good job at highlighting these two men's careers but also what made their friendship so special.