Original subtitles

[NBC Fanfare]

[soft dramatic music]

- Football was never just a game for me.

It was my life.

My neighborhood in Brooklyn was rough.

And way too close to JFK.

But football got me out.

- With the first pick, Green Bay selects

Reggie Dinkins from Rutgers University.

- And All-Pro running back Reggie Dinkins

is now a two-time NFL MVP.

- But the MVP I really want

is that new McDonald's Veal Platter.

- It's official, folks!

Brooklyn's own Reggie Dinkins is coming home.

- 2005.

That season was destiny, and I was gonna be a legend.

[crowd chanting "Reggie, Reggie, Reggie]

No. No, I don't like this.

I don't like this. That's a bummer.

- Okay, well, you... it's a work in progress,

obviously, but, you know, you hired me to make

a documentary about you, so...

- No, I hired you to do what I tell you to do.

Now I gotta put on my producer hat.

This movie is supposed to show people how great I am!

What's up with that theme music?

My fiancée Brina should do the theme song.

Brina! - You got it, baby!

[light funky music]

[clears throat] ♪ Reggie Dinkins is the best ♪

- She knows! Just look!

- ♪ At football and sweet kisses in the night ♪

- Wow! This is what people want.

[bright music]

- ♪ "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" ♪

- Welcome... to my world.

Yes, I was an NFL superstar, but my most important job now

is loving father.

Oh, look, Carmelo.

I see you're taking my advice

and improving your mind with study!

- You know it, Dad.

- Books are brain movies.

Now, this right here... you see this right?

Y'all getting this?

This right here is where I'ma hang my gold jacket

when I'm in the Hall of Fame.

- Wait, you're not in the Hall of Fame?

Stand. After your slammin' career?

- Well, you tell me about it,

Rusty, my friend regardless of race.

- [sighs] Unbelievable.

As I always tell my students at the University of Maryland,

documentary filmmaking is about piercing

the artifice that people want to show to the world...

- Dude, did you bring these posters with you from home?

Me and Reggie met in training camp back in '03.

I was just a backup kicker

out of The Miami of Oneonta University,

but Reggie was the man.

He had a taco named after him at Hardee's.

So you wouldn't think me and him would have

nothing in common, but we just hit it off.

Now Reggie lets me live in his basement.

Y'know, best friend stuff.

I also run all of his social media.

We went viral last week,

'cause I had a rash on my neck,

and a bunch of nurses reached out.

[birds chirping]

- I'm honestly really impressed you've been able

to hold on to your money after what happened...

- Yup!

All thanks to my business manager and agent.

She takes care of all of that stuff.

- Yeah, I understand you bought a Welsh soccer team

years before Ryan Reynolds and friend.

- Yeah, she is a killer!

Because of her, I named my barracuda Monica.

- Mom! - Hey, baby.

- Hey. Is your father? Ooh!

Oh, for... how long has this been going on?

- Three days.

- So your ex-wife is still your agent.

- When I needed someone in my corner,

I went with the one person who was with me from the start.

In the ninth grade, this Catholic school

with a legit football program wanted to give me

a scholarship, but it was way out of Brooklyn.

You know Eel Cove?

Monica took all the money she saved

and bought me a scooter

so I could get to school every day.

Man, I wouldn't be anywhere without her.

- And yet she is no longer your "boo."

- Great use of urban slang.

Life is complicated... - Reggie.

Oh, I hate to interrupt this,

but can I please talk to you alone?

- I don't think so.

See, Arthur Tobin's style is immersive.

He even filmed me sleeping last night.

Talking in your sleep is for babies.

If I ever talked in my sleep, I'd be so embarrassed.

- Reggie, when you asked me,

I said, don't make a documentary.

I also said don't buy that football made

out of the original Miss Piggy.

I am telling you, letting cameras in your home,

that's a bad idea.

- Okay, remember when Carmelo was little

and you said going on a family cruise

was a bad idea because you was afraid of norovirus?

- And then we all got norovirus.

- Yeah, but we also got to see the Northern Lights!

- That was magical as hell.

Look, I know you think this is gonna get you back on top.

The Hall of Fame. Doing color commentary.

- You know it's not just about that stuff.

I want to be respected again.

I want Carmelo to have a father he can look up to.

- Well, if you want respect,

this documentary is not the way to get it.

All that's gonna happen is you're gonna end up showing

your whole ass to the world.

- You're welcome, world. I got a donk!

- Also, it's a huge waste of money

when you're not making any.

What was the last endorsement I was able to get you?

- What is this an ad for?

- Look, yeah, we both thought we'd be in

a different place by now.

I just negotiated Reggie the biggest contract

in NFL history, and one day,

I'm gonna be on the other side of that table.

I'm gonna run this team! - And we'll still be married!

- But I actually have a plan.

That's what I came to talk to you about.

I have an interview tomorrow at I DON'T KNOW...

- The agency?

- This could be a good move for us.

Their sports management department

reps Steph, Saquon, LeBron...

- I need full names.

You know how many LeBrons I know?

- At a big agency like IDK, maybe I'll have enough pull

to get us both back on track.

So let's just forget about your little movie, okay?

- No, that's happening. We already started.

- Do you seriously trust some random dude

with a camera more than me?

- Come on, Arthur Tobin is cool.

- Really?

There is no way that man could ever understand

where you come from. He is the whitest person...

you have got to be kidding me.

- Good talk!

We both agree nothing's gonna change,

and my Miss Piggy football is a great investment!

Just use that last part.

I found it!

The sword I was talking about.

Tom Cruise used it in that movie

where he played the samurai.

It's true, he actually did that.

We should use this in our movie.

- Reggie has an amazing idea for the ending.

I get taken, and Reggie rescues me with a famous sword.

- Reggie, you know what the word documentary means, right?

- Well, I assume it's from the Latin word documentum,

meaning lesson or instruction.

I took Latin in college, 'cause I thought

it would help me meet Dominican chicks.

But then I liked it.

So many languages come from it.

I'm just trying to make this movie

the best that it can be... - Documentary.

And you... you can't really make a documentary work, Reggie.

Frankly, all this fake play-acting you're doing

is really getting in the way.

- I'm sorry, but he wrote things for me to say.

I mean, "Dad, you're such a good dancer.

Can you teach me how to 'doo-zhee?'"

- It's Dougie!

We practiced this! - Now I know it's Dougie.

- So we have got to talk about what happened

after the 2005 AFC Championship game...

- I mixed up some phone numbers.

It can happen to anyone.

- Reggie Dinkins, you straight owned Indy today.

How does it feel to be Super Bowl-bound?

- Better for me than you! 'Cause you owe me 250k...

a hunnid for the win, a hunnid for going

over 200 yards, and 50 for scoring

more than one touchdown. I scored four.

- What, are you... are you saying

that you gambled on the game?!

- [laughs] Very funny.

You know I bet on every game. You're my bookie!

- Hey, and put a thousand in quarters.

We're going to Dave and Buster's!

- You know it, brother.

Now, where's the phone number for that live TV interview

I'm supposed to do?

- You were immediately banned for life from football.

- Yeah, but I only bet on myself!

And I only bet to win.

That was more motivation to play good.

Sort of how like a waitress works for tips?

- Without you, your teammates lost the Super Bowl

to Seattle 61 to 2.

You were dropped by Progresso soup.

Your episode of "Ghost Whisperer"

never even aired.

- Yeah, and that really messed up Melinda's season arc!

Okay, that's not what this documentary is about, dude.

- Like I told you on the phone, we don't really know

what this documentary is about yet.

It will emerge...

- And I told you this was a puff piece, okay?

That I'm paying for! Hey...

[grunting]

None of this is going in the documentary!

Now, I want you to come film me dunking

on a regulation 10-foot hoop.

[grunts]

Shoot me so you can't see the ground!

- Okay, come down. My turn.

- Can we talk about the gambling?

- Oh, jeez, uh, Reggie said I wasn't supposed

to talk about the G word.

- Of course my dad was upset.

I don't like talking about it either.

- So you want to talk about the worst thing

that ever happened to my family?

- But I don't know if he meant gambling or grandma.

'Cause in my family, we don't talk about it much,

but Grandma shoplifts.

- Come on, Marty, guys,

I know we said "film everything,"

but can you give it a rest, please?

[door thudding, footsteps approaching]

- I am onto you, Mr. Arthur Tobin.

Yeah, I know why this bearded infant took this job.

- Oh, wha...? I don't... what do you... which thing?

I don't know what you mean.

- It turns out I can't even trust you

to do what Reggie is paying you for.

I saw one of your little movies.

At four-times speed on my phone.

It was good. You won the damn Oscar.

So why would the director of "A Rose for Joshua"

even be here?

To make some artsy movie

where Reggie looks like a tragic loser?

- No, no, no, no.

I just... I think there could be a real doc here.

Short for "documentary."

You know, maybe something about

our national gambling addiction, or how fame...

- So I was right.

You're here to get what you need.

But you, sir, are underestimating Reggie Dinkins.

He is not going to let you hijack his movie.

- He doesn't even want a movie. He wants a commercial.

And I swore I would never make another commercial.

[tinkling piano melody]

- You. Me. Same.

- And besides, I couldn't make Reggie's movie

even if I wanted to, because I can't...

- "Can't" what, Arthur?

- So I spoke to the NFL lawyers earlier today,

and there is a slight chance

they won't let us use any game footage.

No, no, I... I know Reggie Dinkins

is a stain on the Shield,

but I just think that by redeeming him, we can...

Okay, look.

Please, please, Susan, I need this to work.

[grunts]

- [laughs]

This is over.

- Okay. Okay.

I said please stop shooting me, Marty!

- Right, but he said to follow you.

- Oh, did we film some stuff

you wouldn't want people to see?

How's your own medicine taste?

- Very cute, Reggie.

Why would I use any of this footage?

- Because you work for me!

- Well, Arthur won't be working for you very long.

He can't even get the NFL

to let him use your old game footage.

- Seriously?

I mean, what's a sports documentary

without sports? - Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

- I told you not to make this stupid movie.

It is a waste of money.

- Yeah, my money!

The money that pays for your BMW

and your son's fart medication.

- Can we not put that in?

- And my agent works for me, Monica.

So if I say we're gonna waste money,

we're gonna waste some money!

- Reggie's not your man anymore, Monica!

Monica's never been anything but lovely to me.

I just want to be in the documentary.

- Archibald Reginald Dinkins,

I have put my life on hold for you.

But if you're not gonna listen to my advice,

there's no point in me even being here.

I do have other options, you know.

- So go!

I'm the only reason why them people was interested

in you anyway.

I'm all you got.

- That's not fair, Reg.

She represents a kid who plays Fortnite

and Geena Davis, but just for archery.

- You go tell those agent people you don't represent

Reggie Dinkins no more.

Let's see how long they want you around then.

- If you insist!

I quit. - You know what?

She's right.

This is a waste of your money and my time.

I don't even care that my career is ov...

this could have been a really good film.

But you had to ruin it.

So you can mail my posters back to me

at the University of Maryland Center for Documentary,

Anime, and Pornography. - Good!

We'll make this movie without you.

Yeah, movie!

Yeah! Whoo!

[grunting]

- You don't need to do it in slow-mo, man.

We could just do that in the computer.

- I'm going as fast as I can, Rusty!

[whistle tweets]

- Good job, baby!

- Hey, Dad,

what if I play you in the reenactments?

I mean, I know all your old moves.

Huh. - I call that the Go Away, You!

We're gonna figure this out without Arthur Tobin

and She Who Shall Not Be Named. - Yeah.

But you know, that fight with Mom, that was...

- Mom?

I would never fight with my mother.

She lives in Florida, and she's a saint.

- Mom mom.

Like, she didn't quit for real, right?

'Cause we do need her.

- For what?

Brina can do anything she can do.

Bri-Bri, will you call my knee doctor

and tell him that little hat bone is gone?

- Okay, honey.

- What? - Nothing.

- Come on. [chuckles]

You can be real with me.

Like I always say, a son is just a homey you make.

- You do say that.

It's just, I really want this to work.

And real talk, it hasn't always been easy

for me, either.

Playing football with Dinkins on my back?

[scoffs] I take more crap than anyone,

and there's a kid on our team named Osama Epstein.

- You think I don't know that?

I know I hurt you all...

you, your mother, even Rusty.

But if I can't fix all this, son,

then what kind of man am I?

And I would be stomping off right now,

but my knee is locked in this position.

- Monica!

Bro, we are so amped... and I don't use

that word lightly... to meet you.

But I gotta start by asking about Reggie Dinkins.

- Right, well, um, full disclosure,

I recently ended my professional relationship

with Reggie.

- That is music to my ears,

and I don't even listen to music.

Like, what's the point? - Well, I'm glad you're amped.

- Oh, no, no.

I was amped before, but now I am full-on pumped.

T.B. Honest, you repping Reggie

was kind of the only thing keeping us from getting pumped.

That guy was dead weight.

- [politely chuckles] He is the father of my child.

- No, I get it.

That's why dropping him is such a baller move.

And now, um, I guess he can go back to betting

on football, right? [laughs]

- He'll be fine.

Reggie's actually making his own moves.

He's working on making a documentary...

- Oh.

- With an Oscar-winning director.

You may know Arthur Tobin.

- [laughs] Oh, wow.

Oh, my God, Tobin?!

That's hilarious!

- Wait, what's hilarious about Arthur Tobin?

- Reggie, I can't do this.

You know I was excited about the documentary.

But if it's between the movie and Monica,

you gotta choose Monica.

I called every doctor in your phone,

and they all DJs. - And Julius Erving.

- This is not just about your knee.

Monica is a part of your life.

She's a part of our life.

You remember on vacation when we got lost in Tuscany?

But Monica had put an AirTag on you,

and that's how the police were able to find us.

- If it weren't for her,

we'd still be trapped in that mausoleum.

- I knew she was a part of the deal going in.

She has to be.

- The talent guys here, they used to rep Tobin.

After he won that Oscar,

they got him a full-on Marvel movie.

- He directed a superhero movie?

- He tried!

He couldn't handle the pressure.

Total on-set breakdown. Tanked the whole project.

It got swept under the rug 'cause Disney

didn't want to tarnish the IP, but the video is epic.

Here, I'll put it in the chat.

- You are Professor Squeeze, obviously.

Uh, this tennis ball here is Deathatron,

and these are... moons?

Space babies?!

Why are there more tennis balls?

Wait, the scene is a tennis match now?

What, so some of these tennis balls

are actually tennis balls?

Which ones?!

This! Movie! Makes! No sense!

[screams] I am not an organ donor!

Do not take my organs!

- [laughs] Oh, my God.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but this is too perfect.

Reggie Dinkins and Arthur Tobin together?

Those two deserve each other.

- Yeah, maybe they do.

[upbeat hip-hop music]

- [laughs] Oh, wait, wait, wait.

Hang on, hang on. Let me...

let me play the video again.

- ♪ Run fast, that's what I do ♪

♪ I like to run fast, and you can too ♪

♪ It's cool to run ♪

- What are you doing?

- This is that rap album you so wisely

convinced me not to release,

'cause you always look out for me.

And if you stop doing that, I'll die.

- Hmm.

- So I'm listening to you.

No more movie.

The cameras are only there because Marty and I

don't know how to transition into a friendship

that isn't based on work. - Love you, Reg.

- So please, former baby, take me back.

But only professionally.

- Fine.

'Cause I didn't take the job.

Remember that scooter that I bought you back in the day?

I always bet on Reggie Dinkins.

- Just like I did illegally.

- But Reg, those LA pricks, they think you're a lost cause.

And the truth is, I'm out of ideas.

But you actually have one, so...

[sighs] You want to take your shot?

- Are you saying what I think you're saying?

That I can get a gun?

- I'm saying we need to go find Arthur Tobin.

[bus horn honks]

- Aw!

- [sighs] We missed it.

Oh, great.

- Did you lie about being from Baltimore?

What a weird lie! - What? No.

I just needed some time to think.

- Arthur, I get why you don't want

to go home like this again.

I know about "Professor Squeeze."

- It's not your fault, robot that will

be voiced by Keira Knightley.

It's yours, Viola Davis.

Okay, wow. Yes, congratulations, Monica.

You are right again.

I can't be trusted to do anything.

I can't even sell out properly, and I haven't worked since.

They... they repossessed my car,

so yes, I had to take the bus here to the first job

I have been offered in two years.

- So you lied when you said you took it 'cause

I'm your childhood hero? - I never said that.

You're not my childhood hero... - Here's the thing, Arthur.

I was wrong about you.

I thought there was no way you could understand Reggie's life.

But you may be the one person who can.

- 'Cause you messed up just as bad as me.

You. Me. Same.

- Oh, you're... you're saying you want me to come back?

- If we're gonna do this,

we're gonna have to do it your way.

Reggie has to face what happened...

like in David Beckham's movie when he admitted

to having all those dumb-ass haircuts.

- Remember them cornrows?

He met Nelson Mandela with those.

- And hey, if this thing actually somehow works,

it's a win-win-win.

But, you know, you're gonna also have

to show people the good stuff.

Reggie messed up, but he deserves a second chance.

You both do.

- Use that in the documentary.

- Maybe.

At least that was real.

- Oh, snap! That reminds me!

Guys! Guys, stop!

- Sorry, Mr. D.

We were waiting for you to come save him

with a famous sword, but you never showed up.

- Did I do good, Reggie?