The Tao of Steve

Starring:Donal Logue, Greer Goodman, James 'Kimo' Wills, Ayelet Kaznelson, David Aaron Baker, Nina Jaroslaw, John Hines (II), Selby Craig, John Harrington Bland, Craig D. Lafayette, Jessica Gormley, Mercedes Herrero, Cheryl Anne Jaroslaw, Dana Goodman, Dave Bynum, Matt Nader, Dave Terry, John Truskett, Matthew Hotsinpiller, Sue Cremin
Director: Jenniphr Goodman
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
In his college days Dex (Donal Logue) was a slim, cool, smooth-talking ladies' man. A decade later he's an overweight, underachieving kindergarten teacher, but he's honed his pick-up technique into a way of life--a mix of zen, tough-guy cool, and college philosophy he and his buddies call "the Tao of Steve," named after the manly triad of Steve Austin (a.k.a. the Six Million Dollar Man), Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord's unflappable cop on Hawaii Five-0), and the king of all Steves: Steve McQueen. Santa Fe is populated with his one-night stands, but then he runs into Syd (Greer Goodman), a smart, sexy old classmate with an arsenal of sharp retorts, at a college reunion.

Amazon.com

In his college days Dex (Donal Logue) was a slim, cool, smooth-talking ladies' man. A decade later he's an overweight, underachieving kindergarten teacher, but he's honed his pick-up technique into a way of life--a mix of zen, tough-guy cool, and college philosophy he and his buddies call "the Tao of Steve," named after the manly triad of Steve Austin (a.k.a. the Six Million Dollar Man), Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord's unflappable cop on Hawaii Five-0), and the king of all Steves: Steve McQueen. Santa Fe is populated with his one-night stands, but then he runs into Syd (Greer Goodman), a smart, sexy old classmate with an arsenal of sharp retorts, at a college reunion.

Customer Reviews:

Sadly, I am a Stew.......2007-04-26

How many times have I seen this movie? Somewhere between 25-50 viewings, with an additional "who knows how many" occurrences wherein I starting watching this movie with the explicit intent of falling asleep to it's indie soundtrack.

I was turned on to this movie in the very same way I have discovered most of my favorite films. It's late night, I'm flipping channels, or to be completely honest, I was browsing the DirecTV guide. Most people, including me, still say flipping channels, like we actually take the time to go through all the channels, but we all know damn well that we just cruise through the guide to find something to watch. I guess I'll have to start saying "scrolling the guide" instead. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked and I apologize.

Like I said, I was "scrolling" through the guide looking for something comfortable and familiar that wouldn't challenge me too much, and I failed. I had to use that damn "info" button when I saw the title, "Tao Of Steve", so I guess I let my curiosity get the best of me. Thank Science it did.

As is my custom, I normally catch these late night gems at some point in the middle of the movie, and I spend the rest of the movie struggling with the decision to either finish what is shaping up to be a great movie that I missed the beginning of, or jot down the title and catch it from the start the next time it comes on. I decided to watch the rest of it, and then just buy a copy on DVD. Does that tell you how engaging and entertaining this movie is?

First off, I have a lot of respect for Donal Logue as an actor. He's done a wide variety of roles in several different kinds of media vehicles, from TV to blockbuster movies, and of course, the classic Jimmie the cab driver shorts on MTV. He was spot on in this role, he has that charisma and confidence to be able to convince you he has what it takes to bed down with any human being sporting an XX chromosomal set, unless they are wearing Doc Marten's and a flannel shirt. What can I say, he's a funny actor, and I suppose he's a fave of mine, because I have liked him even in the bad stuff he's been a part of in the past.

Supporting cast was full of friends and local actors from the NM area, and while there aren't any household names in the bunch, they more than hold their own in delivering believable characters who are just what they are supposed to be, regular Joes and Janes. I have already mentioned that the soundtrack was indie, and while I am not an authority on indie music, I can recognize it. I can't say whether it was great, good, or bad, but I liked it. I also liked that the band featured live in the reunion scene was from Oklahoma, my home state.

The most striking thing about this movie for me was it's beautiful photography and wonderful selection of locations. Although it was been a while since I watched the commentary, I am fairly certain it was filmed entirely in the Taos, New Mexico area, or maybe it was Albuquerque. If you've never been to NM, then GO now, it is awesomely beautiful and full of tons of stuff to do. It definitely scores some cultural points with me, as I am a big fan of the American West. The colors of the landscape truly come through the lens with full strength, and I just love the way this movie looks. I can't help but feel that the physical environment is an important ingredient in the "Tao of Steve", which is a real thing conjured up by a real man. In fact, the house where Dex lives is the actual house of the real life person who Dex is based upon. He makes a cameo during one of the poker scenes, and on the commentary he provides some interesting insight into the movie, the character Dex, and of course the "Tao of Steve".

The plot is actually the only weak part of the movie, as a story, it's predictable, but I think that's okay because I found it more interesting to delve into unanswerable questions concerning the characters, and of course, as a hopelessly single young man who has never been able to get the ladies, I spent much time asking myself, "will this really work in real life, .....my life?" Well, according to Duncan North, the aforementioned inspiration for Dex, it does work, and he's living proof. So stop listening to Professor Tom Leykis you bitter bastard, and start watching the, "Tao of Steve". It has all the lessons you need.

THEKEETH, (who is shockingly, still unsuccessful with the ladies)

Be desireless, Be excellent, Be gone.......2007-03-17

This is one of the funniest romantic comedies ever. It is a more authentic representation of the dynamics between men and women than the typical Hollywood farce. The male protagonist is Dex, an underachieving and overweight guy who lives his life by doing the absolute minimum required to get by. One of the great quotes from the movie is "Doing stuff is overrated." Dex lives his life by three simple rules i.e. the Tao of Steve or Dex's rules for picking up chicks:

1. Eliminate your desires.
2. Do something excellent in her presence, thereby proving your sexual worthiness.
3. Retreat, for as Heidegger said, "We pursue that which retreats from us".

Living with a group of guys they spends there time playing Frisbee golf. And throughout the movie Dex instructs Dave, one of his room mates in his house on how to get sex from a certain girl. The interaction in itself is hilarious because Dex is the all-knowing, almost guru like person, while Dave is a hapless, clueless guy who gets excited just at the thought of being with a girl who likes him.

For me the take away from this film is that being ourselves is sometimes not enough. We have to be our best selves. And in fact Taoism allows you to live in the moment - be in the moment and therefore bring out the best in yourself. And ultimately when you are happy with who you are - in love with yourself - love your own life as it is - that is the ultimate reality. To finish of as Lao Tzu said, "If you desire nothing. You loose nothing."

Simple movie with a profound commentary on relationships.......2007-01-29

A very simple story of a very simple guy who follows his hormones to self-delusion and destruction. He does not make relationships but always keeps women just close enough for his hedonist fulfillment and in the end realizes he is only fooling himself. An admiring friend provides the mirror that helps him see himself as he really is. But can the love of his life ever trust him or has he burned all his bridges too late to recover what really matters? A good lesson on relationships and the price of a promiscuous life.

No Oscars, but great movie.......2007-01-19

I actually bought this for my brother because he LOVES women and I love philosophy, so there you go. This movie has that 90's slacker independant feel. It's pretty simple, yet quite profound- as are most things that are great. I recommend this for anyone with a brother, father, friend (or yourself) that thinks dating is all about the conquest and not about the person.

Using Eastern Philosophy to justify the Slacker lifestyle.......2006-11-26

Donal Logue (Sean Finnerty of Grounded For Life) plays a heavyweight ladies man who is well read in the classics particularly eastern philosophy which he uses to rationalize his lifestyle. He and his friends divide the world into Steve's (the cool guys) and Stu's (the gomers) and have some witty exchanges around this.
Logue's character lives a stoner existence and is having an affair with a friend's wife until he inevitably meets the woman who changes his perspective and he falls in love.
This is a very entertaining romantic comedy with several engaging characters and it is beautifully filmed in the Santa Fe area.
Logue is believably shallow but still likeable in the lead role.

Average customer rating:

Old' Skool" Kung Fu!!

Duel of Tao Tough
Starring: Jackie Chow , Jacky Lee , Li Ying Ying , and Steve Mak
Manufacturer: Ground Zero
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

Old Skool Killaz, Set 3: White Tiger Collection
Snakefist of a Buddhist Dragon
Kung-Fu Shadow
Ninja vs. Shaolin Guards
Shaolin Iron Fist Collection - Secret of the Shaolin Poles

ASIN: B00006SFKD
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Description

Martial arts film hosted by the rap group Wu Tang Clan. Features a bonus music video.

Customer Reviews:

Old' Skool" Kung Fu!!.......2006-06-07

I'm a little surprized not many reviews on this flick, " Duel of The Tao Tough" considering it's an o.k flick. There are many old school kung fu moves in this one. The art of Kung Fu very transparent and present. This flick is very entertaining from the get-go! Definately another wu gem!!

I'm not one to give details about a flick,,to me that's a gross dis-service! For the plot, there is a detailed discription provided by amazon!!

Average customer rating:

Sadly, I am a Stew
Be desireless, Be excellent, Be gone
Simple movie with a profound commentary on relationships
No Oscars, but great movie
Using Eastern Philosophy to justify the Slacker lifestyle

The Tao of Steve [Region 2]
Starring: Donal Logue , Greer Goodman , James 'Kimo' Wills , Ayelet Kaznelson , and David Aaron Baker
Director: Jenniphr Goodman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sadly, I am a Stew.......2007-04-26

Be desireless, Be excellent, Be gone.......2007-03-17

Simple movie with a profound commentary on relationships.......2007-01-29

No Oscars, but great movie.......2007-01-19

Using Eastern Philosophy to justify the Slacker lifestyle.......2006-11-26

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