This documentary was advertised as a question surrounding the Steve Bartman play in the 2003 NLCS between the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins, "why do fans blame Bartman for the Cubs collapse when there were other factors why the Cubs collapsed."
While "Catching Hell" tries it's best to answer this question, the documentary also talks extensively about Bill Buckner and his famous moment in the 1986 World Series. This was advertised by ESPN that almost 30 minutes of the documentary was going to be about Buckner and the Red Sox fans treated Buckner after his famous gaffe and how they "forgave" Buckner after they won two world series'.
Alex Gibney admitted during the first few minutes of the documentary that he is a Red Sox fan. I just wish this was admitted before the documentary and that Buckner would be a part of at least 30 minutes of this movie. I wasn't sure there for a moment if I was watching a movie based on Bartman and the Cubs or Buckner and the Red Sox. That was very off-putting.
Also "Catching Hell" was way too long. This was an hour documentary stretched into a two hour movie. There was no need for all the Buckner parts. Also the fans who were interviewed for the documentary that sat near Bartman were also very unappealing. I hated every single one of those people but that was probably the whole point.
I loved the parts though when the security guards talk about how Bartman left the stadium and eventually made his way home. I loved all the fan footage from that game that centered on Bartman and the Cubs fans reactions to that play and game.
These moments though don't justify watching this documentary though. "Catching Hell" left a lot to be desired. Now excuse me while I throw a pity party for the Red Sox Nation.
Agreed, it was very disappointing.
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