In the history of sports, few names are more recognizable than that of Evel Knievel. Being Evel tells the real story behind the myth of 1970s American daredevil icon and pioneer for todays Extreme Sports scene Robert 'Evel' Knievel and his legacy.
"Being Evel" treads a fine line, making it clear that its subject was a heroic symbol of his times and a clear sports innovator while also acknowledging - and there's no getting around this - that the guy was a huge jerk.
This is very much a warts and all portrait, but in the process it brings us much closer to its subject, feeds a depth of appreciation many fans of those stunt shows will not have felt before.
Oscar-winning director Daniel Junge chronicles the man's life and lasting influence through a plethora of hair-raising news footage and the memories of those who knew him, hated him, and still revere him.
Directed by Daniel Junge and produced by stunt star and actor Johnny Knoxville, who also acts as a narrator and host (also a producer) this isn't just a documentary, it is a tribute, even though it doesn't shy away from showing Evel's dark side.
There was a real darkness there - behind the American flags and the fringed jackets and the fireworks - and Being Evel, to its credit, isn't afraid to face it.
