Tiger (2021) User Reviews

Wow

[anthonydapiii · 8/10 · 13 February 2021]

To watch this on the draw of random happenings one night (thanks Dad), was amazing.

I'mso glad I watched this and invested my time into it.

It was an investment. For the thing I learned in it was amazing.

Besides the incredible craft of Tiger, the accolades, the events, the ups and downs, there was a beautiful battle of the internal in this one.

To literally watch someone work through their own turmoil and trauma in this mini- series (which was so well edited), gave me such a high spirit when watching and now whe reflecting.

The way Tiger had to overcome his head to head battle with Mickelson in the '08 Masters and the way golf is played entirely, was like a mini-course on life - as Tiger had to do the same in life itself when coming back from being down.

He was patient and understanding with himself. He hurt himself along the way and others too. Many changes. Many sacrifices. Many bad swings (metaphorically that is). To have regained himself and to be better for his kids (who kept him accountable just by being his kids), is courageous and a true showing of strength.

Tiger. I give you love from here. Peter McDaniels, as well. Everything you said in your interview for this mini-film was spot on.

So far So good- Amazing Insight

[ish-kapoor-17 · 9/10 · 11 January 2021]

After watching the first episode, and being a big Tiger fan myself, I can say the documentary is very insightful with new info about the backstory of Tigers upbringing and very well made. HBO does documentaries right!

Parents Living Through Their Child

[gsandra-26876 · 7/10 · 24 February 2021]

The tragedy of this man's life starts with his father's domination of him before he was even 2 years old. I speak from experience -- having had a "stage mother" who was determined to make me a child movie star -- ballet lessons that deformed my feet from toe dancing, performing at every school, club, and social event she could enter me during my entire childhood. So, I know what Earl was doing to his child because I have been there. Children do what their parents want from them in order to (1) please them and (2) because they are virtually dependent on them for food and shelter. But a lot of the "interviewees" got in wrong in this "Tiger" series: You are watching child abuse and its results. The father's obsession stunted the child's development. Tiger had no childhood. He was taught to do tricks for the audience. Like a trained dog or seal. To perform. That's not good parenting -- it's child abuse. Note: I thought Ms. Uchitel's altered lips were going to explode on camera. She thinks this series makes her famous again; it makes her infamous. She doesn't know the difference.

I Understand The Criticism, BUT...

[matthewreid-95654 · 10/10 · 13 January 2021]

I know this feels exploitative, and I know it doesn't seem right to steal the last amounts of privacy Tiger has left, BUT this provided so much insight into how one of the greatest sports figures in American history was built. I unfortunately was compelled by some of the personal strife he went through (his father cheating, Tiger's ability to bury the things that chipped away at his amour). I think his story is important because you learn that the icons you place on a pedestal are nothing more than men. They are flesh, blood, and tears.

As always fame comes with big sacrifices

[dan_c_ro · 10/10 · 11 January 2021]

I didn't know much about Tiger Woods. I knew he was a golf champion for many years and he had some lawsuits and divorce. This was all I knew. I didn't know the background of all that. The producers of this 2 parts documentary made a great job. It is very well documented with a lot of footage from the golf games, from his childhood, interviews with friends, ex girlfriends, journalists and other players. I am looking forward to see the second part but so far it is very interesting and very sad at the same time. Why sad? I will not say much because I want you to see it for yourself but so far as I can see it it is about a boy who didn't have the chance to build his own path in life, others decided that before he grew up.

Greatest Golfer To Ever Live!

[sjkriz · 10/10 · 18 January 2021]

He had poor role models in life, but he's an inspiration for anyone who has lost their way in life and has found a way to battle back! I loved every part of this series! Go Tiger!

Epic

[sfsugs-78775 · 10/10 · 29 January 2021]

I get that real Tiger Woods fans might find it intrusive, but for me, someone that doesn't watch golf I thought it was amazing. A true look at America's fascination with creating a star so they can destroy it. Tiger winning another major in 2019 makes for a true Hollywood story. I'm curious who will play him in a narrative one day?

Good...with a bunch of cheap shots!

[her5066 · 7/10 · 12 January 2021]

It's good to get an understanding of reality, but it comes from low places. I have a better understanding of Tiger, but am not sure getting too personal was necessary, or right. The golf and the battles are always entertaining!

Good doc. Worth the watch

[beerguy1 · 9/10 · 29 January 2021]

Really good documentary. Always been a big Tiger fan, but this gets very personal. Good to see that he's cleaned up and getting his life together.

Reassessing the life and times of Tiger Woods

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 11 January 2021]

"Tiger" (2021 release; 2 parts; 190 min.) is a documentary about the life and times of golf legend Tiger Woods. As the first part opens, we see Tiger's dad Earl Tiger reflect at the 1996 Haskings Collegiate Award: "The world will be a better place to live in with him", yea, modestly was not lost on Earl. We then go back to "1978" as two (!) year old Tiger is on a TV show with Bob Hope, and swinging away. More troublesome, as Tiger grows older, he asks his school teacher to talk to Earl to let him play other sports as well. (Did you notice that Tiger couldn't even ask his dad himself?) Earl refuses outright... At this point we are 10 min. into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this documentary is directed by Academy Award nominee and Emmy-winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman ("Cartel Land") and Emmy nominee Matthew Hamachek. In other words, no slouches or amateurs. The picture they paint of Tiger is a complicated one: on the one hand his golfing talent is immense, perhaps the best golfer ever, but on the other hand Earl and his wife to a lesser degree are so overbearing that young Tiger doesn't stand a chance to develop into his own. The film makers interview tons of people that were (are?) close to Tiger. Of particular interest is Tiger's very first serious girlfriend Dina, who provides a ton of insights on how things were back in those days. "There is fame and then there is mania", she comments on the crushing social and other pressures on Tiger. Part 1 concludes around 2006, a year with lots of upheaval and change for Tiger. Can't wait to see Part 2!

Part 1 of "Tiger" premiered this weekend on HBO and is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. Part 2 is scheduled to air this coming weekend. If you have any interest in Tiger the person and/or Tiger the golfer, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Heartbreaking

[helenahandbasket-93734 · 10/10 · 11 January 2021]

I remember vividly when Tiger came on to the amateur scene, then went pro. I recall at the time thinking 'this kid is going to have major issues down the road with a dad that governs so tightly over his son.'

Tiger changed the game in so many ways, and no matter what others say, many MANY whites had absolutely zero issues with his color, ethnicity, religion, whatever, it's a minuscule handful of hilljack hicks that are threatened by anything that challenges their deflated ego, and race is as much to do with it as the King of England. But he changed the perception of the game, brought in viewers, and more importantly, brought in players.

His ultimate downfall goes back to what some of us saw as his Achilles when he first came on the scene- a father willing to do anything to live vicariously through his son (and his mother in some ways, as well) doing any and all things to succeed except being the father he needed so desperately to be. Earl led the way very publicly for others like LaVar Ball, who indulge and coddle their children, doing all things but what their child(ren) need most- be a parent.

Tigers ultimate implosion was something most saw a mile away, but were helpless to intercede. In the end, we all played a role in this downfall- from Nike that tried so desperately to lay an all too heavy load on his very young shoulders, the PGA who used and abused him, allowing nonsense from fans, the media that felt entitled to assuage the insanity in the name of ratings, his friends/family for failing him so deeply, and ultimately all of us, for allowing all these things and not uttering the least bit of pushback.

We could all learn a thing or to from this tale- we love our 'heroes' but love their downfall even more.

An imperfect legend

[MiguelAReina · 7/10 · 19 January 2021]

Closer to the personal portrait than to the sport, this documentary cannot avoid falling into sensationalism to build the profile of an imperfect legend. And although it is true that it tries to humanize him, it does so by recreating in the worst moments of his life, through interviews with former friends who give off a certain resentment. Although the description of the character is not profound, it does raise interesting questions about racism in sport and the price of fame.

Exploitive Docu-Trash with Bad Vibes

[Instant_Palmer · 3/10 · 15 January 2021]

The opening scenes of 'Tiger' foreshadow the direction the filmmakers intend to take this exploitive "documentary" - and it's not going to pretty.

The list of "witnesses" willing to tell-all is short and slanted towards TMZ subject-matters - bizarrely, it starts with Tiger's high school girlfriend. The concept of using an adolescent relationship as a key testimony to defining the "real" essence of someone and those around them (eg. Tiger's father Earl) is flat-out creepy.

I'm guessing the "high school girlfriend" was well compensated, as were the others who agreed to be part of this. One of those an assistant pro at a local muni golf course Earl Woods frequented with Tiger when he was a pre-teen seems downright ashamed with himself for being apart of this fiasco.

These types of snapshots are interspersed with video clips that most of us have seen or can be found on YouTube, and many of the greatest moments were missing. Likely, very few wanted to sell their rights to their videos for this film, or in any way be "associated" with this production - Smart move for those who chose to opt out!

I suppose the film maker intended to show the "complexity of Tiger's World". Filmmakers probably thought it was going to be something like deep such as "Tiger's immense success covers up a dysfunctional underworld ready to rear its inevitable head later in life." How clever 🙄 😑. There is no depth nor insight-fullness involved though.

Tiger's longtime agent Mark Steinberg flat out dismisses the film - "Just like the book it is based off of, the upcoming HBO documentary is just another unauthorized and salacious outsider attempt to paint an incomplete portrait of one of the greatest athletes of all-time."

Although many will say "of course he says that", one cannot shake the sketchy atmosphere of the film. Exploitive, unimaginative docu-b/s is what we get.

I don't ever endorse these types of manipulative docu-films, and this one offers nothing new that we didn't already know. A cool head shot of Tiger used for the movie poster might be the film maker's best achievement here.

I'm sure the producers made a hefty profit as production costs HAD to be negligible - most of the cost was likely book rights, video clip usage royalties, and witness payoffs. That is too bad as it will only encourage more of these types of docu-trash-films - Just what we all need after one Hell of a crazy year.

Yes, I will still see Part 2 as they roll out their big guns of botox injected eyewitness bimbos, and I will update my review then. But I am not expecting to be swayed in a positive review direction - Part 1 is THAT bad.

As it stands now...

👎👎

EDIT After Ep. 2 Raised the Rating from 1 Star to 3 Stars.

Indeed as anticipated, the "Botox Bimbos" were marched in to "testify, and the focus of the film becomes fully focused on the most "salacious" events of Tiger's life as he headed towards rock-bottom - the creepiness factor of "testimonies" by jaded former girl friends and caddy Stevie reaches even higher proportions, but at least the director did a decent job in telling the miracle comeback win story at The Masters (albeit just scratching the surface of Tiger's emotional transformation and maturing in that period).

The clip of Master's Chairman Billy Payne publicly scolding Tiger (which I had never seen before), along with Bryant Gumble's commentary response (which was spot on) was something I had not before seen, and the Masters lost my respect because of it. It was eye opening and frankly shocking - that alone garners two Stars.

Regardless, this is still an unauthorized piece of docu-trash, and no one seems proud of its production.

3 stars is generous. 👎👎

Watching on HBO MAX right now!

[bemersonslp · 9/10 · 11 January 2021]

Truly compelling story about an extraordinary man and athlete. His story is unexpected, from his parents and upbringing, to his early relationships. Tiger had an innate focus, drive, and extreme talent. He is mesmerizing to watch. Of course this unpacks the pressure he was under to live up to expectations, not the least of which: his own expectation of being the best. Both of his parents put incredible expectations on him. His father was intense and literally told his son and others that Tiger was a god. His entire life involved intense pressure and scrutiny. He also revolutionized golf and made history.

Tiger Goes Deep

[jimsweezey · 8/10 · 3 February 2021]

I have always been a big fan of Tiger Woods the golfer but never knew much about him outside of the game. When the whole scandal broke it came out as if he was just out there sleeping with anything that moved bc he was your typical athlete d-bag. "Tiger" explains why he most likely did what he did but more importantly, for Woods, it shows that it was as much of if not more of a mental connection for him than physical. He was obviously an insecure guy off the golf course and ended up repeating some things he hated in his idols. I won't go into detail but watch the doc it's great. My only complaint is I wish it was longer!

-SweeZ

I'm such a sucker for these HBO 2-parter celebrity bio-docs.

[matthewssilverhammer · 8/10 · 4 August 2021]

They all capture so well (including this one) is the complex, complicated truth of an individual. I do wonder, though, if the ending triumph of "Tiger" is just more of what the film is trying to combat: the public's desire to see perfection in a person.

Time filler

[tzarhusky · 6/10 · 4 February 2021]

Interesting recap that most of the audience watching will already know. Opening with Tiger handcuffed in jail will tell you all you need to know the underlying note of this papumentary. It could of started with him winning The Masters in 2001. One for the not so deep millennials.

The Human form of Tiger

[sukeshetty-66195 · 9/10 · 11 January 2021]

It's interesting to see snippets from people who have surrounded this aura called Tiger. The nuances of his early childhood and experiences with close people makes it a very interesting watch.

Blaze of Glory

[add2nan · 7/10 · 3 February 2021]

This is a documentary that follows the story of great Tiger Woods, his ups and downs. In 2 episodes and a little over 3 hours, we can get a picture of what it's like to be Tiger Woods.

For someone familiar with Tiger Woods's success on golf court and scandals, I didn't know that much of his private life. The first episode beautifully shows his upbringing, his dedication to becoming the best, and his sacrifice to do so. Unlike team sports where responsibilities are shared between team players, golf is such an individual sport, and looking at his dedication and his mental strengths on the golf court is amazing. All that fame and glory at first seems to be everyone's dream, but in this documentary, we can see the wrong side of it.

However, I would like to see Tiger Woods and his wife Elin in this documentary sharing their perspective on everything. I think that would give another set of perspectives and feelings to everything that happened in their life. I understand that maybe they didn't want to participate in this, but I think it would be the perfect balance between people who are not part of Tiger's life anymore and the legend and his wife.

Solid Documentary

[jaycop · 8/10 · 20 January 2021]

All I have to say to say is great Doc except for the having to listen to the most arrogant person & race hustler Bryant Gumble. Gumble seems to have forgotten about the countless non-white celebrity scandals who've crashed big. Britney speaks & Rosanne to name 2.. ok, Rant over

There are two sides to every coin- we only see one here

[RicFlair506 · 6/10 · 14 July 2021]

Unfortunately we only see the "dark" side of Tiger's story and there is very little content on people that remain close to him. Ex-friends, ex-girlfriends etc are in this but we don't see the other side. That's not to say it's not an engaging documentary... but that it is "unfulfilled" / incomplete in my opinion.

Tabloid fodder train wreck

[redroominparis · 4/10 · 14 January 2021]

It's like you're driving along the countryside, reminiscing about the long green fairways of Augusta and the cool breeze off the rocky shores of Pebble Beach. The epic calls from the galley at the British open. Then suddenly you come across a passenger train that has derailed and you can't take your eyes off the bloody, dismembered occupants. You know that staring into the dark and brokenness of the wreckage is sinful, exposing the victims at their lowest point, but you cannot look away. That's 'Tiger'. It gets 4 stars for the home video footage of him dancing and being a kid, and the sweet interactions with Earl. Other than that, it's a mess of former acquaintances embellishing their relationships and revealing the dark side of a man who, quite frankly, had the weight of humanity on his shoulders, and was ill equipped to handle it. Based on my review, I will watch the second part, and you probably will as well. That being said, you are essentially reading a smarter version of the 'Enquirer'. Bring on the Perkins waitress!!!!

Should Be Called "Tiger Sex Scandal"

[leftbanker-1 · 9/10 · 19 January 2021]

They spent way too much of this on the sex scandal, as if that defines the man's entire life. He is incredibly wealthy. He likes women. So what? Is that so shocking? He's married. So what? They acted like he invented infidelity. Grow up, people. Go out and have your own affairs instead of reading about those of famous people.

Gutter Press Maggots Judging Tiger Woods? Historically Racist Augusta Golf Club Judging Woods?

I wonder how well the life of the maggot from National Enquirer would hold up under any sort of scrutiny? Mine wouldn't, and I'm not fabulously wealthy and famous. Why does anyone care who Tiger Woods was having sex with, or how many? He's a golfer. If you don't want to watch him play golf, turn the channel.

Rachel Uber-smell, or whatever her name is, one of Tiger's hos, is such a revolting skank. Why would he ever be with her more than once or twice? Enjoy your 15 minutes, you grotesque monster of plastic surgery. Why would anyone care that he used her for sex a few times? Billy Payne, head cracker at Augusta jugding Tiger Woods on morality issues would be laughable if it weren't so sickening. Tiger should have hired reporters to hound Payne until they found dirt on him. I'm sure it would have been one-day job. I'm so glad this disgusting hypocrisy was pointed out in the documentary.

I hate golf and I don't give a crap about the game. I certainly didn't care about his ridiculous scandal. Then it becomes a pity-fest about the skank. Then it's pity for the poor wife, then it's Tiger apologizing a million times. Why do we care about his home life? Answer: no one should care about it at all. Get your own life, folks. You should be the role model for your children, not some athlete.

very well done

[angelorwez · 10/10 · 15 November 2023]

TIGER let me start by saying...TV and cinema should only be judged in and of itself...is this a good story...is it interesting...is it compelling...that's all that matters...

criticism about this show is all about it's biased...it praises an evil man...it forgives an evil man...it's not elaborate enough...it's not all encompassing...some details were left out...and since this is a documentary...it does invite all that coz it's meant to be factual objective and all that...the same is said about Making a Murderer...but i think it's irrelevant...

documentary or not...it's still a story...and i still a judge a story as JUST story...do i like it that's all that matters to me...all the other preoccupations of historical accuracy accent accuracy costume accuracy right or wrong moral or immoral...all that doesn't matter...

Tiger is a great show...the pacing is great...it's well narrated well told...it's probably too long...but makes sense...2 parts to show the two sides of the man...

great fantastic stuff.