Synopsis:  Sonicsgate is a feature documentary film exposing the truth behind how Seattle lost the SuperSonics after a heated legal battle in 2008. The team’s celebrated 41-year run in Seattle included an NBA Championship, three Western Conference titles, six division titles and legendary players such as Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Ray Allen, Tom Chambers, Xavier McDaniel, Jack Sikma, Freddy Brown, Slick Watts and Spencer Haywood… just to name a few.

Sonicsgate is an investigative piece that explores what really happened to cause this tragedy, as the perfect storm of greed and political impotence cost Seattle its only championship team. 

Review:  In 2008, the Seattle Sonics NBA basketball team left Seattle after 41 years in the city.  They were beloved by fans and are the only Seattle-based team to win a professional sports championship.  

Sonicsgate explores the history of the team and the actions that led up to the sale of the team and their move to Oklahoma City.  Director Jason Reid does a tremendous job of sifting through all of the evidence and pointing blame at those responsible for the team leaving Seattle.  And as it turns out, everyone – from the former owner to the new owner to the mayor of Seattle to the Washington State Legislature – is to blame. 

I really enjoyed this movie.  I was not familiar with the story behind the Sonics move to Oklahoma City, but director Jason Reid did a great job of telling the story so it could be understood.  He also did a good job of not trying to paint a black and white picture.  The story is complex and at times convoluted.  It involves greed, betrayal, political ineptness and intrigue, and a loyal, dedicated fan base that never gave up hope that their hometown team would actually stay home. 

Sonicsgate is an interesting and entertaining documentary full of intrigue and suspense.  Even though you know how it ends, you can’t help but hope that the Sonics remain in Seattle. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, I think you’ll enjoy the film.  It is a very well done film and a very interesting story.

 (4.0 out of 5.0)

Preview from sonicsgate on Vimeo.

Film website:  http://sonicsgate.org/