Movie:
Tao of Steve, released late last year theatrically, was directed by first-timer Jenniphr Goodman, who also shared writing credits with Duncan North, the inspiration, and Greer Goodman, her sister, who also stars in the film as Syd. Of course, the main star is Donal Logue as Dex, and for his performance, he won the "Outstanding Performance" award from the 2000 Sundance Film Festival.

Dex is an overweight, eastern religion spouting, pot smoking, part time kindergarten teacher who just happens to be quite lucky with the women for one reason – he follows the Tao of Steve, which consists of three rules. Rule #1: Learn to eliminate your desire. Rule #2: Do something excellent in the woman's presence to demonstrate your sexual worthiness. Rule #3: You then must retreat. The Tao of Steve is based on the Steve's – McGarrett, Austin, and McQueen, who portray the prototypical cool American male. Not only is the Tao of Steve a state of mind, it's a way of living that Dex has endorsed throughout his life…up until he meets Syd, at his ten year reunion in Santa Fe. At the party, Syd blows Dex off, but they get to spend plenty of time together later, when Dex's motorcycle breaks down and he relies on his friend's truck for transportation – the same truck his friend promised Syd she could use, since she's staying with him and his wife. Dex has always relied on the Tao of Steve to tell him how to live, but when he falls in love with Syd, he has to decide which is more important to him – his religion or real love.

Besides a few whispers of the Tao of Steve here and there on the Internet, I hadn't heard much of the film before I watched it. And I have to say that I really enjoyed the Tao of Steve for several reasons. The concept of the Tao of Steve was unique and fresh, to me at least, and the acting was quite good. Logue really carries the film with his personality and charm, and provides a few good laughs during the course of the film. Greer Goodman works great with Logue, especially considering that this is her first film, and the two provide some believable chemistry.

Picture:
Tao of Steve is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer manages to capture the beauty of Santa Fe effectively; colors are vibrant, flesh tones are accurate, and blacks are detailed and rich. The only flaw holding back the score from being perfect are the marks and nicks that pop up from time to time, which eventually distract.

Sound:
Tao of Steve is presented in Dolby Surround 2.0. Surrounds are used effectively and more often than I expected, with characters talking off screen, footsteps, weather, etc. The music also sounds terrific, but occasionally subdues the dialogue, which besides those few rare moments, is crisp and clean. Optional subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish.

Extras:
Extras include a screen specific commentary with Jenniphr and Greer Goodman, Logue, and North, talent files for Jenniphr Goodman and Donal Logue, and trailers for Tao of Steve, Patriot, and Jerry Maguire.

The commentary left a lot to be desired, as all four fight to talk in almost every scene. There are some interesting comments from North, as he relates how some of the events depicted in the film really happened to him, but for the Goodman's, they mostly point out friends and family that were cast in the film. Not the best commentary track I've heard.

Summary:
Though the extras aren't much to shout about, the DVD of the Tao of Steve definitely delivers in the audio/video departments. Though the film might not be for everyone, I certainly enjoyed it and I recommend it at least as a rental; you might be surprised just how entertaining it is. Recommended!