The Tao of Steve (2000)

80% of critics liked it
(49 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(5,995 ratings)

Jenniphr Goodman makes her directorial debut with this film about an overweight slacker who has an unusual ability to attract the ladies. The film opens in Santa Fe with portly Don Juan Dex (Donal Logue) at his college reunion. Two of his school day conquests comment about how much weight Dex has… More Jenniphr Goodman makes her directorial debut with this film about an overweight slacker who has an unusual ability to attract the ladies. The film opens in Santa Fe with portly Don Juan Dex (Donal Logue) at his college reunion. Two of his school day conquests comment about how much weight Dex has gained since graduation. He gamely flirts with a student bartender, but he finds himself attracted to Syd (Greer Goodman) the attractive blonde drummer of the band. Later, Dex tries to teach one of his desperate roommates the "Tao of Steve" (as in 1960s swinging stud Steve McQueen). Rule one: feign a complete lack of interest in anything physical. Rule two: do something excellent in order to demonstrate your "sex-worthiness." Yet when wooing Syd, he finds his prowess and his faith in the Tao tested. Out of desperation, he shows all his cards and tells her he is in love with her. She fires back with the revelation that they actually once had sex back during college. Though initially flummoxed, he continues to pursue her until she invites him on a backpacking trip up in the mountains. After an unfortunate incident involving some guy and a fist, Syd nurses Dex back to health, and soon romantic sparks fly. This film was screened at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 min.
Directed By: Jenniphr Goodman
Written By: Duncan North
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 4, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Mar 20, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Sweet, funny romantic comedy for mature audiences.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Turns from interesting character study to wan romantic comedy.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Though employing an utterly conventional romantic design, it tweaks the formula sufficiently...to come across as charmingly distinctive rather than tiredly imitative.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

moon r

A different kind of romcom, but a romcom nonetheless, about the pairing of a slacker by choice with the forgotten woman from his college days who got away. Interesting dialogue, but ...
Lenny M

Above average comedy with an original script. Movie has a lot of philosophical references and humor which is central to the protagonist's essence, using philosophy and knowledge to sleep with women. Downfalls of the movie are casting, some of the acting is bad but the lead… More
Above average comedy with an original script. Movie has a lot of philosophical references and humor which is central to the protagonist's essence, using philosophy and knowledge to sleep with women. Downfalls of the movie are casting, some of the acting is bad but the lead actor from Grounded for Life delivers. Shot in New Mexico which makes the settings more interesting and open. Good overall film.
Cindy I

This is the story of Dex --a once hot, now overweight, out of shape, smart but totally without ambition, ladies man who is still picking up chicks with his philosophy called the Tao of Steve. But he meets up with one woman at a college reunion who doesn't fall for his smooth… More
This is the story of Dex --a once hot, now overweight, out of shape, smart but totally without ambition, ladies man who is still picking up chicks with his philosophy called the Tao of Steve. But he meets up with one woman at a college reunion who doesn't fall for his smooth lines, which makes him want her even more. It's familiar ground, but Donal Logue as Dex does a good job at making Dex seem both sympathetic and a total jerk. He seems a natural for the role, like he might actually live his life like this. I liked this a lot, and hated it too. Why? Because I found Dex funny and charming and smart, and I can see my stupid ass falling for all the tricks of the trade Dex uses to get women. All his speeches on philosophy could stir my libido as well as my brain. But I hope my common sense would eventually kick in and I'd tell his cocky, underachieving self to take a hike.
James A

A mediocre movie I saw on HBO without nudity. Pretty funny at least.
Stephen E

"The Tao of Steve" is a witty, albeit formulaic, romantic comedy that is bolstered by a likable central performance from Donal Logue.
Curt C

The laughs are subduead but funny, and even the sleazy characters have a likeable quality. It eventually turns into a typical romance, but it really tries its best not to.
Stephen E

"The Tao of Steve" is a witty, albeit formulaic, romantic comedy that is bolstered by a likable central performance from Donal Logue.
Leo L

A fantastic film! Love it! Very funny.
Anthony V

Great indie romantic comedy.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

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