Doc Meets World lacks a clear direction, has a chaotic structure, and sidesteps too many important issues. Yet, it works thanks to the charm and intelligence of its three compelling leads.
Yes, I said three . Fans of "Boy Meets World" likely already know which of the core four cast members are missing—because they're likely among the people who made "Pod Meets World" so successful that it inspired a national tour, an upcoming book, and this documentary.
Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga on the beloved 1990s sitcom, is the solid center of the podcast's team, which also includes Will Friedle (who plays the funny older brother Eric) and Rider Strong (the rebellious but sensitive Shawn).
This, of course, means we're missing Ben Savage (Cory Matthews's main character). Not only has Savage refused to participate in the show's rewatch podcast the others started four years ago, he's not even returning their calls. Why? No one really knows.
They don't seem particularly bothered by it, though podcast listeners know the mystery is far more poignant than the film portrays. But directors Chris Levitus and Zane Rubin take the spotlight off Savage to highlight the characters and their "Pod Meets World" podcast tour. We mostly follow the trio as they travel the country, goofing around backstage and performing to packed houses. Along the way, they each share stories about their experiences as child actors, as well as how they, as adults, were once child actors themselves.
All three come across as genuine and dedicated to their craft, both their own development and their shared projects. When your life has always been defined by others—parents, producers, fans—it's not easy to forge a completely new path. Fishel and Friedle seem resigned to this dilemma, finding ways to embrace it. She appears level-headed and level-headed, even as she recalls the challenges of growing up as a young woman in the public eye. He is equally honest about his struggles, particularly the intense anxiety that forced him to stay home and hide from public view for years. As for Strong, he seems to be gradually coming to terms with his feelings about the show and his childhood; his anger and resentment ultimately hint at a touching and as-yet-unresolved tangle.
In other words, there's a lot of complex material here to explore. But Levitus and Rubin, making their feature-length documentary debut, aren't quite sure how to access it. While the tour scenes are certainly engaging, and the interviews are often touching, they don't delve into the depths barely visible beneath the surface.
We see Friedl's pain when Savage blocks his messages (!), but the filmmakers hesitate to delve deeper. We hear that Fishel's mother encouraged her to return to acting immediately after the series ended, but we learn little about their seemingly complicated relationship. And Strong works so hard to refocus his ambitions that a compelling film could have been made just about him and his journey.
Instead, we get a bonus feature intended as another installment in the Podcast Meets World franchise. We learn a little more about the podcast and a lot more about the tour (which sounds truly amazing). We also briefly meet several other members of the crew, including Matthew Lawrence (Sean's half-brother, Jack) and William Daniels (Mr. Feeney, as you might know if you've read this far in the Boy Meets World documentary review).
Ultimately, "Doc Meets World" feels like a masterfully crafted blend of promotion and fan service. No doubt, anyone who already loves "Boy Meets World" will enjoy listening to this podcast just as much.
But a good documentary will appeal to everyone, including those who know nothing about the subject. Fishel, Friedl, and Strong are such compelling characters that it's hard not to want more. Perhaps one day these three fascinating people—who are themselves producers, screenwriters, and directors—will give us just that.
The article "'Doc Meets World' Review: 'Boy Meets World' Stars Reunite for Warm Combination of Nostalgia, Reflection, and Fan Pleasing" originally appeared on TheWrap.