In a bizarre twist, the story of Steve Vogelsang — once a beloved Canadian sports broadcaster — has taken a dark turn, now documented in the new film The Sexiest Man in Winnipeg. Premiering Friday on Prime, this documentary follows Vogelsang’s startling fall from on-screen jokester to convicted felon, spanning six bank robberies across Alberta and Saskatchewan in the 2010s.
What sets this documentary apart is Vogelsang’s direct involvement, as he re-enacts the very crimes he committed, offering a firsthand look into his increasingly erratic behavior. His journey from CKY Winnipeg’s fan-favorite personality to a convicted criminal with a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence unfolds in chilling detail, as Vogelsang explains how he built a fake bomb and even why he went for a facial immediately after a heist.
The film asks the critical question: why would someone so successful and well-liked suddenly “break bad”? Vogelsang’s personality — prickly, impulsive, and self-assured — begins to unravel the mystery. His history includes a no-contact order for a student he dated and tension with his ex-wife, hinting at deeper complexities that eventually lead to his criminal behavior.
While the documentary starts strong with cinematic depictions of Vogelsang’s robberies and insights from those who knew him, it falters in its lack of depth. Narrated by Will Arnett, who adds a tongue-in-cheek tone to the storytelling, the film features a bizarre conceit of Arnett narrating as a bison — a nod to Vogelsang’s claimed “spirit animal.” Yet, this quirky device only adds to the film’s artificial feel, overshadowing the story’s potential for deeper reflection.
In comparison to other famous ex-performers-turned-criminals, The Sexiest Man in Winnipeg lacks the novelty and emotional weight found in other documentaries, such as Life After the Navigator about Joey Cramer. In the end, the film is more interested in the gimmick than truly exploring Vogelsang’s transformation, leaving the audience yearning for more substance.
Source: Swifteradio.com
