He Got Game
Plot
He Got Game is a 1998 sports drama film written and directed by Spike Lee. The movie tells the story of Jake Shuttlesworth (Dennis Haysbert), a convicted murderer who is scheduled to be executed in one week, unless he agrees to plead guilty and accept a life sentence. Desperate to save his own skin, Jake's lawyer concocts a plan for him to persuade his son Jesus (Ray Allen) to attend Big State, a college with a top-ranked basketball program. If Jesus commits to playing ball for Big State, the state will grant Jake a shorter prison sentence. The only problem is that Jesus has been estranged from his father for years and is not exactly thrilled about being manipulated into doing his father's bidding. Jesus is a talented high school basketball player who is considering several college options. He's got a reputation for being cocky on the court, but off-court, he's struggling to come to terms with his difficult childhood and his complicated relationship with his father. As Jake tries to convince Jesus to attend Big State, their fraught history and conflicting personalities create tension and conflict. Meanwhile, Lala Bonilla (Rosario Dawson), a college counselor, becomes involved in the situation as she tries to help Jesus make an informed decision about his future. As Jesus navigates the complexities of adult life, he must also confront his own demons and decide whether his father's words are genuine or just a ploy to save his own skin. Throughout the film, Spike Lee explores themes of redemption, family dynamics, and personal responsibility. The movie features a strong performance from Denzel Washington as the coach of Big State, who becomes embroiled in Jake's plan. The basketball action is intense and well-choreographed, adding to the film's tension and excitement. Ultimately, He Got Game is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of family relationships, personal identity, and the power of choice. As Jesus weighs his options and decides what path to take, he must confront the reality that his future is not just about basketball – it's about who he wants to become as a person.
Reviews
Steven
Spike Lee's films always have a somewhat peculiar rhythm to them. Denzel Washington and Milla Jovovich deliver powerful performances, and surprisingly, Ray Allen holds his own as well. This movie gives us a glimpse into the immense pressure and challenges of becoming an NBA star—it's not as easy as it looks.
Bentley
The premise of trading sentence reduction is unique and has real-world possibilities. However, in film genres, neither prison corruption nor basketball recruitment naturally intersects. Especially when the subplot introduces the taxi driver's perspective, the divergence of emotions becomes more apparent. Initially, the son's first choice was Kobe, but due to the team's poor performance, strength training was deemed necessary. Lee then found McGrady too aloof, didn't have a strong impression of Iverson, and ultimately settled on Ray Allen, who only had eight weeks of acting training. Amazing!
Everett
Despite starring Ray Allen and featuring guest appearances from basketball luminaries like Michael Jordan, "He Got Game" isn't merely a basketball movie. It leverages the sport to tell a compelling story, offering a snapshot of the diverse experiences of Black individuals in New York City through the lens of Spike Lee.
Nicholas
It's really a four-star film, but I'm adding an extra star just for Ray Allen.
Zoe
It's a blend of a dreamy, innocent 80s family drama, the hyper-kinetic editing of something like "Showgirls," and a block-hugging film where rap dialogue guides the action. But it's too bloated and finishes weakly. 4.5.
Ella
Denzel Washington and Ray Allen's powerful performances bring depth to Spike Lee's sports drama 'He Got Game'. The film explores themes of family, redemption, and the complexities of the American prison system. The cinematography is striking, with a mix of vibrant colors and gritty realism. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, culminating in a suspenseful climax. Ultimately, 'He Got Game' is a thought-provoking commentary on the societal pressures faced by young athletes and the difficult choices they must make.
