Great Movie

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2013)

Normally in films, a father bonding with his son is a peaceful scene; tossing a baseball back and forth, fishing with each other, and talking about life. However in the 1998 film, He Got Game, father and son bonding is pushed to the extreme when Denzel Washington and youthful NBA player, Ray Allen take to the big screen to portray a different side of the cliché relationship. Directed, written, and produced by the legendary Spike Lee, who I have always been a fan of and I can't name too many blemishes on Denzel Washington's filmography either. I first went into the film with great expectations and still was amazed by the content of the movie! The only spark of skepticism I had was the fact that Ray Allen had a lead role. Spike Lee didn't have to cast an NBA player for Jesus' character. Any young actor could have took the role but he gave it to someone who never acted before. Having a basketball player as the main character was a risk but Ray Allen came through and delivered a great performance. Usually, athletes who try their hand at acting make their fans lose a bit of respect for them — see Michael Jordan in Space Jam and Shaq in anything. He Got Game is a great film for many reasons but mainly because of the acting displays, intense plot, and the transformation of the main characters. The movie follows number one high school basketball prospect Jesus Shuttlesworth (Allen) struggling with the decision on where he will continue his basketball career after graduating and the media that a decision like that attracts along with the strains placed on family and romantic ties. Meanwhile, in the Attica Correctional Facility, Jake Shuttlesworth (Washington) is spending time in prison for murdering his wife; Jesus' mother. With everyone wanting to get Jesus to come to their respective college or professional team, the governor offers Jake Shuttlesworth less time on his sentencing if he can convince his son to play basketball for his alma mater. Jake is let go on house arrest and given a week to make this happen which really doesn't seem like enough time since his son hates the sight of him. Throughout the film, the time period switches from the present day where Jesus is making his decision to the past where he used to get physically challenged by his father on the basketball court before his mother's passing. This addition really lifts the movie and gives it more emotion. What I really love is that the film really digs into the controversies of collegiate recruiting all while maintaining its main plot points and theme. During the recruiting process, lots of students are persuaded by cars, money, and other gifts and Spike Lee wasn't hesitant to bring light to those discrepancies throughout the movie. Jesus and his younger sister live in their own apartment where Jesus pays the rent but nothing is ever mentioned of him having a job. Also, in the beginning, Jesus' girlfriend tries to get him to meet a friend of her family who is an agent but Jesus aggressively declines and tells her "you know that sh!t is illegal." Including this in the film was genius because it makes the movie more real by showing something ugly about basketball and not just the glamorous lifestyle and flashy dunks. Being a basketball fan, my opinion of the film may be a little bias but I loved every minute of it. It's a rather long film, clocking in at 136 minutes but it goes by so fast, it will leave viewers wanting more! With great acting from Washington and Allen, a well-polished story line, and a vintage soundtrack, this movie is one of my favorites. I don't only suggest this movie for fans who would be able to point out former NBA players' cameos and classic '90's sneakers worn throughout the film. I think anyone who loves a great, dramatic movie with intense scenes and amazing acting would enjoy He Got Game.