uck

Rating: Null/10 (21 April 1999)

For a filmmaker that shows so much promise at times, Spike Lee has thrown up a real stinker with "He Got Game." I will, however, begin by saying that the idea for the film and one of the performances given (Denzel Washington) are not bad at all. Also, some of Lee's shot decisions and use of different filming techniques are adventurous and laudable. BUT... I am shocked to see so many good reviews of this movie, and for several reasons A., the dialogue and script, in general, are trite and poorly written. Perhaps Spike would be better off getting someone else to write his movies. Truly poor. B., the premise, notably the "deal" given to Washington by the governor, is absolutely far-fetched and ill-conceived. This is a premise that could only be accepted if it were from an established director (which Lee is). C., as mentioned many times by other reviewers, Lee's use of sex and portrayal of women seems misogynistic and baseless. Should the sexual temptations of a man in Jesus' position be addressed in this film? Yes. But in this way? Give me a break. I think Lee is still smarting from getting turned down for the prom too many times. Quite frankly, this movie is poorly conceived and disjointed. So much so that the ending, which could be inventive, leaves us scratching our heads. It's time for Spike to start living up to his potential instead of coasting off the merits of his first film attempts.