some good moments that aren't as effective as they could be

Rating: Null/10 (27 February 2019)

Ardent basketball fan Spike Lee wrote and directed this absorbing drama that explores the many challenges faced by talented young athletes, but more importantly the relationship between fathers and sons. Jake Shuttlesworth is an imprisoned convict in upstate New York who makes a deal with the governor: one week of freedom to persuade his son Jesus-the nation's top basketball prospect-to attend the governor's alma mater in exchange for a reduced sentence, but Jake's relationship with his son is strained (to say the least). The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but made worthwhile by strong acting from Washington, compelling as usual, and NBA star Allen, surprisingly credible in his screen debut, but there are some issues: film goes on too long by including unnecessary subplots that detract from the central story, and some genuinely poignant moments are undermined by a booming score that tends to overshadow the performances. A good film that's a bit overdone, with plenty of recognizable cameos for those who are a fan of the sport. **½