Mila Jovovitch et Denzel Washington
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A Great Movie for Anyone Who Plays Ball at Any Level
Author: thekino from United States
17 January 2005
I recently watched this movie for the first time, and as a 19 year old black male it spoke to me. However, I can see this being a film that everyone can appreciate. Especially now, with Lebron James and other upcoming HS athletes, you really see the other side of life that only they know.This movie detailed the life of the #1 basketball star in HS, and the issues he deals with before he announces his plans for the future, further complicated by his father's contingent release from jail.A GREAT movie, don't let the votes fool you, it's not a 6.5/10, more like 8.5.
Great Movie
Author: darius-cotman from ODU
25 October 2013
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
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.
Author: bluefoxniner from United Kingdom
24 December 2010
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
don't be fooled by the 6.8/10 score on IMDb. I have no idea what sort of things people would find to score such a powerful film so low. It's not a sports film at all despite the heavy frame of basketball, but more of a film of love,family and the battle of deciding the struggle between head and heart. The film is readily accessible to it's viewers, and the subject matter whilst can be uncomfortable, is wholly believable. This is a film about life and choices, as well as redemption.This movie shines despite Spike Lee's need to scream black exploitation in every project he undertakes, and is a film that will provoke thought across all boundaries of race and colour for all peoples. Everyone should see this film at least once.
This is one of Spike Lee's best films. And the use of Copland's music only punctuated what absolute tenderness was already there. One of the last scenes when Washington's character throws the basketball over the prison wall and impossibly into Jesus's court while playing (one of the obvious interpretations of this scene being "the ball is now in his court") is one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen--pure magic. That last scene is so full of meaning and symbolism that it overpowers the mind with all the instinctual emotions that goes with that scene: namely the often difficult and mythic relationship between fathers and sons, forgiveness, acceptance, and of course transcendence.
I didn't know anything about this film when I saw it, other than the fact that NBA star Ray Allen was in it, and that Public Enemy did the titled song. I figured it might be just a shallow sort of a film, not trying to be much more, just bringing some basketball action to the big screen.Man, was I wrong! I think I had a tear in my eye the whole time. Unlike many US films, it had no corny moments at all, and the ending was complex and subtly brilliant. Spike Lee should be commended.
For the many people who didn't like the ending, well, let me say, work it out! No wonder why so many mainstream films leave nothing to the imagination and include endings that are simple and one-dimensional.Another complaint seems to be the sex scenes in the film. I thought they were realistic. Refreshing also to see US sex scenes that aren't wimpy, for those of us mature enough not to be offended by that sort of thing.
Matty Leonard.
Lee continues to show why he's one of the best filmmakers of the 90's with this film. It's also one of the best basketball films ever made, along with HOOP DREAMS and WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP. While Lee's passion for the game is evident, he also shows the pressures put on athletes from all sides; school, family, people who want to live through the athletes, people who think being an athlete automatically requires you to be a role model, groupies and other temptations, and, of course, money. Along with the basketball story, Lee also adds a nicely drawn and realistic father-son relationship. Washington is of course in excellent form, but the surprise here is NBA player (for Milwaukee?) Ray Allen, who not only handles the basketball scenes well, but is a convincing actor. The soundtrack was really good as well.
This movie tends to drift off subject, and has some wierd camera shots. But the social issues in this movie are well shown.
Author: lukag from Canada
26 February 2006
This movie is nearly perfect. Just spectacular. If you're a basketball fan, you will enjoy it for sure. Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen, Seattle Supersonics), lives in Coney Island, NY, and is the top basketball prospect in America. He lives with his Sister, and his Aunt and Uncle are his legal guardians. His father, Jake, killed Jesus' mother when he was about 12. Obviously, Jesus hates him for that. Jake is offered a shorter stay in prison if he can convince his son to go to a certain college. He has one week. I couldn't believe it when I saw the low overall rating for this movie. It so well made, Public Enemy's soundtrack is MINDBLOWING. Ray Allen is a good actor, and Denzel Washington is great, like always. The ONE thing that was slightly disappointing was the strange ending. The ending was rushed and corny. That's my opinion.
10/10
Author: LWagada from United States
3 June 2005
He got game is perhaps Spike Lee's most least appreciated work, and doesn't get the recognition it deserves is such a fine fine film. From start to finish He got game presents a moving storyline amid Aaron Copland's classics. The juxtaposition of this music with basketball and urban life is absolutely genius. Sayeed's Cinematography as always makes a lasting impressions as well. Denzel is at the top of his game yet again, and the choice of Ray Allen is perfect. He got game is a story about American life, and the American family. Spike's use of symbolism through the game of basketball is phenomenal and moving. There's not a single director other than Spike who could have pulled off this American classic.
Author: whpratt1 from United States
7 February 2004
Enjoyed the great acting of Denzel Washington(Jake Shuttlesworth),"The Bone Collector",'99, who played a very complicated character role as a murderer who killed his wife who he really LOVED! A father to his daughter and a son he adored and trained hard to become a great Basketball Super Star like Michael Jordan. Denzel made it look easy, but try to act out the great role he portrayed. The film locations were great in Coney Island,(Brooklyn), NY and the Cabrini-Green in Chicago, Illinois. Ray Allen(Jesus),"Harvard Man",01 was a great supporting actor and his talent should be seen more often. Jake tried to help Milla Jovovich(Dakota Burns),"Dummy",02 who was a prostitute and warmed to the friendship that Jake offered to her with no strings attached! This is a very deep and meaningful film which has great moralistic lessons to offer the audience.
