Above the Rim

Runtime: 96 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Stars: Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans

Plot: High School basketball star Kyle Watson is looking to get into Georgetown, but lots of things stand in his way, like his ghetto upbringing and a drug dealer.

Review: I have always liked this movie, and recently got the chance to view it again.  I think this movie is very raw and very well made at the same time.  I have not really been much of a fan of basketball movies, but this is one that grips me.  It has a very well told story.  You really get a sense of what Kyle (Martin) goes through on his journey to get to college.  His life is a struggle, living with his mom in the hood.  His best friend, Bugaloo (Wayans) just got out of jail and wants Kyle to run with a prominent drug dealer, Birdie (Tupac).  

The final scene of the movie, at the basketball tournament shootout is a well done scene.  Kyle finds out that he did get into Georgetown, and has decided to quit Birdie's team and rejoin his coach's team.  But Birdie tells him to throw the game or he will tell Georgetown about the gifts that he gave Kyle.  In the end, Kyle doesn't throw the game and his team wins.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes a nice story.  Not the best movie in the world, but a very good one. 

Rating: 8/10

IMDb:  http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0109035/