HE GOT GAME (1998)

 

Written & Directed By: Spike Lee Cinematography: Ellen Kuras & Malik Hassan Sayeed  Editor: Barry Alexander Brown 

Cast: Ray Allen, Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Bill Nunn, Rosario Dawson, Ned Beatty, Hill Harper, Rick Fox, John Turturro, Zelda Harris, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Roger Guenveir Smith, Lonette McKee, Arthur J. Nescarella, Jim Brown, Jennifer Esposito, Saul Stein, Ron Cephas Jones, Jamie Hector, Kim Director, Heather Hunter, Jill Kelly 

Jake Shuttlesworth is in prison serving time for killing his wife in a violent family feud. He is released on parole, but with one condition - he must persuade his son, genius basketball player Jesus to sign with the governor's alma mater university, Big State. And Jake only has a week to do it.

At first, glance didn’t really like the film. A few scenes fascinated me but ultimately just thought it was ok. Though over subsequent years and rewatching really got into the film and enjoyed it. As there is more than meets the eye. Plus as getting older can fully grasp many scenes and subjects brought up. 

This film is surprisingly strong as a drama. That at first one thinks it will be a sports movie about corruption and recruiting. While it does involve those the film actually has a compelling story and a kind of community commentary of the times.

No one is truly innocent in the film including the basketball prospect played by Ray Allen. As everyone wants something from him. We see how some of his decisions directly affect them also.

Ray Allen’s character is more innocent though he is guilty of certain things as a young man given a certain level of celebrity character or popularity and power for the first time he is weak when it comes to indulgence as that is what various people are using to seduce him to sign and commit to them. Even his girlfriend to a degree. Ray Allen gives a convincing performance 

As the film shows characters who supposedly love and care about the basketball phenom but seem more interested in trying to become invested in his fame.

The film shows How his family even uses him or considers that love and blood an investment. Leaving only his younger sister as truly the only innocent one who asks nothing of him 

Other than noticing her performance in KIDS this was the next first noteworthy role of Rosario Dawson where she plays a damaged vixen. Ray Allen’s onscreen girlfriend and maybe a kind of gold digger. He has multiple levels throughout. 

Denzel Washington plays his role strongly and this is one of his first more dislikable characters on screen. Even as he is more the protagonist of the film. At least the film gives him a three-dimensional role to play.

His character is still never a hero or a saint. He has made mistakes that he will pay for, for the rest of his life. Still, he loves his son and wants what is best. The least he can do and kind of finds his soul in the process. 

There are some sex scenes but one, in particular, that seems more a pornographic fantasy seems to be the one scene where sex is used as part of the recruitment. The roles of the vixens played by actual porno actresses of the time 

While at first, it seems unnecessary or even like baggage. One can see why Milla Jovovich’s character and scenes are here to humanize Denzel’s character and show he can be decent and nice but this isn’t a love story or a fairy tale. As he is no white knight. If anything this movie is all about harsh reality and showcases broken promises. 

The film gives commentary on how the community is Being sunken in a speech by a drug dealer who does profit from it but has seen the best and worst of people and riches and gives Allen’s character a sermon and warnings to protect him. Even if it just seems written to give one of spike Lee’s regular actors Roger Guenveir Smith a role and an impressive one 

The film works as a wondering showdown that we know will eventually have to happen between the main two characters and we know the set-up.

Showcasing the beauty of the game in Slow motion action of a pickup game along with classic classical music on the soundtrack. Showing the players as almost modern-day warriors with their strengths and physicality. The art of physical perfectionism. This is the closest we come to seeing director Spike Lee’s well-known love of the game.

Throughout the film, it seems like regular old cast members of most of his films stop by for what amount to almost guest star roles. Though important ones as different guides for Allen to pick a side.

At first, the film feels more contemporary for its time, maybe more mainstream but as it goes along it reveals more and more depth. As it tackles a bunch of subjects that are revolving its Main characters. Showing them and commenting on them while keeping the focus on the main characters. 

Though it can be accused of being melodramatic at times, understandable (selling devotion and renting your soul but then have more stakes in you from others)

The film Acknowledges the commercialization and business aspect that the game has taken but also tries to sell the art of it.

In the end, you come into the film expecting one thing and it eventually reveals itself to be so much more and ends up being one of Spike Lee’s stronger movies.

Grade: B