He Got Game

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Rik O I normally love sports films, but this was just not very good. Characters would be introduced and happily blurt out their motivation and backstory almost unprompted. There was no sense of conflict in any of the characters. They acted in conflicting ways but there was no sense that any of them doubted or questioned their actions. The big turning point at the end had no sense of tension or intention, and the main characters final decision didn't feel earned. The main protagonist went on an almost entirely solo journey away from the father and then at the end without any real prompting or challenging of ideas just developed a sudden sense of contrition. The way that the film depicts women is really bad as well, it hammers home the idea that black women are difficult and white women are easy but again never challenges that suggestion, just reinforces that as a truth. On the plus side the scene cuts are great, I love the ambience, the music choice, the way it takes a moment to flesh out a memory or show a perspective. All of that is great. What I wanted was a heartfelt story about a father and son finding some form of reconciliation but they never really interacted enough for that to be addressed and the film suffers for it. There are a lot of questions left in the air as well. It's pretty clear that the father is largely innocent but the son doesn't seem to even acknowledge that, not even in passing. I just don't understand how someone could write this story and not once challenge the protagonist on their own beliefs. I'm not even sure the protagonist had any strong beliefs, other than he needed to choose a University and he hates his Dad. Beyond that, he has no real moral afflictions. He just takes part in a series of situations and then vaguely arrives at a choice without challenging any of his own convictions. Yes he gets to what I guess is the moral ending, but it wasn't earned. It felt like the Dad was supposed to fall on his sword, acknowledge that he was a bad actor in his sons life, that his Son needs to make his own choices and that he as a Dad needs to support him in that, even if it's to his own detriment. Sort of accept that he messed up, that he should be in prison and that's ok if it means his son has a good life. Nope, we don't get that and we just get this wet fart ending instead. Such a waste. Two hours and no payoff. This deserved to be a better movie. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/18/25 Full Review Jon G A must see movie on the love of a sport that can lead to money and corruption. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/30/24 Full Review Dionisis T Cool and enjoyable for my first Spike Lee experience! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/13/24 Full Review Adam v meh. like I've seen worst...but. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/20/24 Full Review Audience Member Not one of Spike Lee's better films in my opinion Washington makes a great presence though Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 05/01/23 Full Review William M Spike Lee, and Denzel Washington, at their absolute finest. A truly excellent film. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/20/22 Full Review Read all reviews

He Got Game

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