Above the Rim (1994)
-
53% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(30,091 ratings)
A young aspiring professional basketball player must make some tough decisions in this sports melodrama. Kyle Lee is a talented basketball player in high school. While he waits to find out if he will receive a scholarship to Georgetown he finds himself in a difficult dilemma over a playground… More A young aspiring professional basketball player must make some tough decisions in this sports melodrama. Kyle Lee is a talented basketball player in high school. While he waits to find out if he will receive a scholarship to Georgetown he finds himself in a difficult dilemma over a playground basketball tournament. He must decide whether to follow his good-hearted coach or Birdie, the local gangster. Kyle is also feeling resentment for the security guard his mother is falling for. The coach also wants the guard to play, but due to the tragic death of a friend, the guard cannot bear the thought of playing again. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jeff Pollack
- Genres
- Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- Mar 23, 1994 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
-
Brian Lowry, Variety
A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws.
-
, Time Out
A formula script, but a mobile camera, pulsing rap soundtrack and a game cast whip up the necessary fizz.
-
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Above the Rim has its formulaic elements, but it has been vigorously directed by Jeff Pollack, who appreciates the lively and unpretentious aspects of the story.
-
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
It's Shakur who steals the show. The rapper's offscreen legal problems are well known, but there's no denying his power as an actor.
-
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A stultifying cliche of a movie -- even by sports-flick standards -- this basketball allegory doesn't get anywhere near the rim.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Duane Martin
as Kyle-Lee
-
Leon
as Shep
-
Tupac Shakur
as Birdie
-
David Bailey
as Rollins
-
Tonya Pinkins
as Mailika
-
Marlon Wayans
as Bugaloo
-
Bernie Mac
as Flip
-
Byron Minns
as Monroe
-
Darien Berry
as Younger Player
-
Anthony Hargraves
as Referee
-
Robert Harvey
as Official
-
James Williams
as Speedy
-
Michael Rispoli
as Richie
- Wood Harris
-
Frank Martin
as Will
