Love and Basketball (2000)

Critic Reviews

• Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader

  Told largely from the point of view of the woman, this career-versus-love story still develops the perspective of the man persuasively, as Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps reveal their characters' motives with nuances of expression that transcend the dialogue.

• Emanuel Levy, Variety

  The pic is so well directed and lead performance by Sanaa Lathan so charismatic that audiences will overlook the script's flaws and root for the central duo.

• Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle

  Satisfying, enjoyable and smart.

• Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

  Mawkishly heartfelt, but actress Sanaa Lathan performs as if she were lit from within.

• Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

  An unusual but engaging mix of the overwrought and the understated, a picture that, at two hours plus, keeps threatening to overstay its welcome and yet always pulls us back into its conversational orbit.

• Desson Thomson, Washington Post

  The humor is terrific, the cinematography has a burnished glow, and the score is lush.

• Common Sense Media Editors, Common Sense Media

  Good romance, but strong sexuality for a PG-13.

• Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review

  This romantic drama from writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood is well-acted.

• Mark Morris, Film4

  The surprise element here is that the film takes Monica's career, and her love of the game, as seriously, probably more seriously, than it does Quincy's.

• Betsy Bozdech, Reel.com

  With Prince's fresh script and engaging performances ... Love and Basketball has more than enough appeal to keep audiences interested until the clock runs out.

• Geoff Andrew, Time Out

  Stylishly shot and bursting with visual and sexual energy, this is confident black women's film-making and an eloquent tribute to the girl with the permanently grazed knees -- and about time too.

• Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews

  Thanks to Spike Lee's production company for giving a talented newcomer a good start.

• Stephanie Zacharek, Sight and Sound

  It's a fine example of a conventionally made picture which follows all the rules yet still emerges as fresh and original.

• Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan

  Prince-Bythewood, a first-time feature filmmaker out of UCLA's film school, tells a story that is at once warm and heartfelt -- and often funny as well.

• Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer

  The chemistry between the two stars is exactly right. They are entirely believable as friends, as rivals and as lovers -- a tricky combination for any acting pair.

• Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

  This film does at least feature superior acting and a solid script.

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