The Air Up There (1993)

21% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
32% of users liked it
(19,406 ratings)

It's off to Africa for a former B-ball player who'd like to find a top-notch basketball recruit to help him become a successful coach. Kevin Bacon has the lead in this Paul Glaser-directed film. ~ Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Paul Michael Glaser
Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 7, 1994 Wide
On DVD: Nov 11, 2003

Critic Reviews

Brian Lowry, Variety
Working a bit too hard to send the crowd into a frenzy, the action in this basketball-oriented yarn isn't exactly fantastic, but it is mildly entertaining.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Children may find this funny, but the film isn't geared to very young audiences. It includes much more violence and profanity than its PG rating indicates.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Like the multitude of Disney visitors to Africa before (and after) him, he must learn to respect the noble savages he wishes to exploit. Saleh and his Winabis are not for sale -- at least, not immediately.
David Mills, Washington Post
Neither Max Apple's script nor Paul M. Glaser's direction succeeds in convincing you that these characters live, or that this story has anything to do with any thing.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
A lightweight, brainless family movie chronicling the triumph of the underdog.
Randy White, Common Sense Media
Offensive, shop-worn comedy.
Jane Stefanski, Empire Magazine
However average it is, it still passes an hour and a half.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
It's pure formula from start to finish.
, Time Out
Give or take the odd spot of predictable arrogance, however, it's a good-humoured, good-hearted film.
Fred Topel, About.com
Wonderful sports comedy full of inspiring moments and exciting basketball action.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Not nearly as bad as you think.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

danny d

this was a really fun movie. there were cheesy parts that would never fly in movies now, but it was heart warming and entertaining. i like this flick.
Tim S

Forgot it.
Dan S

Not bad, but very forgettable.
Jason O

Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon), a basketball coach, isn't having that great of a start with finding skillful new players to be on his soon-to-be team at St. Joe's college. However, after seeing a video of an African basketball player who really has some hang time, Jimmy decides… More
Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon), a basketball coach, isn't having that great of a start with finding skillful new players to be on his soon-to-be team at St. Joe's college. However, after seeing a video of an African basketball player who really has some hang time, Jimmy decides that he's getting up and taking a trip to Africa, in order to try and recruit this phenomenon. But little does Jimmy know that the basketball player he sees in the film is next in line to become head of his tribe. Therefore, it probably won't be all that easy to get this overly skilled basketball player to go to America and play at St. Joe's. "The Air Up There" is a good movie. Like it says on the box, it is "lots of fun." Kevin Bacon does a good job, and the movie never ceases to be entertaining. But, unfortunately for major basketball fans like me, there's just not quite enough basketball action included in the film. It's more of Kevin Bacon trying to fit into a new culture in order to impress his recruit, than it is about playing basketball. But other than that, "The Air Up There" really is a good movie. If you like basketball films or just good movies, I recommend getting it. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. This movie was ok, not anything special though.
Curtis L

Another childhood movie. Can't say it was great.
Dean M

Exciting and funny about an aggressive college-basketball coach tries to recruit a Kenyan tribesman in a predictable, <i>Rocky</i>-type comedy adventure about global sports imperialism.
Jay R

good old fashoined movie... classic almost... kevin bacon isn't amazing in the role by any stretch.. but its a fun basketball story... and i'm a sucker for a basketball flick... fun stuff