' Above the Rim (1994)
59 %
Reviews Counted: 17 Fresh: 10 Rotten:7 Average Rating: 5.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 37 mins
Synopsis: Ambitious high school senior Kyle-Lee has a lot going on in his life. Not only is he anxiously waiting to hear from Georgetown about his college basketball scholarship, he's also dealing with the demands of a strict coach who doesn't want him hanging in the 'hood. Then there's his mother's new... [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans
Director: Jeff Pollack
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Reviews
1 - 17 (sorted by date)
Comment
A superficial and predictable sports drama with an inner-city background, Above the Rim nevertheless offers engaging characters, fast-paced direction, and strong performances.
03/25/08
A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws.
03/25/08
Top Critic
A formula script, but a mobile camera, pulsing rap soundtrack and a game cast whip up the necessary fizz.
06/24/06
When you play with something this formulaic, you’re bound to trip upon a theme that has been endlessly explored and agonizingly overdone.
08/19/04
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.
05/20/03
Top Critic
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.
05/12/01
Top Critic
Despite obvious weaknesses, however, the film gets a huge boost from several excellent performances.
01/01/00
A stultifying cliche of a movie -- even by sports-flick standards -- this basketball allegory doesn't get anywhere near the rim.
01/01/00
Top Critic
The whole thing is mired in a slow-footed sea of pedantic blather. Heavy-handed explanations are given left and right, and you wish they'd all just shut up and play the game.
01/01/00
The movie lives easily on the streets where it is shot, and the performances -- especially by Martin, Shakur and Pinkins -- are convincing.
01/01/00
Top Critic1 - 17 (sorted by date)
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