The story itself would be largely untold if Belman hadn't wheedled his way into their trust, filming his own footage and being granted use of a wealth of home-movie material.
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10/30/09
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More Than a Game (2009)
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Reviews Counted:44
Fresh:32
Rotten:12
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: Though the film may not delve as deep as some would prefer, More Than a Game is an inspiring documentary featuring likable youngsters, a positive message, and some exciting in-game footage.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating]
Genre: Sports/Recreation
Theatrical Release:Oct 2, 2009 Limited
Box Office: $887,029
Synopsis: Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable true-life coming of age story about uncommon friendship in the face all too common adversities. Coached by a... [More]
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Reviews for More Than a Game
Really, it's just an extension of the LeBron James brand, released to coincide with a book on the same subject and designed to explore the star's humble roots even while further buffing his galactic glitter.
10/30/09
Top CriticIt drags in places, becomes repetitive and could use a more rigid hand in editing, but it also has a kind of pleasing earnestness that would be lost in a more sophisticated effort.
10/30/09
Top CriticNo make-believe Hollywood script could match this once-in-a-lifetime, all-American story.
10/24/09
There’s plenty to both cheer and ponder.
10/23/09
What's amazing, and what Belman captures perfectly, is how Coach Dru achieves his dream of becoming a head coach by being a role model to these boys in need.
10/22/09
Expertly orchestrated and unavoidably moving, More Than a Game is nevertheless your standard inspirational sports story about spunky kids who defy the odds to become champions.
10/16/09
Top CriticMore Than a Game is more than a feature-length profile of LeBron James, and that's good news.
10/16/09
Top CriticDespite opening with a statement that basketball should be a means to an end rather than an end in itself, the film itself is about 99.9% basketball.
10/16/09
The filmmakers go a little too far with the superlatives, at times trying to portray these gifted and often immature players as bigger underdogs than they appear to be in real life. But the movie is comprehensive and interesting...
10/16/09
Top CriticLike a gambler with an inside bet, you can know the final score, but still enjoy every second of the game.
10/16/09
It's a resonant story about four boyhood friends, determination, sacrifice, overcoming obstacles and the mentor who guides them from rough beginnings to the national basketball championship. It's about victorious lives, not games.
10/15/09
Top CriticUtterly captivating for the humanity at its core.
10/15/09
The film is pretty superficial in its reporting and is by-the-numbers in its storytelling. If the subjects weren't interesting, the movie would be a complete snore.
10/15/09
What’s almost as impressive as James’s talent on the court is his poise and character.
10/15/09
Top CriticYou'd be hard-pressed to find a better documentary about on-court dynamics and off-court camaraderie; but as journalism, it's less than thorough.
10/14/09
Let’s start with the title, which is problematic by nature: There is nothing more than a game on display here.
10/14/09
It’s especially effective in exploring the pressures on the boys and their fragile dreams.
10/14/09
There is dazzling basketball here and an interesting father-son relationship (Coach Dru Joyce was father of the shortest player on the team).
10/14/09
The skilled editing eventually brings out the personalities of all five players, adding an emotional stake to the footage of key games.
10/08/09
Latest News for More Than a Game
October 04, 2009:
New: Brand New Trailer and Poster. 
More...
October 01, 2009:
Critics Consensus: Zombieland Is Bloody Good
This week at the movies, we've got zombie zaniness (Zombieland, starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg); derby dolls (Whip it, starring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page);... More...
September 29, 2009:
LeBron James Documentary Gets a Hollywood Ending
We're used to getting inspirational stories from our sports movies -- but the story of the new LeBron James documentary, "More Than a Game," is just as uplifting behind the scenes. More...
July 29, 2009:
Mary j. Blige 'stronger' video for 'more than a game
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