The skilled editing eventually brings out the personalities of all five players, adding an emotional stake to the footage of key games.
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10/08/09
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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
It 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 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
There’s plenty to both cheer and ponder.
10/23/09
Deeply inspiring. That said, for every young kid who sees More Than a Game and thinks they are the next LeBron James -- it should be mandatory to watch 1994's Hoop Dreams.
10/01/09
No make-believe Hollywood script could match this once-in-a-lifetime, all-American story.
10/24/09
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 CriticNot exactly your average sports saga, filled with extraordinary characters and equally extraordinary circumstances that Hollywood could craft no better in any feature script.
09/16/09
What’s almost as impressive as James’s talent on the court is his poise and character.
10/15/09
Top CriticTeamwork, not victory: That's the message of More Than a Game and it's a worthy one that makes for exciting filmmaking.
09/30/09
Utterly captivating for the humanity at its core.
10/15/09
More Than a Game is a documentary, but it's every inch a triumph-of-the-underdogs fairy tale.
09/30/09
Top CriticReally, 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 CriticThe 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 CriticA superb, slam-dunk documentary about young boys achieving personal and team goals on the basketball court.
10/02/09
Top CriticMaybe Belman’s film will instill in youngsters an interest in documentaries, of which this is a generally fine example.
10/02/09
An inspiring story that works very hard to remind you it's an inspiring story at every opportunity.
09/29/09
Top CriticWhile More Than a Game succeeds in depicting the friends' deep mutual affection, the edges of the LeBron James story are too often smoothed to a dull, inspirational point.
10/08/09
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 CriticIt’s especially effective in exploring the pressures on the boys and their fragile dreams.
10/14/09
Latest News for More Than a Game
October 04, 2009:
New: Brand New Trailer and Poster. 
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October 01, 2009:
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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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