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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This rousing basketball drama centers around Tommy "Shep" Sheppard (Leon), a former high school basketball star now haunted by the accidental death of his best friend, and Kyle Watson (Duane Martin), an arrogant high school player in danger of slipping into crime. Though Shep avoids commitment in his life as a security guard, his attraction to Kyle's mother (Tonya Pinkins) draws him out of his protective shell--but Kyle is more interested in mentorship from Shep's gangster brother Birdie (Tupac Shakur). Above the Rim is melodramatic but played with grit and energy by a solid cast, particularly Shakur. Writer-director Jeff Pollack keeps the story moving and gives the characters enough spin to rescue them from being clichés; the result is engaging despite its formulas. Also featuring Bernie Mac and Marlon Wayans. --Bret Fetzer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Above the rim is above the rest,
By YOSUNNYJOE (New York, New York) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Above the Rim [VHS] (VHS Tape)
With the Passing of Actor, Rapper, Tu Pac Shakur we may never know how great his acting could have gotten. In this 1994 memorable performance he puts in a chemistry that connects well to his story.This movie may have one of the simplest storylines about basketball honor but it is really a metaphor for deeper issues. Kyle played well by Duayne Martin is a high school basketball great who needs more coaching than his coach can handle because most of his needs are off the court. Shep (Leon) is a former high school great who never made the big leagues beacause he was accused of killing his brother during a one on one game on a roof. Shep taunted his brother for not being near the player he was but obviously never intended manslaughter. The interesting piece is that Shep has a mental block and cannot move past this incident. He even seems to be in severe depression. Kyle needs coaching and Shep needs to be needed. Seems simple. Not so fast! In comes Birdie played by Tu Pac who is livid when his living big brother Shep returns to bury their dead mother and wants no part of his underworld ways. Birdies influence is more effective on Kyle than Shep, But that's about to change! Good perfomances by Marlon Waynans, Kyles friend Bugaloo and Bernie Mac the bumb in the park, Flip. Good Soundtrack. The movie moves fast but keys in on more than just jumpers and foul shots. This is not a movie about basketball rather a basketball movie about people with zeal, integrity, emptiness and anti social behavior. Some characters have more than one trait. Some have more than one flaw. While watching this one you'll want to see where everyone ends up.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Choices and Consequences...,
By Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Above the Rim (DVD)
"Above the Rim" is an entertaining street drama that focuses around Kyle Lee Watson, an inner-city high school basketball player who shows a lot of promise but lets his own arrogance get the best of him. He won't listen to anybody who offers him advice on how to improve his game, as he thinks that he is the best player ever. He's been hoping that his mad skills are catching a college scout's attention, but he does catch Birdie's eyes when he plays. Birdie is a well known gang leader who offers Kyle the good life so long as he plays on his neighborhood team in a "Shoot-Out" basketball contest that means the world to him. Kyle--being impatient as ever--agrees to join, not seeing the clear danger that is in front of him. A high school security guard with a past knows the danger that Birdie presents, and he is the only who has a chance to get through to Kyle before it is too late.
Not only is this a very good basketball movie, but it is also an intense and character-driven drama centered around the choices that we make in life... and how we have to live with them in the long run. The film has some great performances from Duane Martin, Marlon Wayans and the late Tupac Shakur. Even though everybody is great in their roles, the showstopper is indeed Shakur. He gives a very masterful performance that really sticks out and will stay with you long after the movie is over. My only complaint is the length of the movie. It's true that a movie that runs a little over an hour and a half isn't short, but I think the story and the characters open more possibilities to add on to the movie. I think more opportunities and risks could have been taken to further enrich the story. Still, it is a really good movie that didn't disappoint me. The DVD doesn't have a whole lot to offer. You can either watch the movie in widescreen or in fullscreen, depending on your preference. The movie looks and sounds very good. The only special features that are offered are movie trailers, and those aren't even that great. I would've loved it if they included the music video, "Regulate" by Warren G and Nate Dogg. In fact, given some of the great rap songs that are in this movie, they could've included a couple of music videos. It's not a great DVD, but at least it's not that expensive. I really enjoyed "Above the Rim." It may not be flawless, but it definitely does more right than wrong. The characters are what really dominate the movie. Even if you're not a fan of the game, it's still something to check out if you're a fan of character drama. Exciting, intense, conflict-driven and full of heart, "Above the Rim" is a very well done film. -Michael Crane
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Above the Rim (1994),
This review is from: Above the Rim (DVD)
Above the Rim is probably the best basketball movie there is. This movie aint like Hoosiers. It has tons of street ball and action. My man 2pac stars in this movie as Birdie, a drug dealer who tries to get a talented high school player named Kyle(Duane Martin) involved in his business and play for their team in a tournament. Kyle has to decide what is best for his future but Birdie and his gang pressure him to join. The basketball scenes are crazy and the music is one the parts that stands out. The theme song played throughout the movie ("Pain" by 2pac) is still one of my favorite songs even though it is almost ten years old. This movie on DVD has the trailer and you can watch it in widescreen. Overall, its better than the VHS. If you havent seen this movie yet then buy it QUICK. R.I.P. 2pac
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