Above the Rim
Ambitious high school senior Kyle-Lee has a lot going on in his life. He's anxiously waiting to hear from Georgetown University about his basketball scholarship; his strict coach doesn't want him hanging in the 'hood; his mother is in a new relationship; and his good friend Birdie -- a neighborhood gangster - can't seem to understand why Kyle won't hang out anymore. Can Kyle-Lee deal with it all and still keep his eyes on the prize?
Member Reviews
good but not great basketball flick - stylechyld
above the rim is a simple story between two torn brothers and young gifted cocky basketball player who is about to find out the real hustlin of the court before he gets in to the big leagues. this was a box office hit because it emphasis gang bangin', at that time period that's what the younger viewers was looking for, regardless if the story was that much greater than others. ie. (menace II society, new jersey drive)the acting of 2pac was very well done, and so is duane martin's. this is the kind of movie that you will enjoy once and that's all.Dated but watchable - eoguy
Back in 1994, a few years after White Men Can't Jump raked in the cash at the box-office, Above the Rim became the next basketball movie to attract audiences. There were many comparisons drawn between the two movies, despite their blatant differences. Above the Rim is a dramatic film, and one of inferior quality. Despite a strong cast, the story often becomes bogged down by the same old conflicts: a promising inner-city high school basketball player (Duane Martin) finds himself caught between his dreams and the streets. While participating in a play-off game, he hopes to catch the eye of a college scout, but he instead attracts the likes of a gang leader/brother (Tupac Shakur) who is determined to pull him into a world of sex, and money. Meanwhile, he is experiencing tension from his other brother (Leon), a has-been basketball star player who now works as a security guard.
The most telling part of the DVD is how much things have changed since the mid-'90s. The fashion, the style, the definition of "tough". For better or worse, we aren't what we used to be. While the movie captures the this time in film so well, it seems so innocent compared to inner-city conflict films of the past few years. It does have some strong dramatic moments, but often gets lost in predictable plot directions.
The DVD is devoid of any real features, but does include a short trailer for the film. The sole reward of this disc comes from the video and audio. The transfer is up to par with most New Line discs. It's clear and looks pretty good, despite the lack of color variance that existed in the original film. It leaves the film looking a little dull and aged, but that isn't the fault of this transfer.
The film is presented in both anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and fullscreen (1.33:1) aspect ratios, with English stereo sound, and optional English subtitles.
Member Reviews
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good but not great basketball flick - stylechyld
above the rim is a simple story between two torn brothers and young gifted cocky basketball player who is about to find out the real hustlin of the court before he gets in to the big leagues. this was a box office hit because it emphasis gang bangin', at that ...Dated but watchable - eoguy
Back in 1994, a few years after White Men Can't Jump raked in the cash at the box-office, Above the Rim became the next basketball movie to attract audiences. There were many comparisons drawn between the two movies, despite their blatant differences. Above ...