The easiest thing to do is to compare this “inspired by” version to the original featuring Woody and Wesley. That would be a mistake. Also, the trailer doesn’t serve the film any justice. While the premise of the film is rooted in the original, it stops there. Jack Harlow’s flat, hipster vibe pushing home created 30-Day Detox drinks and still pursuing a hoop dream, feels familiar, but it reverses the trope of the Black guy who keeps chasing the basketball life. His character matches the way he emcees and he plays the role as well as he did in his hosting appearance on SNL.
There are quick-witted quips and jabs in the trash talk. Sinqua Walls, who is always welcomed in film and television, plays his role in a completely different manner from Wesley. He adds similar depth to the story of a high school talent that falls short. His character could be developed into a stand-alone series because of how well he and Teyana Taylor play off of each other as a young husband and wife. It was good to see Walls land another character after an amazing two seasons playing in a dramatization of Don Cornelius. If you didn’t see the BET series, you should watch it. He was amazing in that show (unfortunately it wasn’t renewed).
The original is both comedic and dramatic and this film does an excellent job of creating the same levity when needed and just the right amount of emotion. The basketball, unlike the original, is much better sequenced and isn’t given as much airtime, but both Harlow and Walls appear to be just as capable as Woody was, while surpassing the level that Wesley never had. Like the original, the locations in Los Angeles take a star turn and are treated with reverence. There is the staple of streetball in LA at Venice Beach and the opening scene is shot at Dorsey High School. The treatment of the legendary Leimert Park is excellent in two different scenes.
The sneaker connection in the original wasn’t really a player. Although Nike has released Woody’s Air Command Force on various occasions and the brand has created homage colorways in a variety of models for that shoe, but in this film, Harlow, who is endorsed by New Balance is seen rocking 650s throughout the film. Sinqua rocks a combination of Nike and Jordan Brand sneakers. Harlow breaks brand loyalties in a couple of scenes. He wears Chucks in one scene and the brand that never really pays for placement showed up in a way that makes me think they paid for placement. The Birkenstock Kyoto gets a full product description (see the image below). The Arizona shows up in every off-court moment for Harlow.
Walls, shown at various ages throughout the film, rocks Kobe Grinch’s, Jordan 12s, Jordan 11s and a few other sneakers. One of the better aspects that remained in-line with the original film was the strength of the women connected to Kamal and Jeremy. Teyana Taylor is an enterprising hairstylist working to keep the family afloat and Laura Harrier takes on the role similar to Rosie Perez. Instead of being driven by Jeopardy, Harrier’s character is a dance instructor who earns an opportunity to go on tour with Sza. The truest testimony for how good a film really is, is when it’s done. If you would have paid to watch the movie at the theater, then it’s not bad. The film was definitely worth a matinee watch. It was an entertaining homage to a cult classic and had enough sneakers to keep the average sneakerhead checking for on-foots throughout. Since it’s on Hulu, ignore the negative reviews and watch on an afternoon when you’re lounging. You’ll have a few laughs and enjoy the film just as much as I did, I’m sure.
Note: Lance Reddick was one of my favorite actors. Like John Wick, he gets a chance to say farewell to his audience in this film.