What a cool documentary. What a cool memoir.
More Than a Game (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:45
Fresh:33
Rotten:12
Average Rating:6.4/10
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] for brief mild language and incidental smoking
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...
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 charismatic but inexperienced player’s father, and led by future NBA superstar LeBron James, the “Fab Five’s” improbable seven-year journey leads them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested—both on and off the court—as James’ exploding worldwide celebrity threatens to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. MORE THAN A GAME combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal family photographs to bring this heart-warming and wholly American story to life.
Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records present a Harvey Mason Media Production in association with Galley Boy and Spring Hill Productions a film by Kristopher Belman. MORE THAN A GAME is written by Kristopher Belman & Brad Hogan and directed by Kristopher Belman. The film features LeBron James, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis and Coach Dru Joyce II. --© Lionsgate
Starring: LeBron James
Starring: LeBron James
Director: Kristopher Belman
Director: Kristopher Belman
Screenwriter: Brad Hogan, Kristopher Belman
Producer: Harvey Mason, Kristopher Belman, Matthew Perniciaro,
Composer: Harvey Mason
Studio: Lions Gate Films
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Reviews for More Than a Game
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.
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.
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.
No make-believe Hollywood script could match this once-in-a-lifetime, all-American story.
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.
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.
More Than a Game is more than a feature-length profile of LeBron James, and that's good news.
Despite 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.
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...
Like a gambler with an inside bet, you can know the final score, but still enjoy every second of the game.
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.
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.
What’s almost as impressive as James’s talent on the court is his poise and character.
You'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.
Let’s start with the title, which is problematic by nature: There is nothing more than a game on display here.
It’s especially effective in exploring the pressures on the boys and their fragile dreams.
There is dazzling basketball here and an interesting father-son relationship (Coach Dru Joyce was father of the shortest player on the team).
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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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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|---|---|---|
| 68% 68% | The Last Station | 12/23 |
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