Before Tyler Perry Ruined Everything, There Was ...
By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Film Reviews | Comments (18)
There are plenty of so-called “urban” films (a studio marketing term if there ever was one) that, to varying degrees, successfully cover one aspect of the black experience. Films like Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society, New Jack City delve into the inner city, drugs, hustling, and what it means to live that that life. But there are very few “urban” romances, and even fewer that work. Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Love & Basketball is that rare exception: A casual, almost effortless, relationship film that succeeds on the strength of the chemistry between its two leads, Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.
In each quarter, Monica and Q have to deal with problems that arise outside of their relationship: Monica’s obsession with basketball colors the rest of her life around her. She has to balance her love of the game and her basketball career with her love life. Meanwhile, Q — a natural talent destined for the NBA, just like his father (Dennis Haysbert) — has to deal with some hard truths about the nature of his parent’s relationship, truths that create within Quincy a lot of trust issues and reveal his own problems with self-esteem. He also has to contend with playing third-man to Monica’s relationship with basketball, a commonality that brought them together, but often threatens to push them apart.
The film is largely told from Monica’s point of view, and Prince-Bythewood — directing from her own script — manages to successfully mine the real conflict between romance and career. Lathan is perfectly cast, too. She’s skinned-knee tough, temperamental as hell, and absolutely radiant, on the court and off. Epps — with those soulful eyes and tenderhearted toughness — offers a compelling and believable balance (although, his short stature often calls into question his ability as an NBA player).
Each Time You Like, Share, Tweet or Stumble a Pajiba Post, An Angel Does the Paul Rudd Dance
← Walkabout Review | Two Against Nature | Name that Old White Guy | A Pajiba Quiz →
Comments
Posted by: jadeblue at August 4, 2010 2:17 PM
I was randomly just telling someone how much I like this movie. And how strange it was that it seems like no one has ever heard of it. Thanks for the review.