6. Above The Rim (1994)
Starring: Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur
Kyle Lee Watson is a high school basketball star in New York City. Above the Rim tells the story of Kyle and his relationships with two brothers. Birdie, played by Tupac, is a drug dealing brother that has many a connection to throw Kyle's way. Birdie's brother Shep, played by Leon, is a former high school basketball star that now works as a security guard at Kyle's school. Things fell apart for Shep when his best bud died while the two of them were slapping the backboard on a rooftop. After smashing the backboard he fell right off the building. The major climax is an outdoor basketball tournament Rucker Park style. Birdie expects Kyle to play for his team after giving him many gifts. Kyle Lee Watson decides to get his life together and play with his boys from school. When things get rough, Shep joins Kyle's team to take on Birdie's squad in the finals.
Favorite Character: Birdie
Least Favorite: Flip
Quote: "Check this out. You ain't goin to college or any f'n where if the Bird Men don't win. You might be on the other team, but you playin for ME. Remember that," Birdie.
5. White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes, Rosie Perez
If you have never dunked a basketball before, how do you bet all of your money that you can? Well Billy Hoyle is just really dumb. Unlike the ridiculous Bill Simmons, I, and I would assume most normal people, love the basketball scenes in White Men Can't Jump. Other than the jeopardy part, there is nothing good about any of the non-bball scenes. How bad Wesley Snipes is at basketball adds a whole lot to the quality of watching this film. Add to this the fact that every street baller in LA shoots they're layups backwards and you have great bball action. Billy Hoyle goes to LA to hustle bball courts to make money. After Billy hustles Sidney Deane, they join forces to make some solid cash, only for Sidney to return Billy's favor and hustle him back. The two of them stick it out to play in the outdoor bball 2 on 2 tournament to make back the money Billy lost.
Favorite Character: Billy Hoyle
Least Favorite: Gloria Clemente
Quote: "This must be the luck of the Irish, only I'm not Irish so you figure it out," Billy Hoyle.
White Men Can't Jump is awesome.
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