He Got Game

Jesus Shuttlesworth is the top basketball prospect in the US. His father Jake, a convicted felon, has been serving time for accidentally killing his wife, who is Jesus' mother. The governor, an influential alumni of one of the big state colleges, temporarily releases Jake for 1 week. This is with the purpose of having him convince his son to sign with his alma mater. If he can accomplish that, he'll get a reduced sentence. But it won't be an easy task. His son has no interest in helping his father out and is even looking at the possibility of playing for the NBA. With time running out, he'll have to act fast if he wants his freedom back. But can he really get through to his son when all he sees is his mother's killer? It's a story that can't be missed in He Got Game.

He Got Game shows us the start of a possible HUGE basketball career for a young athlete and the competition to sign him. Jesus Shuttlesworth is still in high school but is the top prospect for colleges in the US. A competition so high, a governor promises a felon a reduced sentence if he can convince his son to sign with his former college. It's that competitiveness that drives athletes to do their best for the chance of a lifetime and is for sure the stepping stone into some of these athletes' professional careers. It's a side that this movie shows the importance from both the college and athlete perspectives. Of course, we get the issue thrown in of a father needing his son to sign for a specific team to get that reduced sentence but in the end, it's all up to the athlete and what's best for him.

He Got Game is a great film about being there for family. And although it's slightly criticized for some aspects of the college basketball process that aren't accurate, it doesn't take away from the fact that the story is still good. With amazing performances from Denzel Washington and Ray Allen, you'll be drawn into their world and feel the characters' emotions along with them. Fans of basketball AND sport will be sure to enjoy this story of an attempt at redemption for Jake and the start of something special for Jesus. It's definitely one you'll need to see so add it to your watch list today!