If you're going into this expecting some cookie-cutter underdog basketball film that telegraphs its plot from the opening scene, you are going to be disappointed. However, if you are going into this looking for a film that actually addresses and comments on society and social issues in a poignant and intelligent way, you will find that. Many reviews are complaining that they "didn't understand" or "don't get it" or didn't understand some of the references. That's kind of the point. If you know about these things, the film is masterful at examining the power dynamic and sparking criticism of the structure in American professional athletics. If you don't know about the content in the film, now you know which questions to ask and where to look for more information to be able to understand them.
But no, it isn't like Above the Rim, Coach Carter, Glory Road, or Hoosiers. It's nothing like that, and it doesn't present itself as such. It isn't a film about playing basketball; it is a film about the inherent flaws in the system in which basketball is played--and why it is designed to be that way.
But no, it isn't like Above the Rim, Coach Carter, Glory Road, or Hoosiers. It's nothing like that, and it doesn't present itself as such. It isn't a film about playing basketball; it is a film about the inherent flaws in the system in which basketball is played--and why it is designed to be that way.