So I'm currently on episode 7 right now (which is the second last episode) and I had to write this review before the last episode so as to not let potential heartbreak, that may await me, bias my review. This is absolutely hands down one of the BEST sports documentaries I've ever seen, and that's throwing in some heavy weights like Iverson, More than a game, and Senna.
The direction of the documentary is Brilliant. I've realized after reading some reviews that the Last Chance U series has quite a following but I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh the direction was. The series overall feels fresh with the right flavour of Hip -Hop mixed into it. As someone who loves basketball, played through HS and is part of the community, you know what the vibes on gameday were like growing up, when you blasted the latest hip-hop single, got your Jordans, Kobe's or Lebron's out, laced up, and went out to put shots feeling the weight of the world watching you but also the thrill of going into battle.
The coaches are what you hear about and see in stories and legends, and you really see the humanity, the struggle and the passion they have for the game. The players are what really take home the cake, of course. Their stories are riveting and bone numbing, with a lot of them having faced some of the toughest challenges middle and lower class kids are subjected too in todays day and age. Some of them have gone through mind numbing ordeals and trials, and how they come through and let their personality flourish through the guidance of the coaches and their love for the game is what pulls you in as each episode ends and you go deeper into the rabbit hole.
Overall, its a must watch if you're a person who loves sports, especially basketball. You start to get invested and wanting them to succeed, and you realize going through that the most important thing the documentary shows you a different perspective of everyday kids on their journey through life, growing and molding themselves, which can be summarized by 2 words: Hoop Dreams.
The direction of the documentary is Brilliant. I've realized after reading some reviews that the Last Chance U series has quite a following but I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh the direction was. The series overall feels fresh with the right flavour of Hip -Hop mixed into it. As someone who loves basketball, played through HS and is part of the community, you know what the vibes on gameday were like growing up, when you blasted the latest hip-hop single, got your Jordans, Kobe's or Lebron's out, laced up, and went out to put shots feeling the weight of the world watching you but also the thrill of going into battle.
The coaches are what you hear about and see in stories and legends, and you really see the humanity, the struggle and the passion they have for the game. The players are what really take home the cake, of course. Their stories are riveting and bone numbing, with a lot of them having faced some of the toughest challenges middle and lower class kids are subjected too in todays day and age. Some of them have gone through mind numbing ordeals and trials, and how they come through and let their personality flourish through the guidance of the coaches and their love for the game is what pulls you in as each episode ends and you go deeper into the rabbit hole.
Overall, its a must watch if you're a person who loves sports, especially basketball. You start to get invested and wanting them to succeed, and you realize going through that the most important thing the documentary shows you a different perspective of everyday kids on their journey through life, growing and molding themselves, which can be summarized by 2 words: Hoop Dreams.