In tune with the theme of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, this week’s DVD choice, selected by one of our MySTACK members, is all about playing above the rim.
White Men Can’t Jump [20th Century Fox] Athlete’s Choice: Jacob from Belmont High School in Belmont, N.H.
Starring: Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson
Rated: R
Billy Hoyle [Harrelson] is a former college player who makes a living by hustling street ballers on the Venice Beach boardwalk. When he runs into fellow scammer Sidney Deane [Snipes], the two hit it off instantly. As they begin to bicker back and forth like an old married couple, you know that they were meant for each other.
Differences aside, Billy and Sidney decide to join forces and make a little money playing two-on-two against the best basketball players in the city. With Billy as the white, un-athletic-looking “chump” and Sidney as the arrogant, but talented, loudmouth, it’s easy for them to hustle guys and leave the courts with fistfuls of cash.
When Sidney tries to double-cross Billy by throwing a high stakes game, the friendship begins to unravel. But in the film’s climax, the two go up against a few street ball legends for one last game, which gets them back in rhythm and out of debt.
Non-stop comedy and some of the best basketball moves of the ’90s make this a must-see flick for hoopsters, especially those with teammates who can’t seem to get along.
STACK’s Take: Although it’s dated in terms of language and clothing, White Men Can’t Jump is one of the best street ball films ever—a brilliant blend of basketball and comedy. The on-screen relationship between Harrelson and Snipes makes the movie a keeper. Who hasn’t had teammates who always fight and bicker with each other, yet who perfectly complement each other’s style of play.