Synopsis: Shooting Stars is the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero, revealing how LeBron James and his childhood friends become the #1 high school team in the country, launching James’s breathtaking career as a four-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
As fans of sports like basketball, football, and baseball, we tend to forget that our favorite athletes are also fellow human beings. As we wear their jerseys, and their team colors, and place hefty bets, we forget how much talent it actually takes to get to that level. As we fiendishly consume the games, we yell obscenities, curse them, and call them out of their name because they missed a shot, a catch, a block, a throw, or they stuck out. You might say they’re not worth the big contract or don’t deserve to live while also telling them that it’s just a game when they get upset, but where’s your reminder that it’s just a game? However, since it is how they make a living, like you, some days are worse than others. Just like you, their personal life can have an adverse effect on their ability to do their jobs at peak performance.
You may feel as if the biggest difference between your profession and theirs resides in pay, on the contrary, it’s the environment. They have the only workplace where tens of thousands of people can simultaneously yell and throw things at you while millions at home pray on your downfall. And let’s not forget how bad it gets on social media. Do better. They may be just your entertainment, but they are family to someone else.
“They’re so damn good, and they know it.”
What’s better than winning? Winning with your friends. It may feel like this film is early, and you might be right. I mean, LeBron is currently still playing in the NBA and made it to the conference finals. However, when you’ve been great for so long, people tend to forget the obstacles and adversity that you had to overcome in order to be considered one of the greatest of all time. And arguably the GOAT. Plus, we have to continue to give people their flowers before they are gone.
Directed by Chris Robinson, Shooting Stars is where brotherhood and superstardom clash. Friendships are tested, emotions run high, and the path stars are born, but the future is set in stone. Based on the book of the same name by LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger, we’ve all heard bits and pieces of James’ story and how he came to sit on the thrown of professional basketball and reign supreme many times, but what’s a King without his teammates? From AAU hoops and video games to multiple high school championships and nationwide coverage, King James might not be who he is if it weren’t for his friends and a decision made based on height. Also, if their bonds weren’t so strong, popularity and notoriety could have derailed it all. If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll love watching it all play out.
“Fab 4 is now officially the Fab 5”
Consecutive 3-pointers, smooth handles, clutch shots, and none of this is done by LeBron, at least not at first. We know what the future Hall of Famer can do and has done, but what about the rest of the Fab Five that helped propel him to legendary status, what’s their impact? And that’s precisely what we find out in a highly entertaining way. Friends first and teammates second, Dru, Sian, Willie, and Bron are inseparable. Led by the incredibly confident and remarkably skilled Lil Dru Joyce III played by Caleb McLaughlin, the short guy with a big personality plays the most pivotal role in his friend’s life. Moreover, that is why the first half of the movie is focused more on Dru trying to prove a point followed by a LeBron-heavy second half.
The film features many basketball game scenes as it follows the players through each year of high school. What makes them stand out compared to other similar films is that Marquis “Mookie” Cook who plays LeBron is a 5-star recruit that is set to play college basketball at Oregon. Furthermore, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson who plays Romeo Travis is currently in the NBA G League. Not only do they add a certain level of authenticity, but the pair share the same aspirations as the people that they’re portraying. This friendship-driven narrative is exciting, lively, and filled with drama. The soundtrack is dope, there are some excellent action shots, and it’s overall rather engrossing. Shooting Stars is highly enjoyable. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
This film is fast-paced and wastes no time on minuscule details of everyday life, instead, it sticks to only things that pertain to basketball and the evolution of the boys. It hits all the high notes and the headline-worthy lows. What popped for me was the life and energy of the film. It’s got swagger, attitude, and plenty of excitement.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Marquis “Mookie” Cook, Wood Harris, Caleb McLaughlin, Khalil Everage, Avery S. Willis, Jr., Sterling “Scoot” Henderson, Dermot Mulroney, Natalie Paul, Diane Howard, Algee Smith, Katlyn Nichol
Led by seasoned veterans, Wood Harris and Dermot Mulroney along with the young vet, Caleb McLaughlin, the film is in great hands early on. With a few newcomers and some with young careers, letting them feed off of the more well-known names helps immensely. While some of the performances are a little flat at times, I think the emotional moments still resonate because a few of these young men are currently living the roles they are playing. What works really well is the organic chemistry between the Fab Four. At times, it’s almost as if we’re a fly on the wall during a hangout.
Shooting Stars premieres exclusively on Peacock on June 2, 2023. Remain safe and ball-up.
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director: CHRIS ROBINSON
Writers: FRANK E. FLOWERS AND TONY RETTENMAIER & JUEL TAYLOR
Producers: RACHEL WINTER p.g.a., SPENCER BEIGHLEY p.g.a., LeBRON JAMES, MAVERICK CARTER, JAMAL HENDERSON, TERENCE WINTER
Executive Producer: GRETEL TWOMBLY
Based on: book by LeBRON JAMES AND BUZZ BISSINGER
Shooting Stars is where brotherhood and superstardom clash
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GVN Rating 7
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