Dreams vs. realities in "Got Game"

By Jay Seidel, On-line Forty-Niner

May 7,1998

 

Spike Lee tackles the burden of instant fame and wealth, along with the hardships of family life, in his latest film, "He Got Game."

 

The story is set in the projects of Coney Island, and focuses on the relationship between Jesus Shuttlesworth (NBA star Ray Allen) and his father, Jake (Denzel Washington).

 

Jesus deals with the pressures of being the top high school basketball recruit in the country, while Jake tries to reunite with his son. "He Got Game" marks the acting debut for Allen, a guard for the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

Jake is a departure from Washington's usual roles.

 

He plays the part of a man convicted of murdering his wife. Jake finds himself released temporarily from prison with the promise of a lighter sentence, but only if he can recruit his son to lace up for the warden's alma mater.

 

"He Got Game" touches on the love of a father for his son, and on Jesus' lasting bitterness over Jake's misguided parenthood.

 

However, the story primarily explores Jesus' struggles as he is surrounded by greedy, self-centered vultures who only envision the dollars he can put in their pockets.

 

Flashbacks from Jesus' past show how his father pushed him into being the country's best prep basketball player, and help explain his emotional scars.

 

The movie flows well as it chronicles the week during which Jake has to reconnect with his son and convince him to do the right thing.

 

"He Got Game" delivers a basketball story in a manner that everyone, even the non-sports fan, can enjoy.

 

Lee does not try to make some blatant political or heavy racial statement in this film, as he has done in his past works.

 

Its message transcends political and racial barriers.

 

Some subtle racial overtones do enter the story line, but they are necessary in relating a believable film.

 

"He Got Game" reflects a part of professional and college sports in this country that people don't usually see.

 

It shows how temptation can be hard to ignore, and that greed can affect everyone.

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