Slamma Jamma [DVD] [2017]

A movie that defines the idea of the underdogs rising to meet the challenge of greatness, Slamma gives the audience something to cheer for. A tough-as-nails ex-con with a heart of gold, a team of street dunkers of making it to the championship, a desperate mother pinning her hopes on her son's redemption - the movie has it all. It is well-paced, and is not overladen with side-plots and frivolities. There are no doped-up, foul-mouthed players, no need for gratuitous "party hearty" shots of the players behaving like hedonists or abusing their opponents. Some sports movies may trade in that stock and be considered "great" for it; this film doesn't and it's better for it. Superbly cast, superbly acted, and superbly executed. A worthy addition to the library of any sports film fan.