IMDb RATING
6.5/10
4.1K
YOUR RATING
A basketball squad overcome the odds to become the United States' top high school team.A basketball squad overcome the odds to become the United States' top high school team.A basketball squad overcome the odds to become the United States' top high school team.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 2 nominations total
Marquis Mookie Cook
- LeBron James
- (as Mookie Cook)
Avery Serell Wills Jr.
- Willie McGee
- (as Avery S. Wills Jr.)
Sterling Henderson
- Romeo Travis
- (as Scoot Henderson)
Malcolm J. Walters
- Jermaine
- (as Malcolm Walters)
Jon Elliott
- Marlon
- (as Jon Solomon)
6.54K
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Featured reviews
Shooting Stars exceeded my expectations like an alley-oop slam.
The film beautifully captured the story of brotherhood and showcased fantastic basketball shots. The well-rounded cast of Lebron James and his teammates Dru Joyce, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis, and Sian Cotton effectively portrayed the journey of the Fab 4 turning into 5. Although there were opportunities to delve deeper into the drama and emotions, the film only scratched the surface.
What stood out was the film's focus on spreading the love to Lebron's teammates rather than solely centering on him. The park hoops scene gave me goosebumps, and it was great to see Marquis Mookie Cook, an actual hooper, bring realism to Lebron's size and basketball movements. Caleb McLaughlin's portrayal of Dru Joyce the 3rd was exceptional; the film made the most out of his acting talent.
While the film stayed true to the times by incorporating music, it missed a golden opportunity by not including 50 Cent's iconic song, 'In Da Club,' which perfectly complements Lebron. Nonetheless, as a fan of basketball films, Shooting Stars satisfied my craving once again. If you enjoy basketball, have a solid storyline, and want to delve deeper into Lebron's journey, this film is for you.
What stood out was the film's focus on spreading the love to Lebron's teammates rather than solely centering on him. The park hoops scene gave me goosebumps, and it was great to see Marquis Mookie Cook, an actual hooper, bring realism to Lebron's size and basketball movements. Caleb McLaughlin's portrayal of Dru Joyce the 3rd was exceptional; the film made the most out of his acting talent.
While the film stayed true to the times by incorporating music, it missed a golden opportunity by not including 50 Cent's iconic song, 'In Da Club,' which perfectly complements Lebron. Nonetheless, as a fan of basketball films, Shooting Stars satisfied my craving once again. If you enjoy basketball, have a solid storyline, and want to delve deeper into Lebron's journey, this film is for you.
Solid basketball movie.
It's a decent movie! It's not the same as the documentary for sure as it's based off the book. It's nice seeing parts of the team you don't really see in the "more than a game" version, like the boys hitting house parties or meeting girls.
Basketball scenes in movies can be "make or break" in movies sometimes but this definitely holds up. An amazing true story that kept to the main story as faithfully as possible, a few changes could've been left out but it was a good movie. It's more of a kids/young teen movie but if you're a hoop head or interested in Lebron's humble beginnings; it's a good time.
Good soundtrack and some nice sneaky cameos too!
Basketball scenes in movies can be "make or break" in movies sometimes but this definitely holds up. An amazing true story that kept to the main story as faithfully as possible, a few changes could've been left out but it was a good movie. It's more of a kids/young teen movie but if you're a hoop head or interested in Lebron's humble beginnings; it's a good time.
Good soundtrack and some nice sneaky cameos too!
10haqny
Excellent TV Movie
Shooting Stars is an excellent High School sports movie. The character development, directing, editing, and acting are all on point.
Based on a true story it captures the progression of friends perfectly to their journey from kids to young adults. It's an uplifting film about what it means to grow up together and support one another through life's challenges.
It's captivating from the first scene to last. There aren't many such movies I've seen where I felt part of the groups struggle and perseverance. It's uplifting and courageous.
I'm glad I caught it as I was scrolling through to find something to watch.
Highly recommend it!
Based on a true story it captures the progression of friends perfectly to their journey from kids to young adults. It's an uplifting film about what it means to grow up together and support one another through life's challenges.
It's captivating from the first scene to last. There aren't many such movies I've seen where I felt part of the groups struggle and perseverance. It's uplifting and courageous.
I'm glad I caught it as I was scrolling through to find something to watch.
Highly recommend it!
The Boy who became the King
"Shooting Stars," directed by Chris Robinson, is a sports drama that chronicles NBA legend LeBron James' high school years as a member of the "Fab 5" at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. This team famously won the Division II National Championship, becoming the No. 1 school in the country. The film is a stylized narrative that captures the highs and lows of LeBron's early journey, and while it offers a polished and cohesive viewing experience, it sometimes feels overly dramatic and forced.
The film excels in its presentation. The text on the screen, non-linear storytelling, and dramatic music combine effectively to create an engaging atmosphere. These elements, along with well-delivered dialogues, contribute to making "Shooting Stars" an inspiring watch, particularly for young boys who might look up to LeBron James as a role model. The movie's portrayal of camaraderie, determination, and triumph makes it an ideal choice for a high school movie night or a motivational pre-game watch.
However, the movie's route of storytelling occasionally feels contrived. Some of the dramatic turns and emotional beats come off as exaggerated, detracting from the authenticity of the narrative. Despite these moments, the film manages to end on a high note, leaving the audience with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.
In terms of sports sequences, "Shooting Stars" delivers well-choreographed basketball scenes that capture the intensity and excitement of high school competition. While it may not be the best sports movie ever made, it includes enough action to keep sports enthusiasts entertained. However, it falls short of evoking the kind of fervor that makes you want to jump out of your seat and cheer for the underdogs.
In summary, "Shooting Stars" is a solid sports drama that offers a mix of inspiration and entertainment. It's not the most groundbreaking or motivational sports film, but it serves well as a weekend watch with friends or a solo viewing experience. Its combination of stylish direction and heartfelt storytelling makes it a worthwhile addition to the genre, especially for fans of LeBron James and basketball.
The film excels in its presentation. The text on the screen, non-linear storytelling, and dramatic music combine effectively to create an engaging atmosphere. These elements, along with well-delivered dialogues, contribute to making "Shooting Stars" an inspiring watch, particularly for young boys who might look up to LeBron James as a role model. The movie's portrayal of camaraderie, determination, and triumph makes it an ideal choice for a high school movie night or a motivational pre-game watch.
However, the movie's route of storytelling occasionally feels contrived. Some of the dramatic turns and emotional beats come off as exaggerated, detracting from the authenticity of the narrative. Despite these moments, the film manages to end on a high note, leaving the audience with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.
In terms of sports sequences, "Shooting Stars" delivers well-choreographed basketball scenes that capture the intensity and excitement of high school competition. While it may not be the best sports movie ever made, it includes enough action to keep sports enthusiasts entertained. However, it falls short of evoking the kind of fervor that makes you want to jump out of your seat and cheer for the underdogs.
In summary, "Shooting Stars" is a solid sports drama that offers a mix of inspiration and entertainment. It's not the most groundbreaking or motivational sports film, but it serves well as a weekend watch with friends or a solo viewing experience. Its combination of stylish direction and heartfelt storytelling makes it a worthwhile addition to the genre, especially for fans of LeBron James and basketball.
Lebron the person is unfairly maligned by movie reviewers
1- I was not a Lebron James fan
2- he still is not as great of a basketball as Michael Air Jordan
3- but he may be a better person than MJ, especially with his harder beginnings
4- but my rating isn't based on any of the above, which it shouldn't be, but unfortunately those who hate him regarding his basketball life rated him instead of the movie...this was an excellently orchestrated movie etc!
(I hope all the best for him in his personal life, despite the fame challenges)
To fill in the required characters: I now realize why he keeps going to new teams...he's trying to relive his childhood bonding experiences and keeps finding his new teammates fall into fame pits.
4- but my rating isn't based on any of the above, which it shouldn't be, but unfortunately those who hate him regarding his basketball life rated him instead of the movie...this was an excellently orchestrated movie etc!
(I hope all the best for him in his personal life, despite the fame challenges)
To fill in the required characters: I now realize why he keeps going to new teams...he's trying to relive his childhood bonding experiences and keeps finding his new teammates fall into fame pits.
Did you know
- TriviaThis movie was shot on location all over Akron, Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio. Some of the basketball scenes were shot at Case Western Reserve University near downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The actor portraying, LeBron James, Mookie Cook, plays D-1 college basketball at University of Oregon, and the actor playing Carmelo Anthony, Jett Howard, plays D-1 college basketball at University of Michigan. -Brad Pyner
- GoofsThe Fab 4 play the Seniors on the playground in late October. The foliage on the trees at the park is late spring/early summer foliage.
- Quotes
Coach Dru Joyce II: How successful you become depend on how well you manage pressure.
- ConnectionsReferences The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
- SoundtracksZoom
Written by Ronald La Pread (as Ronald LaPread), Lionel Richie
Performed by The Commodores (as Commodores)
Courtesy of Motown Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises
- How long is Shooting Stars?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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