Ten Stars or Less

We live in a day and age where a commercial for a soda pop could turn into a feature-length film. Uncle Drew became the poster boy for Pepsi Max, with NBA Star Kyrie Irving going under hours of make up to go from his mid-20’s to his mid-60’s. The concept worked for the many commercials that are on YouTube, but really doesn’t work for a major movie release. But when you team up with Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, Nate Robinson, and Lisa Leslie, then you have a potential to make some magic together. Sadly though the opportunity was there and no one ever slammed dunked the ball. The slapstick humour works for some stories and characters, when this one didn’t. I went into this and knew ahead of time this was going to be crazy and over the top. This isn’t Eddie Murphy running around in the fat suits, this is retired and current NBA stars playing basketball dressed as old people. The skills are still there, it’s just the introduction to those cobwebs that lacked the pop and circumstance I expected. What really ruined any good in this movie was Tiffany Haddish. She is the woman version of Kevin Hart, because all she is does is yell and scream her dialogue and is the ultimate definition of trashy. When the story stays focused on the basketball court, the outcome can be seen at the start of the movie, so lower your expectations for that epic final buzzer beater shot. Despite the slapstick comedy that is meant to make everyone laugh, there is actually a great message about friends and family. Drama can tear even the toughest bounds, but when egos finally get out-of-the-way, old wounds can finally heal and the game can go back to normal. Uncle Drew may be a fictional character, played by a NBA all-star, but his message is pretty strong. Respect the game of basketball and the people who love it. 3/10